Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Ireland
Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 6 out of 8 categories.Limerick wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Limerick, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bilbao
$1,664/mo
Best Internet
Bilbao
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Bilbao
6.4/10
Our Recommendation: Bilbao is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bilbao and Limerick for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Limerick's $2,660/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Limerick offers 150 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.6/10, Limerick offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).
Overall: Bilbao earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.4/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Bilbao is 37% cheaper than Limerick.
Limerick has a higher safety score (5.6/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
5.6/10
Limerick
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
150 Mbps
Limerick
Based on our analysis, Bilbao edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats
Limerick: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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