Is Bilbao or Lisbon cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 17% cheaper than Lisbon. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Lisbon costs $2,012 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Bilbao is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Bilbao has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Lisbon scores 7/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Lisbon?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,527/month in Lisbon. Bilbao has 23% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Lisbon safer?

Lisbon has a higher safety score of 6.7/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Lisbon scores 6.7/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Lisbon as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Lisbon for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Lisbon

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/mo7/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Lisbon

Portugal

$2,012/moNomadIQ 7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Lisbon

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$2,012

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,527

Bilbao

Groceries

$360

$300

Lisbon

Transport

$38

$50

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$100

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

6.7/10

Lisbon

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

100 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

7/10

Lisbon

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 5 out of 8 categories.Lisbon wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Lisbon, 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

Lisbon

7/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Bilbao if budget is your top priority, or Bilbao if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Lisbon

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Lisbon's $2,012/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Lisbon offers 100 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Lisbon offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).

Overall: Lisbon's NomadIQ score of 7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 17% cheaper than Lisbon.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Lisbon rent: $1,527/mo
• Difference: $346/mo

Safety Comparison

Lisbon has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

6.7/10

Lisbon

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

100 Mbps

Lisbon

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Bilbao edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats

Lisbon: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Lisbon

Bilbao

Lisbon

Bilbao

Lisbon

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Lisbon

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Lisbon