What is the cost of living in Bilbao?

Comparing cost of living can be tricky, as it’s all relative to a person’s lifestyle, location and income. However, living in Bilbao offers a reasonable price tag for all that it has to offer with a good quality of life. There are many factors and elements associated with the cost of living in Bilbao that make it difficult to discuss as a definitive sum, as it really depends on the personal choice of accommodation and individual lifestyle. Therefore, let’s take a look at estimated averages of the price of basic necessities, rent, lifestyle costs and prices for more occasional activities in Bilbao.

Average Necessities

The average weekly shopping bill for one person typically includes groceries and other items such as toiletries, cleaning products and pet items. In Bilbao, this works out to be around €50 – €60 according to Numbeo. It should also be noted that a variety of international products are available in the area, so one is not limited to the local options.

Price of Rent

In comparison to other cities in Europe, housing in Bilbao is relatively reasonable. Average rents are lower in comparison to cities such as Madrid, Barcelona or Paris. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in central Bilbao is likely to cost around €600 – €700 per month according to Expatistan. Further from the city center, prices are likely to be slightly cheaper and may offer more amenities as well as easier access to transportation. It should also be noted that there are many options for students, such as Unibertsitatea, which is the student residence service of the University of the Basque Country and provides nice student dorms located near campus. Prices start at €223 monthly or €69 weekly.

Cost of Lifestyle

The cost of lifestyle, such as going out to restaurants or spending time outside, can vary widely depending on what one is looking for. However, basics such as a cup of coffee or beer are affordable in many places. Generally speaking, something like a cup of coffee can cost on average €2 and an inexpensive beer 1,50€. Eating out for lunch will usually cost around €15-20 for smaller establishments, but more can be expected for larger restaurants. On the other hand, an evening out is likely to cost more, as typically you will be having dinner which can cost on average between €40 –€50 for two people with drinks. Going to nightclubs will usually include an entry price with drinks costing more depending on what type one prefers.

Other Prices

Let’s take a quick look at other prices that may play into the cost of living in Bilbao. For public transportation tickets, it is €1.75-€2 per ticket while monthly tickets can range from €30 – €60 depending on where you are in Bilbao. Additionally, leisure activities such as movies, concerts or the theater can vary but the average price of a movie ticket is €10-12 while an opera or theater event can cost €20-30.

In Summary

In sum, the cost of living in Bilbao is reasonable as compared to other major cities in Europe and one can expect to pay reasonable prices for basic necessities and rent that remain low when compared to other European cities. Additionally, if one likes to go out and partake in activities such as dining at restaurants or going to movies then you’re sure to find something for your budget without much issue. The reasonable cost of living combined with the amazing cultural offerings available make it an attractive city for people trying to find some good value for their money.

Insider’s Guide: Discover Bilbao Beyond Just the Cost of Living

Bilbao is a beautiful and vibrant city located in the Basque Country of Spain. Known for its modern architecture, rich food culture, and friendly people, this city attracts tourists from all over the world. However, it’s easy to get lost in the hype and miss out on some exceptional experiences. To help you discover the hidden gems of Bilbao, we’ve put together this Insider’s Guide.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems in Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum is a renowned attraction, but there’s much more to Bilbao than just this iconic building. Take a stroll along the Ría de Bilbao, the estuary that runs through the city. You’ll come across unexpected surprises such as the Zubizuri Bridge, a stunning white footbridge that is also known as the ‘White Bridge’ due to its color. Explore the streets of Indautxu, a neighborhood that is considered the most chic area of the city, and you’ll find some of Bilbao’s most exciting bars and cafes. Locals also love to visit the Mercado de la Ribera, a huge indoor market that offers a range of delicacies, fresh produce, and handmade crafts.

Dining Spots: The Flavors of Bilbao

Bilbao’s gastronomy is a fusion of traditional Basque cuisine and modern culinary trends. La Viña del Ensanche is a local institution that has been serving up delicious pintxos for over 40 years. Pintxos are Basque-style tapas, and the best way to enjoy them is to bar-hop around the Casco Viejo and try a few at each stop. For a more upscale experience, book a table at Mina, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves creative renditions of traditional Basque dishes.

Bilbao is also famous for its pintxos challenge, where you compare and vote for your favorite pintxos in a bar. It’s an amazing way to experience the city’s food and culture. Don’t miss out!

Cultural Experiences: The Soul of Bilbao

Bilbao has a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art. The Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao is a must-visit attraction that houses some of the finest examples of Basque, Spanish, and European art. Visit the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural center located in a beautifully restored wine warehouse which hosts exhibitions, concerts, and films regularly. La Alhóndiga, another cultural center, is famous for its rooftop pool that transforms into a cinema during the summer months.

Don’t forget to attend the La Semana Grande festival, a 9-day celebration of music, dance, and sports that takes place every August. You’ll never forget the experience of watching the Zortziko, Basque folk music, and dance for the first time.

Local History: Tales of Bilbao’s Past

Bilbao is a city steeped in history, and it has numerous stories to tell. For instance, have you heard of the Battle of Bilbao? It was one of the most critical battles of the Spanish Civil War and led to the city’s occupation by Francoist forces. Another fascinating fact about Bilbao is that it was once an industrial hub, and now many of the old factories have been repurposed as art centers and museums.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Experiences in Bilbao

For a truly remarkable experience in Bilbao, take a trip to Tabakalera, a cultural and artistic center that was once a tobacco factory. Today, it has studios, galleries, film projection booths, concert halls, and much more. The center also offers rooftop views of the city you’ll never forget.

Another suggestion is to take a hike. The Anboto mountain hike is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. But make sure you’re prepared as this hike is not for the faint-hearted.

In conclusion, Bilbao is a vibrant city that has something for everyone. With our Insider’s Guide, you’ll get to experience the city’s hidden gems, flavors, and its culture. Once you’ve experienced Bilbao, like we do, you’ll understand why it’s more than just the cost of living.