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 €8,340
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €170, while the average daily cost in Cantabria is €8,340. 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 €4,166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBilbao €144Cantabria €
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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 €915
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: $70
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $74
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $99
- Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $78
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $282
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $92
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $92
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $194
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $299
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria Airport : $171
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 €1,773
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.Bilbao €29Cantabria €1,863
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.96
- Year of Love in Quest Experience: $9.28
- Vitoria-Gasteiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $11
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $16
- I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
- Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
- Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
- Bilbao night tour: $23
- Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $29
Tours and Activities in Cantabria
Here are a few actual costs in Cantabria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $209
- Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $232
- From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour with Lunch: $281
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBilbao €21Cantabria €345
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 Bilbao and Cantabria, we can see that Cantabria is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Cantabria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cantabria than you might in Bilbao.
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.