Bilbao
Spain
Updated on August 17, 2025
Overview
Bilbao features a robust job market with strong industrial and service sectors. Housing costs are higher than in smaller Spanish cities but remain reasonable for a major urban area. The city has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and summers. Public transport is well-developed, including metro and bus networks, and the city is walkable. Healthcare services are comprehensive and accessible. Safety is good, and the city has a vibrant cultural scene blending Basque traditions with modern urban life.
Average cost of living€1,483.85
Quality of Life84/100
Accommodation
Rent room (flat-share)€375.00
1-bed flat (center)€942.86
1-bed flat (outside)€816.67
3-bed flat (center)€1,568.00
3-bed flat (outside)€1,152.00
Utilities
Basic utilities€132.28
Internet€30.00
Mobile plan€18.00
Transportation
One-way ticket€1.70
Monthly pass€42.50
Taxi start€4.00
Gasoline (1 l)€1.54
Leisure
Cinema ticket€8.50
Fitness club€49.17
Education
Preschool (month)€475.00
Intl. primary (year)€7,750.00
Buying House
sqm in city center€4,033.00
sqm outside center€3,160.00
Advantages
- ✓ Strong job market with diverse industries
- ✓ Well-developed public transport including metro
- ✓ Comprehensive healthcare services
- ✓ Walkable urban areas
- ✓ Mild climate year-round
Disadvantages
- × Higher housing costs than smaller cities
- × Urban noise and congestion
- × Weather can be rainy and overcast
- × Cost of living above national average
- × Some bureaucratic challenges