Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Italy
Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 7 out of 8 categories.Milan wins 0 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bilbao and Milan, 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
Milan
6.4/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Bilbao if budget is your top priority, or Bilbao if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Bilbao and Milan for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Milan's $2,330/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Milan offers 95 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Milan (4.6/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 6.4/10.
Bilbao is 29% cheaper than Milan.
Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Milan (4.6/10).
5.1/10
Bilbao
4.6/10
Milan
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 95 Mbps.
170 Mbps
Bilbao
95 Mbps
Milan
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
Milan: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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