Is Bilbao or Palermo cheaper to live in?

Palermo is 24% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Palermo is $1,260, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Palermo is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Bilbao has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Palermo scores 7.1/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Palermo?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $752/month in Palermo. Palermo has 36% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Palermo safer?

Palermo has a higher safety score of 5.4/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Palermo scores 5.4/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Palermo as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Palermo if budget is important ($1,260/month). Choose Palermo for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Palermo

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Palermo

Italy

$1,260/mo7.1/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Palermo

Italy

$1,260/moNomadIQ 7.1/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Palermo

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$1,260

Palermo

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$752

Palermo

Groceries

$360

$285

Palermo

Transport

$38

$95

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$100

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

5.4/10

Palermo

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

120 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

7.1/10

Palermo

Overall Winner: Palermo

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Palermo

$1,260/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Palermo

7.1/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Palermo

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

Cost of Living: Palermo is the more budget-friendly option at $1,260/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. Palermo offers 120 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.4/10, Palermo offers better security than Bilbao (5.1/10).

Overall: Palermo's NomadIQ score of 7.1/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Palermo is 24% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Palermo rent: $752/mo
• Difference: $429/mo

Safety Comparison

Palermo has a higher safety score (5.4/10) compared to Bilbao (5.1/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

5.4/10

Palermo

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 120 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

120 Mbps

Palermo

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Palermo edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Palermo: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao vs Palermo

Bilbao

Palermo

Bilbao

Palermo

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Palermo

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Palermo

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Palermo