Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Beirut or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Bilbao?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Beirut Prices
Lebanon PricesBilbao Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.76Bilbao $194
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.76, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $194. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beirut and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.25Bilbao $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.50Bilbao $164
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Bilbao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beirut Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Bilbao $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: From Airport to your hotel in Beirut: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports to San Sebastian by Van: $113
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $71
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $94
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $257
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $273
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $222
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $221
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $94
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $273
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $257
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Laguardia town: $222
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Beirut change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBeirut $1.22Bilbao $88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $35
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Motorbike Tour in Beirut with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $96
- The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $97
- Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $101
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $103
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $103
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $109
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $116
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $119
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $142
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $151
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Bilbao $33
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $10
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut Walking Tour - Discover Beirut by foot: $30
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Lebanon's Treasures: Jeita Grotto and Harissa Private Tour: $35
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $36
- Jeitta Grotto, Harissa and Byblos Tour: $40
- Historical Beirut Tour (AM) Half Day - (4G on Board): $50
- Discover Jeita Grotto and Harissa: A Half-Day Tour from Beirut: $50
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $99
- Year of Love in Quest Experience: $9.28
- 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $209
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $292
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $455
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $41
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,266
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $297
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $398
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $285
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $51
- Bilbao All Iron Tour: Guggenheim and San Mamés with Lunch: $284
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Bilbao $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $100
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $104
- PRIVATE Wine Tour in Central Bekaa Valley: $113
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $56
- Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $57
- Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $58
- From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $85
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $97
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $188
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $192
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $199
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $232
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $279
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $279
- From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $281
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Bilbao?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Bilbao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Beirut or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Beirut is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Beirut is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).
In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Bilbao. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Beirut is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bilbao. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.
Beirut is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Beirut usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Beirut
| Beirut | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.