Which place is cheaper, Cantabria or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao or Cantabria?
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 Bilbao and Cantabria. 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: Bilbao or Cantabria?
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.
Cantabria
Occupying Spain's northern coast, the region of Cantabria is known for its mountains, cave paintings, and the capital city of Santander. Its diverse landscape allows for locals and visitors alike to hit the beach in the summer and go on mountain adventures in the winter. While these natural features alone are breathtaking, there is also much to say for Cantabria's quaint seaside towns, fresh cuisine, and rich history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
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Bilbao Prices
Spain PricesCantabria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBilbao €170Cantabria €130
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €170, while the average daily cost in Cantabria is €130. 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 Bilbao and Cantabria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBilbao €72Cantabria €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBilbao €144Cantabria €108
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Cantabria
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Cantabria? 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: Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bilbao €26Cantabria €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $113
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $84
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $113
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $295
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $93
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $93
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $178
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $232
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Laguardia town: $232
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Cantabria?
Prices for flights to both Cantabria and Bilbao 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 dayBilbao €77Cantabria €60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Bilbao Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $85
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $88
- Bilbao Authentic Food Tour with 9 Pintxos and Local Drinks: $114
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $118
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $118
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $124
- Paella and Burnt Basque Cheesecake Cooking Class (in Bilbao): $147
- Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $177
- Bilbao Food Tour Market Pintxos and Wine: $182
- Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $212
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bilbao €29Cantabria €20
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $3.53
- TOP Vitoria-Gasteiz : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $5.90
- Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Entry Ticket: $29
- Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket: $35
- Stories of Women of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Night Tour: $35
- Bilbao Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $35
- Bilbao Old Town Tour: $35
- Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $39
- Bilbao Must See Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide: $39
- Bilbao walking tour: $41
- Bilbao Exclusive Private Walking Tour: $41
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $53
Tours and Activities in Cantabria
Here are a few actual costs in Cantabria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barcena Mayor and Carmona Tour from Santander for Small Groups: $73
- Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $218
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $218
- Playa de la Arnía: Private Tour of the UNESCO Costa Quebrada: $282
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBilbao €21Cantabria €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe and wine tasting from Bilbao: $88
- Bilbao Small Group Tour with Tapas and Wine Tasting: $113
- The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local: $117
- Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $118
- Private Basque Vineyard Visit: Txakoli Wine Tasting from Bilbao: $206
- Rioja Icons: Marqués de Riscal & Ysios Wine Tour from Bilbao: $295
- La Rioja wine tour: winery and traditional lunch from Bilbao: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Cantabria, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Cantabria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cantabria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cantabria 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 Cantabria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bilbao Expensive? and Is Cantabria Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Bilbao or Cantabria?
Cantabria has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Cantabria, 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.
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.