Which place is cheaper, Cantabria or Bilbao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBilbao €137Cantabria €107
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €137, while the average daily cost in Cantabria is €107. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBilbao €72Cantabria €54
-
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
-
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: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $80
- Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $46
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $65
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $416
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $314
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $314
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $208
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $65
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
-
Food Meals for one dayBilbao €45Cantabria €36
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: $85
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $101
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $108
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $114
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $119
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $133
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $133
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $141
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $196
Entertainment
-
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: $2.59
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.26
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.45
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao tour + Artxanda Funicular in Spanish: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $27
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
Tours and Activities in Cantabria
Here are a few actual costs in Cantabria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour with Lunch: $263
Alcohol
-
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:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $146
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $186
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $239
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $244
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $249
- La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao): $255
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.