City Guide 2026
Spain
Living in Bilbao
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Bilbao, Spain.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,786
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
51/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
15°C
59°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
278 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Bilbao
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,200 | $780 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,070 | $1,346 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$315/month
Healthcare
$98/month
Utilities
$128/month
Transport
$45/month
Climate in Bilbao
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
9.3°
Feb
9.7°
Mar
11.5°
Apr
12.6°
May
15.7°
Jun
18.4°
Jul
20.4°
Aug
20.9°
Sep
19.2°
Oct
16.4°
Nov
12.4°
Dec
9.9°
Air Quality (AQI)
33
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
10
days per month
Beach Distance
13 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
5.1 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Bilbao
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
278 Mbps
Cultural Score
71/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
small
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
4+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in Spain
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 20% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 28% |
| Dividend Tax | 20% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | 0.20% above $800,000 |
| Crypto Gains | 20% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Special Tax Regime for Displaced Workers (Basque Beckham Law)
Flat rate: 20%
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Bilbao costs approximately $1,786-2,858/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,200/month.
Is Bilbao safe for expats?
Bilbao has a safety index of 51/100 (higher is safer). Bilbao requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 61/100.
What is the weather like in Bilbao?
Bilbao has an average annual temperature of 15°C (59°F). The warmest months reach 20.9°C and the coolest drop to 9.3°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 33.
What is the internet speed in Bilbao?
Average internet speed in Bilbao is 278 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 4+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Spain?
Spain uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 20% (long-term) and dividends at 20%. There is a wealth tax of 0.20% on assets above $800,000. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Special Tax Regime for Displaced Workers (Basque Beckham Law)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Bilbao?
Yes, Spain offers a digital nomad visa valid for 12 months with a minimum income requirement of $3,135/month. The residency pathway is: 5 years of continuous legal residence..
Is Bilbao good for digital nomads?
Bilbao has fast internet at 278 Mbps, a small expat community, and 4+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 44/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in Bilbao?
Run the FIRE math for Bilbao against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare Bilbao with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.