Bilbao, spain.

before you go

What to plan around.

Drawn only from the verified figures on this page, the things worth knowing before you book.

• Pronounced wet season

  Rain peaks around Feb, Sep & Oct, up to 195 mm in the wettest month. Time a visit for the drier half of the year.

• Cost is a modelled estimate

  Living costs here are a purchasing-power estimate, not locally verified prices. Treat the total as a starting point and add a buffer.

where Bilbao ranks

Bilbao also makes these lists.

• Cities with the fastest internet for remote work

  200 Mbps country median internet

• Cities with the cleanest air, ranked by verified PM2.5

  8 µg/m³ annual PM2.5 verified by CAMS

• Cities outside the tropical-cyclone belt

  no tropical cyclones within 200 km since 1980

• LGBTQ+ friendly cities for digital nomads

  9.0/10 country-level rights indicator

• Cities with dedicated digital nomad visas

  dedicated digital nomad visa available

• The sunniest cities for digital nomads

  2,825 sun hours / year

frequently asked

Bilbao, honest answers.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao per month?

A solo nomad in Bilbao runs roughly $1,636/month, broken down as rent $950 (estimate), food $230, mobile $17, utilities $160, transit $50, plus coworking and a 10% buffer. That puts it in the mid-tier tier globally.

How much does international school cost in Bilbao?

International primary school in Bilbao costs about $11,000/year per child (range $6,000 to $18,000, mid-market to premium), a national-average baseline for Spain applied to Bilbao, not a quote from a specific school here. Full-day international preschool runs about $7,000/year per child. International secondary is higher: we model it around $14,500/year per child as a grade uplift over primary, a modelled estimate, not a separately sourced figure. Tuition only; it excludes one-off enrolment/capital levies, bus, lunch, uniforms and exam fees, which add materially at most schools.

What is the tax situation for nomads in Spain?

Tax residency triggers at 183 days in a calendar year. Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Top marginal personal income tax is 47%. Beckham Law extended to DNV holders, 24% flat on Spanish-source up to €600k for first 6 years. Verify current details at the country's tax authority, link on the city's Tax & Stay card.

Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?

Yes, Spain runs a visa route aimed at remote workers or the self-employed. Whether you qualify depends on income, savings, employment type and where you apply, none of which this page assesses. Verify current requirements at the issuing country's official immigration site (linked from the Tax & Stay card on this page).

How is the air quality in Bilbao?

Annual PM2.5 averages 8 µg/m³, which above WHO target but moderate. The 12-month curve on this page shows the seasonal swing, many cities have a sharp burning season or winter inversion that doesn't show in the annual number.

Is Bilbao safe for solo female travelers?

Spain scores 7.0/10 on the women's-safety indicator, generally safe with normal urban precautions. Country-level scores; major cities often differ from country averages, especially by neighborhood.

When is the best time to visit Bilbao?

Jul typically scores best on our combined comfort index, average temperature 21°C, low rainfall, high sunshine. Each city's Climate Chart on this page shows the full 12-month picture.

Are there earthquakes in Bilbao?

Yes, the historical record includes 1 M5+ earthquakes and 0 M6+ within 200 km over the last 50 years. The largest was M5.3 in 1978. Modern buildings in major cities are engineered for this; factor it into long-stay decisions.