Bilbao

SpainGMT+1

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

65.7/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$2,249/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

215Mbps

About Bilbao

Bilbao, the largest city in Spain’s Basque Country, is a lively hub known for its cultural richness, modern architecture, and scenic riverfront along the Nervion River. Situated in northern Spain near the Bay of Biscay, it’s a key economic and cultural center with over 345,000 residents in the city and more than 1 million in the metro area.

Once an industrial powerhouse in shipbuilding and steel, Bilbao has reinvented itself as a cultural gem, largely thanks to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, opened in 1997 and designed by Frank Gehry. This titanium-clad landmark joins other attractions like the historic Santiago Cathedral, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and Basque flair.

For digital nomads and expats, Bilbao offers a welcoming mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. With fast internet averaging 215 Mbps, numerous coworking spaces like BilbaoLab, and a reasonable cost of living—around $2,249 monthly for a single person including rent—it’s a practical choice. The city’s walkable streets and efficient public transport make getting around easy.

Bilbao’s oceanic climate brings mild temperatures, from 9°C in winter to 21°C in summer, with frequent rain that keeps the surrounding hills lush. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike nearby mountains or relax in parks, while food lovers enjoy pintxos (Basque tapas) and a vibrant nightlife with bars and cultural events year-round.

Demographics

Population1,037,847
LanguagesSpanish

Location

CountrySpain
TimezoneGMT+1
Airport to City20 minutes
TransportBus, Taxi

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$91
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$2,249
/mo
26.6% higher than average

The total monthly cost of living in Bilbao, Spain is $2,249, which is 26.6% higher than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$1,070
47.6% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$205
9.1% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$454
20.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$105
4.7% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$284
12.6% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$131
5.8% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Bilbao offers reliable internet with a median download speed of 215 Mbps in public spaces like libraries and cafes. Major providers, including Telefonica, Vodafone, Orange, MasMovil, and Euskaltel, ensure robust connectivity. With widespread 4G and growing 5G coverage, digital nomads can work seamlessly across the city.

Bilbao’s digital nomad scene is growing, with an estimated 500 remote workers enjoying its cultural and natural appeal. The city has 33 coworking spaces, like Impact Hub Bilbao and La Terminal, offering modern workspaces. Regular expat meetups and events create a tight-knit community for networking and socializing.

215Mbps
5G
5providers
500
Nomads
33+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Bilbao’s oceanic climate features mild winters (around 9°C) and warm summers (up to 21°C), with rainfall year-round. November sees the most rain at 90 mm, while July is driest at 20 mm. This climate fosters green landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities despite frequent showers.
Temperature Range
9°C - 21°C
Avg: 14°C
Annual Rainfall
680mm
Monthly Avg: 57mm
Jan
01
9°C
70 mm
Feb
02
9°C
70 mm
Mar
03
11°C
60 mm
Apr
04
12°C
60 mm
May
05
15°C
☀️
50 mm
Jun
06
18°C
☀️
40 mm
Jul
07
20°C
☀️
20 mm
Aug
08
21°C
☀️
30 mm
Sep
09
18°C
☀️
40 mm
Oct
10
16°C
☀️
70 mm
Nov
11
12°C
90 mm
Dec
12
9°C
80 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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