Spain
Cost of Living in Bilbao
Casco Viejo, Deusto, and Abando are popular neighborhoods. Strong employment in professional services. Monthly budget: Frugal single $1,700-2,000, Comfortable single $2,200-2,600, Couple $3,000-3,600.
Monthly Total
$2,546
$44,555
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,334
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$40
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/15/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,334
$23,345
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$164
$2,870
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$210
$3,675
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$168
$2,940
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$300
$5,250
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$269
$4,708
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$55
$963
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$46
$805
Monthly Total
$2,546
$44,555
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Bilbao
Bilbao offers excellent value in the Basque Country with strong job market and world-class cultural amenities. Expect rainy weather but superior quality of life metrics.
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