A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Saint John's for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bilbao or Saint John's?

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 Saint John's. 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 Saint John's?

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.

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John's or Bilbao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €170, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is €239. 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 Saint John's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bilbao 72
    Saint John's 106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bilbao 144
    Saint John's 212
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Saint John's? 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.

Hotels in Bilbao


Hotels in Saint Johns


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 26
    Saint John's 15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $50
  • Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $50
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $82
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $98
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $77
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao Cruise Port: $90
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $90
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $90
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $191

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    1.33
  • Taxi From Airport
    6.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $109
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
  • Antigua Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $49
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $89
  • Antigua to Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) - Departure Transfer: $62
  • Antigua&Barbuda to Antigua&Barbuda Airport(ANU) Private Transfer: $45
  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $267
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
  • Discover the Best of Antigua Sightseeing Tour - Eagle Transfers: $129
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 day
    Bilbao 77
    Saint John's 103

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
  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $101
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $102
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $107
  • The High End Food Tour: $113
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $118
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $126
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $141
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $158
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $172
  • Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $189

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bilbao 29
    Saint John's 91

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: $7.91
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $8.01
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $11
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $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 Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $21
  • Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $21
  • Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
  • Bilbao night tour: $23
  • Bilbao Historical Tour: $23

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    2.63

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
  • Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Group Tour for the Best of Antigua: $65
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
  • TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
  • SoCoHo Eco Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $80
  • Crystal Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour: $85
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bilbao 21
    Saint John's 16

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: $51
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $52
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $56
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $85
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $96
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $186
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $198
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao: $262
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $263
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $275
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $277
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $277


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Saint John's, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao is in Europe and Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Saint John's?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Saint John's, 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 Bilbao or Saint John's?

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Saint John's in the Summer?

Both Saint John's and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Bilbao is cooler than Saint John's in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In July, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Saint John's in the Autumn?

Both Saint John's and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.

In the autumn, Bilbao is much colder than Saint John's. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Saint John's averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets less rain in October than Saint John's. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Saint John's in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Saint John's. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Bilbao is generally much colder than Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Saint John's. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Bilbao or Saint John's in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Saint John's. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.

Bilbao is much colder than Saint John's in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint John's. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Bilbao

Bilbao Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)