Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Kuwait
Based on our comparison, Hawalli wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Hawalli, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Hawalli
$998/mo
Best Internet
Bilbao
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Hawalli
7.2/10
Our Recommendation: Hawalli is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bilbao and Hawalli for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Hawalli is the more budget-friendly option at $998/month versus Bilbao's $1,664/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Hawalli offers 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6/10, Hawalli offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Hawalli's NomadIQ score of 7.2/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Hawalli is 40% cheaper than Bilbao.
Hawalli has a higher safety score (6/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
6/10
Hawalli
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
85 Mbps
Hawalli
Based on our analysis, Hawalli edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Hawalli: Best for budget-conscious expats
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