Is Bilbao or Kathmandu cheaper to live in?

Kathmandu is 78% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Kathmandu is $365, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Bilbao or Kathmandu?

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Kathmandu is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Bilbao has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Kathmandu scores 6.5/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Kathmandu?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $179/month in Kathmandu. Kathmandu has 85% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Kathmandu safer?

Kathmandu has a higher safety score of 6.4/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Kathmandu scores 6.4/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Kathmandu as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Kathmandu if budget is important ($365/month). Choose Kathmandu for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Kathmandu

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/mo6.5/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/moNomadIQ 6.5/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Kathmandu

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$365

Kathmandu

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$179

Kathmandu

Groceries

$360

$127

Kathmandu

Transport

$38

$10

Kathmandu

Healthcare

$55

$40

Kathmandu

Safety Score

5.1/10

6.4/10

Kathmandu

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

35 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.5/10

Kathmandu

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 7 out of 8 categories.Bilbao wins 1 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Kathmandu, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Kathmandu

$365/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Kathmandu

6.5/10

Our Recommendation: Kathmandu is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Kathmandu

When comparing Bilbao and Kathmandu for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Kathmandu is the more budget-friendly option at $365/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. Kathmandu offers 35 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.4/10, Kathmandu offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).

Overall: Kathmandu's NomadIQ score of 6.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Kathmandu is 78% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Kathmandu rent: $179/mo
• Difference: $1,002/mo

Safety Comparison

Kathmandu has a higher safety score (6.4/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

6.4/10

Kathmandu

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

35 Mbps

Kathmandu

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Kathmandu edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Kathmandu: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao vs Kathmandu

Bilbao

Kathmandu

Bilbao

Kathmandu

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Kathmandu

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Kathmandu