Bilbao, Spain
Europe · Oceanic
Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country in northern Spain, is an emerging destination for digital nomads. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Bilbao provides an excellent quality of life. The city's low cost of living, fast internet, and growing coworking scene make it an attractive option for remote workers.
At a Glance — Bilbao
City Personality
Bilbao is a charming and culturally rich city with a relaxed atmosphere.
Best For
- remote workers seeking a low-cost lifestyle
- digital nomads who value culture and history
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a fast-paced urban lifestyle
- digital nomads on a very tight budget
Cost of Living in Bilbao
The cost of living in Bilbao is relatively low compared to other major Spanish cities. Monthly expenses excluding rent are around €759, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around €1,280 per month. Housing costs are moderate, with a price-to-income ratio of 10.38. Food prices are reasonable, with a mid-range meal for two costing around €68.34. Transportation costs are also affordable, with a monthly public transportation pass costing €51.25.
Cost Comparison: Cities in Spain
Internet Speed in Bilbao
Bilbao has fast and reliable internet, with an average fixed upload speed of 330.2 Mbps and a mobile download speed of 216.1 Mbps. The city's infrastructure supports video conferencing, cloud development, and large file transfers, making it suitable for most remote professions.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Coworking Spaces in Bilbao
for digital nomads and remote workers in Bilbao
Detailed coworking space listings with photos, reviews, and pricing are on their way.
Visa Options for Bilbao, Spain
Spain offers a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easy to stay long-term.
Spain offers a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 1 year. The visa requires a minimum income of €2,849 per month and offers a 15% reduced tax rate. Non-EU/EEA citizens are eligible, and the visa can be renewed for a 3-year residence permit.
See what visa you need for Bilbao based on your passport
Is Bilbao Safe?
Bilbao has a moderate safety level, with a safety index of 51.18. Petty crime and corruption are concerns, but the city is generally safe during the day. Remote workers should take normal precautions to ensure their safety, especially at night.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Safety Tips for Bilbao
- Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
- Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
- Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Bilbao Climate & Weather
Bilbao has a mild oceanic climate, with comfortable temperatures and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The best months to visit are April to October, with warm summers and mild winters. Remote workers can enjoy outdoor activities during the day, but should be prepared for rain.
Bilbao has a Oceanic climate.Mild summers and cool winters with frequent rainfall.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Healthcare Quality in Bilbao
Bilbao has an excellent healthcare system, with a healthcare index of 85.82. The city's hospitals and medical staff are highly regarded, and remote workers can access quality medical care. However, some may want to consider additional insurance for specific needs.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Bilbao has strong healthcare infrastructure — digital nomads can expect reliable medical support for routine needs.
Real Estate Market in Bilbao
Bilbao's housing market offers moderate costs, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for around €1,280 per month. The city's price-to-income ratio is 10.38, making it relatively affordable to buy property. However, remote workers should consider the costs and explore different neighborhoods.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Buying property requires 10.4 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Power Grid in Spain
Bilbao's grid infrastructure is reliable, with a grid access of 100% and a low grid loss of 8.2882. The city's energy consumption is around 5196.11 kWh per capita, with a growing share of renewable energy. Remote workers can rely on a stable power supply for their work.
Energy Mix
· 27% fossil fuelsTraffic & Commute in Bilbao
Bilbao has light traffic, with a traffic index of 98.97. The city's commute times are around 30 minutes, with a variety of transportation options available, including public transportation, walking, and cycling. Remote workers can easily get around the city without a car.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
Pollution & Environment in Bilbao
Bilbao has excellent air quality, with an air quality index of 81.9. The city's pollution levels are low, with minimal noise and light pollution. Remote workers can enjoy outdoor activities without concerns about air quality.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Air quality is excellent — enjoy outdoor activities and co-working in open spaces.
- The city is pedestrian-friendly and pleasant for walking — comfortable for daily life without a car.
- Bilbao has very low pollution levels — a great environment for remote work and healthy living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bilbao
- What is the cost of living in Bilbao?
- The cost of living in Bilbao is relatively low compared to other major Spanish cities. Monthly expenses excluding rent are around €759, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around €1,280 per month.
- Is Bilbao suitable for remote work?
- Yes, Bilbao is suitable for remote work, with fast and reliable internet, a growing coworking scene, and a comfortable quality of life.
- What are the visa options for digital nomads in Bilbao?
- Spain offers a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in Bilbao for up to 1 year. The visa requires a minimum income of €2,849 per month and offers a 15% reduced tax rate.
- Is Bilbao a safe city?
- Bilbao has a moderate safety level, with a safety index of 51.18. Remote workers should take normal precautions to ensure their safety, especially at night.
- What is the climate like in Bilbao?
- Bilbao has a mild oceanic climate, with comfortable temperatures and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The best months to visit are April to October.
- What are the healthcare options in Bilbao?
- Bilbao has an excellent healthcare system, with a healthcare index of 85.82. The city's hospitals and medical staff are highly regarded, and remote workers can access quality medical care.
- Can I find affordable housing in Bilbao?
- Bilbao's housing market offers moderate costs, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for around €1,280 per month. The city's price-to-income ratio is 10.38, making it relatively affordable to buy property.
- What are the transportation options in Bilbao?
- Bilbao has a variety of transportation options, including public transportation, walking, and cycling. The city's commute times are around 30 minutes, and remote workers can easily get around without a car.
- What are some nearby destinations to explore?
- Bilbao is close to several nearby destinations, including Valladolid, Oviedo, and Bordeaux. These cities offer a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, making them great options for remote workers looking to explore the region.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Bilbao offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for digital nomads.
Bilbao's fast and reliable internet makes it an excellent choice for remote workers.
Bilbao's coworking scene is growing, providing options for remote workers.
Bilbao offers digital nomad visa options, making it easy for remote workers to stay and work in the city.
Bilbao has a moderate safety level, and remote workers should take normal precautions.
Bilbao's mild climate makes it suitable for remote work year-round.
Bilbao's healthcare system is excellent, providing remote workers with quality medical care.
Bilbao's housing market offers moderate costs, making it relatively affordable for remote workers.
Bilbao's grid infrastructure is reliable, providing remote workers with a stable power supply.
Bilbao's light traffic makes it easy to get around the city.
Bilbao's excellent air quality makes it a healthy environment for remote workers.
Bilbao's proximity to nearby destinations makes it a great base for exploring the region.