Living in Bilbao
Spain · temperate
Bilbao is a mid-sized city of roughly 345,000 people with both the sea and mountains close by in Spain. The climate is temperate. It keeps a balanced mix of locals and visitors and is considered very safe. A typical month of living costs around $1,900. Healthcare is strong, and the internet is fast enough for full-time remote work. People come here for food and eating out, art and culture, hiking.
Bilbao at a glance: cost, climate, safety
Who tends to love living in Bilbao
- Feeling safe day to day
- Working remotely with reliable internet
- Getting around on foot
- A genuinely good food scene
- Access to strong healthcare
- Raising a family
All parameters
💉 Childhood vaccines: Recommended, never required
Spain has no mandate and coverage above 95 per cent, which is the argument its health service makes against one.
If you skip them: Nothing, although a judge can order a vaccination during an outbreak.
Exemptions: Not needed.
Source: Vaccines 2024;12:1296, European survey
📈 Popularity & prices: Growing
Accommodation prices have moved about +38% in the last 5 years.
Estimates, for orientation only.
🔭 Where this place is heading
Today’s data. Tap a year to see where it is heading.
⚠️ The downsides of living in Bilbao
- •Nothing major on our radar, still, verify visas and healthcare for your case.
Health, air (WHO PM2.5), water & crime figures are rough country-level estimates, verify for your case.
Where is Bilbao?
₿ Spend Bitcoin around Bilbao
Open the Bitcoin merchant maps for this area, cafés, shops and ATMs that accept Bitcoin.
Merchants: BTC Map, from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Events and meetups: Club Orange.
Questions, answered
How much does it cost to live in Bilbao, Spain?
A typical month in Bilbao costs around $1,900, covering rent and everyday expenses for one person. It is an estimate meant for comparing places, not for budgeting exactly.
Is Bilbao, Spain safe?
Arcadia rates personal safety in Bilbao at 5 out of 5, which is excellent.
What is the internet like in Bilbao?
Internet in Bilbao is rated 5 out of 5 for remote work, which is excellent. Starlink is available in this country.
What is the weather like in Bilbao?
Bilbao has a temperate climate. It is on the coast. Mountains are close by.
Is healthcare good in Bilbao?
Healthcare in Bilbao is rated 5 out of 5 overall, which is excellent. Public healthcare is 5/5 and private healthcare 5/5.
How easy is it to move to Spain?
Arcadia rates the ease of getting residency in Spain at 4 out of 5, which is good. The place page lists the visa routes that apply and which depend on your passport.
Is Bilbao actually right for you?
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