Southern Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Bilbao
The average cost of living in Bilbao, Spain is $1,552 per month for a single person, and $3,589 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,267 per month. The local average net salary is $2,462 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 35.3 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,552 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,589 / mo
- Student
- $903 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Bilbao
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$2,462.4 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Bilbao | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Bilbao | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Bilbao | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Bilbao | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Bilbao | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Bilbao | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Bilbao | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Bilbao | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Bilbao | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Bilbao | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Bilbao FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Bilbao. |
Rent & Property Prices in Bilbao
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,267 | $1,179 – $1,474 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,086 | $1,002 – $1,179 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,575 | $1,768 – $4,715 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,806 | $1,297 – $2,358 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,918 | $5,824 – $6,106 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $3,799 | $3,309 – $4,043 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,267$1,179 – $1,474
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,086$1,002 – $1,179
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,575$1,768 – $4,715
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,806$1,297 – $2,358
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $5,918$5,824 – $6,106
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $3,799$3,309 – $4,043
Grocery Prices in Bilbao
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.34 | $1.12 – $1.59 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.58 | $1.30 – $1.77 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.68 | $1.18 – $3.52 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.36 | $1.77 – $5.94 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $12 – $18 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $8.55 | $5.20 – $14 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $13 | $7.66 – $21 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.86 | $2.36 – $3.54 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.21 | $1.18 – $2.95 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.71 | $1.18 – $2.95 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2.48 | $1.77 – $3.54 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.41 | $0.59 – $2.23 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.56 | $0.94 – $7.06 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.24 | $1.18 – $2.36 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.91 | $0.47 – $1.77 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $8.25 | $3.52 – $24 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.83 | $0.66 – $2.68 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.53 | $1.77 – $4.72 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $7.07 | $5.30 – $8.25 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.34$1.12 – $1.59
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.58$1.30 – $1.77
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.68$1.18 – $3.52
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.36$1.77 – $5.94
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$12 – $18
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $8.55$5.20 – $14
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $13$7.66 – $21
- Apples (1 kg) $2.86$2.36 – $3.54
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.21$1.18 – $2.95
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.71$1.18 – $2.95
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $2.48$1.77 – $3.54
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.41$0.59 – $2.23
- Onions (1 kg) $2.56$0.94 – $7.06
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.24$1.18 – $2.36
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.91$0.47 – $1.77
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $8.25$3.52 – $24
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.83$0.66 – $2.68
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.53$1.77 – $4.72
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $7.07$5.30 – $8.25
Public Transport & Car Costs in Bilbao
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.00 | $1.18 – $4.24 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $53 | $45 – $59 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $5.78 | $5.30 – $9.43 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.06 | $1.06 – $3.36 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $34 | $22 – $34 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.78 | $1.74 – $2.00 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $37,134 | $37,134 – $37,134 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $32,016 | $30,591 – $34,187 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.00$1.18 – $4.24
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $53$45 – $59
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $5.78$5.30 – $9.43
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.06$1.06 – $3.36
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $34$22 – $34
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.78$1.74 – $2.00
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $37,134$37,134 – $37,134
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $32,016$30,591 – $34,187
Utility & Internet Costs in Bilbao
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $151 | $113 – $218 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $22 | $12 – $35 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $31 | $24 – $47 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $151$113 – $218
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $22$12 – $35
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $31$24 – $47
Childcare & Preschool in Bilbao
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $560 | $530 – $589 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $12,132 | $8,355 – $17,432 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $560$530 – $589
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $12,132$8,355 – $17,432
Clothing Prices in Bilbao
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $84 | $35 – $141 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $37 | $34 – $59 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $78 | $47 – $106 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $124 | $77 – $295 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $84$35 – $141
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $37$34 – $59
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $78$47 – $106
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $124$77 – $295
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Bilbao
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $58 | $47 – $71 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $16 | $13 – $18 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $11 | $9.43 – $18 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $58$47 – $71
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $16$13 – $18
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $11$9.43 – $18
Restaurant Prices in Bilbao
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $21 | $14 – $29 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $74 | $59 – $94 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $13 | $12 – $18 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.83 | $2.95 – $5.89 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.30 | $2.36 – $6.63 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.40 | $1.18 – $4.34 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.14 | $2.95 – $3.54 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.88 | $1.18 – $2.95 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $21$14 – $29
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $74$59 – $94
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $13$12 – $18
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $3.83$2.95 – $5.89
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.30$2.36 – $6.63
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.40$1.18 – $4.34
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.14$2.95 – $3.54
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.88$1.18 – $2.95
Salaries & Mortgages in Bilbao
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,462 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 2.91% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $2,462
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 2.91%
Compare Bilbao with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Spain
Valencia
Monthly / 1 person
$1,517
vs NYC
34.5/100
Spain
Malaga
Monthly / 1 person
$1,470
vs NYC
33.4/100
Spain
Madrid
Monthly / 1 person
$1,674
vs NYC
38/100
Spain
Palma-De-Mallorca
Monthly / 1 person
$1,684
vs NYC
38.3/100
Spain
Barcelona
Monthly / 1 person
$1,774
vs NYC
40.3/100
Spain
Alicante
Monthly / 1 person
$1,291
vs NYC
29.3/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?
- An estimated $1,552 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Bilbao. A family of four needs around $3,589 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $903.
- How much money do I need to live in Bilbao?
- Plan for at least $1,552 per month as a single person, $3,589 per month for a family of four, or $903 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Bilbao.
- What is the average rent in Bilbao?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Bilbao rents for around $1,267 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,575 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Bilbao?
- The average monthly net salary in Bilbao is around $2,462. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 51% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Bilbao?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Bilbao costs around $21. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $62 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.34/L) and bread ($1.58/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Bilbao?
- A monthly public transport pass in Bilbao costs around $53. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Bilbao?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Bilbao costs around $31 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.