Is Bilbao or Malmo cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 14% cheaper than Malmo. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Malmo costs $1,933 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Malmo offers faster internet at 200 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 Malmo scores 6.1/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Malmo?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,053/month in Malmo. Malmo has 11% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Malmo safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Malmo scores 4.5/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Malmo as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Bilbao for better safety. Malmo is better for remote work with 200 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Malmo

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Malmo

Sweden

$1,933/mo6.1/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Malmo

Sweden

$1,933/moNomadIQ 6.1/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Malmo

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$1,933

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,053

Malmo

Groceries

$360

$412

Bilbao

Transport

$38

$199

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$230

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

4.5/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

200 Mbps

Malmo

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.1/10

Bilbao

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 6 out of 8 categories.Malmo wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Malmo

200 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.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Malmo

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Malmo's $1,933/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Malmo provides faster connectivity at 200 Mbps compared to Bilbao's 170 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Malmo (4.5/10).

Overall: Bilbao earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.4/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 14% cheaper than Malmo.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Malmo rent: $1,053/mo
• Difference: $128/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Malmo (4.5/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

4.5/10

Malmo

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Malmo offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

200 Mbps

Malmo

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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

Malmo: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Malmo

Bilbao

Malmo

Bilbao

Malmo

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Malmo

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Malmo