Is Bilbao or Stockholm cheaper to live in?

Bilbao is 39% cheaper than Stockholm. The average monthly cost in Bilbao is $1,664, while Stockholm costs $2,713 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Stockholm offers faster internet at 250 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 Stockholm scores 5.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Bilbao and Stockholm?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,181/month in Bilbao and $1,728/month in Stockholm. Bilbao has 32% lower rent.

Is Bilbao or Stockholm safer?

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

Should I move to Bilbao or Stockholm as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Bilbao if budget is important ($1,664/month). Choose Stockholm for better safety. Stockholm is better for remote work with 250 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Bilbao vs Stockholm

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/mo6.4/10

Stockholm

Sweden

$2,713/mo5.4/10

Bilbao

Spain

$1,664/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Stockholm

Sweden

$2,713/moNomadIQ 5.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Bilbao

Stockholm

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,664

$2,713

Bilbao

Rent (1BR)

$1,181

$1,728

Bilbao

Groceries

$360

$461

Bilbao

Transport

$38

$230

Bilbao

Healthcare

$55

$250

Bilbao

Safety Score

5.1/10

5.4/10

Stockholm

Internet Speed

170 Mbps

250 Mbps

Stockholm

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

5.4/10

Bilbao

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Based on our comparison, Bilbao wins 6 out of 8 categories.Stockholm wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Bilbao

$1,664/mo

Best Internet

Stockholm

250 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Bilbao

6.4/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Stockholm

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

Cost of Living: Bilbao offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,664/month compared to Stockholm's $2,713/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Stockholm provides faster connectivity at 250 Mbps compared to Bilbao's 170 Mbps.

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

Overall: Bilbao earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.4/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Bilbao is 39% cheaper than Stockholm.

• Bilbao rent: $1,181/mo
• Stockholm rent: $1,728/mo
• Difference: $547/mo

Safety Comparison

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

5.1/10

Bilbao

5.4/10

Stockholm

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Stockholm offers faster internet at 250 Mbps vs 170 Mbps.

170 Mbps

Bilbao

250 Mbps

Stockholm

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Bilbao edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Bilbao: Best for budget-conscious expats

Stockholm: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Bilbao vs Stockholm

Bilbao

Stockholm

Bilbao

Stockholm

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Bilbao

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Bilbao vs Stockholm

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Bilbao vs Stockholm