Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Chefchaouen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chefchaouen and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Chefchaouen or Bilbao?
Chefchaouen
To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.
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 Budget Tours to Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChefchaouen $57Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Chefchaouen is $57, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Chefchaouen and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChefchaouen $24Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChefchaouen $48Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Chefchaouen and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Chefchaouen 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: Chefchaouen Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chefchaouen $15Bilbao $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:
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Taxi Ride$1.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen
Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Transfer from Tangier to Fez via chefchaouen : $295
- Chefchaouen to Fes Private Transfer: $125
- Chefchaouen to Fes Private Transfer - Luxury Car - or Fez to Chefchaouen: $174
- Chefchaouen to Fes: Private Transfer (English Speaking Driver): $244
- Chefchaouen to Tangier private transfer: $118
- Chefchaouen to the city of Casablanca Private Transfer: $173
- Fes: One-Way Transfer to Chefchaouen "The Blue City": $27
- Fes: Transfer to Tangier via Chefchaouen: $185
- From Fes:2-Day Transfers to Chefchaouen & back to Fez/Tanger: $75
- One way transfer Chefchaouen to Fes or vice versa: $116
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $27
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes : $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Chefchaouen or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Chefchaouen 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 dayChefchaouen $18Bilbao $48
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:
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Lunch for Two$8.97
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Dinner for Two$9.97
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Cupcake$0.30
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Nutella and Yogurt$1.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen
For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
- Cooking Class in Mountain From Chefchaouen: $44
- Vegetarian food Cooking Class in Chefchaouen: $44
- 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
- 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
- Chefchaouen Cooking Class : $65
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $65
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $68
- Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
- Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
- Chefchaouen Traditional Cooking Class: $80
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: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chefchaouen $17Bilbao $31
Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.
- Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $14
- Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Tour by local guide : $16
- Chefchaouen Tour with Aman: $20
- Chefchaouen tour guide: $22
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouenf: $26
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen: $28
- Day Tour to Chefchaouen from Fes with Local Expert: $28
- Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
- From Fez: Chefchaouen Guided Day Tour: $35
- 3-Hour Private Legacy Tour in Chefchaouen: $35
- Discover Chefchaouen : A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $35
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChefchaouen $14Bilbao $23
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
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- 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: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chefchaouen and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chefchaouen is in Africa 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 Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chefchaouen Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chefchaouen or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chefchaouen as well as Bilbao. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 24°C (74°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chefchaouen this time of the year. In the summer, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Chefchaouen usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChefchaouen 24°C (74°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Chefchaouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Chefchaouen is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chefchaouen averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Chefchaouen gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 53 mm (2.1 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 OctoberChefchaouen 20°C (68°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Chefchaouen during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.
In the winter, Chefchaouen is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chefchaouen in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 127 mm (5 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 JanuaryChefchaouen 13°C (55°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chefchaouen and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.
In April, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 15°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Chefchaouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Chefchaouen gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 30 mm (1.2 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 AprilChefchaouen 15°C (60°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Chefchaouen
| Chefchaouen | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 144 mm (5.7 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.