Is Bilbao or Montreal cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 21% cheaper than Montreal. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Montreal costs $2,119 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Montreal 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 Montreal scores 6.6/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Montreal?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,304/month in Montreal. Bilbao has 9% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Montreal safer?

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

Should I move to Bilbao or Montreal as an expat?

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

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Montreal

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Montreal

Canada

$2,119/mo6.6/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Montreal

Canada

$2,119/moNomadIQ 6.6/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Montreal

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$2,119

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,304

Bilbao

Groceries

$360

$371

Bilbao

Transport

$38

$142

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$260

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

6.7/10

Montreal

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

200 Mbps

Montreal

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.6/10

Montreal

Overall Winner: Bilbao

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Montreal

200 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Montreal

6.6/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Montreal

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Montreal's $2,119/month.

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

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

Overall: Montreal's NomadIQ score of 6.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 21% cheaper than Montreal.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Montreal rent: $1,304/mo
• Difference: $123/mo

Safety Comparison

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

5.1/10

Bilbao

6.7/10

Montreal

Digital Nomad Friendliness

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

170 Mbps

Bilbao

200 Mbps

Montreal

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

Montreal: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Montreal

Bilbao

Montreal

Bilbao

Montreal

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Montreal

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Montreal