Are you considering a move to Bilbao, Spain, and wondering about the cost of living? Bilbao is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Bilbao and help you understand whether $2434 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $2123.8.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.2 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
65.13 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.23 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.26 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.26 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.87 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.39 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.62 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.17 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.51 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.5 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.99 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
19.75 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
9.92 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
16.28 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.96 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.16 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.32 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.18 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.07 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
5.7 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.92 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.92 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
5.59 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
46.13 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
5.02 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.98 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
31.48 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.83 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21708.57 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
30120.65 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
142.22 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
36.9 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
50.39 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
13.3 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
8.68 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
484.82 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
7959.81 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
100.48 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
34.73 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
78.69 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
124.05 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
997.24 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
868.34 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1555.78 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1241.46 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
4023.68 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3038.77 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
2123.8 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
3.23 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Bilbao come to a total of approximately $2434. This includes an average monthly rent of around $997 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $160 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $769 per month.
Living in Bilbao appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $2123.8. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Bilbao, you would likely need an income exceeding $2123.8.
In Bilbao, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $2123.8, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Bilbao is approximately $997. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $868.34 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Bilbao can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $596 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Spain can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Spain.
Bilbao is mostly safe to visit. Apart from the pickpockets, which are common in this country, tourists should encounter no other problems, but you should your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
Transportation in Bilbao is very safe and reliable, even though taxi drivers might try to overcharge their services or demand a tip. Also, be careful on public transport, as it's the place where pickpockets operate.
Spain is filled with tourists, and naturally, it attracts a bunch of pickpockets - which applies to Bilbao, too. So watch out in crowded places such as bus and train stations. There is even a message played on repeat at stations, reminding you to be wary of pickpockets. Be careful when carrying your valuables and never leave them out of your sight.
There are no threats of natural disasters in Spain altogether and this applies to Bilbao, too, so you can relax completely.
Do not fear mugging or kidnapping in Bilbao, since it is a rare occurrence here. Still, do not accept any unsolicited help or drinks from anyone you don't know (even though drink spiking is also not an issue in this country).
There have been recent terrorist attacks in Spain, on 17/18 August 2017, when during 2 terrorist-related incidents, vehicles were driven directly at pedestrians, resulting in injuries and loss of life. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There are a couple of ways to get scammed in Bilbao. You should avoid gypsy women offering you some rosemary: they will read your future and ask for some money or pick your pockets. Be wary of "trileros" and their "shell game". Always check the bill twice in restaurants and bars since the staff may try to overcharge you or charge for something you did not order.
Women traveling alone should have no problems in Bilbao. You should use your common sense, and be careful at night, avoid desert and poorly lit streets, and finding yourself alone with strange people in abandoned areas. Apart from that, you should have no safety problems in Bilbao.
Most countries do not need a visa to enter Spain for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you will have to obtain a visa. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Spanish embassy for further details.
Euro is the official currency in Bilbao. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Allow yourself a budget of around 150e per day, including accommodation.
The climate in Bilbao is milder than in most other parts of Spain, rarely falling below freezing in winter, or rising above 35ºC in summer. There is also more precipitation in this city.
Bilbao Airport is a public airport serving the city of Bilbao. It is located some 9 km north of Bilbao, in the municipality of Loiu, in Biscay. It is the largest airport in the Basque Country and northern Spain,
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Bilbao, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 53°F | 54°F | 58°F | 60°F | 65°F | 71°F | 75°F | 76°F | 73°F | 67°F | 59°F | 54°F |
| Temp | 48°F | 48°F | 51°F | 54°F | 59°F | 64°F | 68°F | 69°F | 65°F | 60°F | 53°F | 49°F |
| Low | 42°F | 42°F | 44°F | 47°F | 52°F | 57°F | 60°F | 61°F | 58°F | 53°F | 47°F | 43°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 11°C | 12°C | 14°C | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C | 24°C | 22°C | 19°C | 15°C | 12°C |
| Temp | 8°C | 8°C | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C | 17°C | 20°C | 20°C | 18°C | 15°C | 11°C | 9°C |
| Low | 5°C | 5°C | 6°C | 8°C | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C | 16°C | 14°C | 11°C | 8°C | 6°C |