Is Bilbao or Santo Domingo cheaper to live in?

Santo Domingo is 23% cheaper than Bilbao. The average monthly cost in Santo Domingo is $1,273, while Bilbao costs $1,664 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Bilbao or Santo Domingo?

For digital nomads, Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps. Santo Domingo is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Bilbao has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Santo Domingo scores 6.5/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Santo Domingo?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $756/month in Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has 36% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Santo Domingo safer?

Bilbao has a higher safety score of 5.1/10. Bilbao scores 5.1/10 for safety while Santo Domingo scores 3.3/10.

Should I move to Bilbao or Santo Domingo as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Santo Domingo if budget is important ($1,273/month). Choose Bilbao for better safety. Bilbao is better for remote work with 170 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Santo Domingo

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

$1,273/mo6.5/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

$1,273/moNomadIQ 6.5/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Santo Domingo

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$1,273

Santo Domingo

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$756

Santo Domingo

Groceries

$360

$320

Santo Domingo

Transport

$38

$70

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$90

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

3.3/10

Bilbao

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

75 Mbps

Bilbao

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.5/10

Santo Domingo

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Santo Domingo

$1,273/mo

Best Internet

Bilbao

170 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Santo Domingo

6.5/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Santo Domingo

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

Cost of Living: Santo Domingo is the more budget-friendly option at $1,273/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. Santo Domingo offers 75 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Bilbao provides a more secure environment than Santo Domingo (3.3/10).

Overall: Santo Domingo's NomadIQ score of 6.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Santo Domingo is 23% cheaper than Bilbao.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Santo Domingo rent: $756/mo
• Difference: $425/mo

Safety Comparison

Bilbao has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Santo Domingo (3.3/10).

5.1/10

Bilbao

3.3/10

Santo Domingo

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bilbao offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 75 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

75 Mbps

Santo Domingo

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.

Bilbao: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Santo Domingo: Best for budget-conscious expats

Bilbao vs Santo Domingo

Bilbao

Santo Domingo

Bilbao

Santo Domingo

Detailed Comparison

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Santo Domingo

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Santo Domingo