Is Bilbao or Manchester cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 28% cheaper than Manchester. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Manchester costs $2,312 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Manchester 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 Manchester scores 6.2/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Manchester?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,650/month in Manchester. Bilbao has 28% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Manchester safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Manchester scores 4.4/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Manchester as an expat?

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

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Manchester

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Manchester

United Kingdom

$2,312/mo6.2/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Manchester

United Kingdom

$2,312/moNomadIQ 6.2/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Manchester

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$2,312

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,650

Bilbao

Groceries

$360

$380

Bilbao

Transport

$38

$110

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$130

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

4.4/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

Tie

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.2/10

Bilbao

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 7 out of 8 categories.Manchester wins 0 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Manchester

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.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Manchester

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Manchester's $2,312/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Both cities offer comparable internet speeds around 170 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Manchester (4.4/10).

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 28% cheaper than Manchester.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Manchester rent: $1,650/mo
• Difference: $469/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Manchester (4.4/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

4.4/10

Manchester

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Both cities offer similar internet speeds.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Manchester

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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

Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats

Manchester: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Manchester

Bilbao

Manchester

Bilbao

Manchester

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Manchester

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Manchester