Is Bilbao or Montpellier cheaper to live in?

Montpellier is 8% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Montpellier is $1,529, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

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

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

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Montpellier?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $919/month in Montpellier. Montpellier has 22% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Montpellier safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Montpellier scores 4/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Montpellier as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Montpellier if budget is important ($1,529/month). Choose Bilbao for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Montpellier

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Montpellier

France

$1,529/mo6.4/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Montpellier

France

$1,529/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Montpellier

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$1,529

Montpellier

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$919

Montpellier

Groceries

$360

$420

Bilbao

Transport

$38

$35

Montpellier

Healthcare

$55

$120

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

4/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

160 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

Tie

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 4 out of 8 categories.Montpellier wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Montpellier

$1,529/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Montpellier

6.4/10

Our Recommendation: Montpellier is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Montpellier

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

Cost of Living: Montpellier is the more budget-friendly option at $1,529/month versus Bilbao's $1,664/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Bilbao leads with 170 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Montpellier offers 160 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Montpellier (4/10).

Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 6.4/10.

Cost of Living Comparison

Montpellier is 8% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Montpellier rent: $919/mo
• Difference: $262/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Montpellier (4/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

4/10

Montpellier

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 160 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

160 Mbps

Montpellier

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Bilbao edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Montpellier: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao vs Montpellier

Bilbao

Montpellier

Bilbao

Montpellier

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Montpellier

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Montpellier