Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Gdansk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gdansk or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gdansk or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Gdansk or Bilbao?
Gdansk
Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.
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 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, 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 dayGdansk $54Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Gdansk is $54, 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 Gdansk and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGdansk $27Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGdansk $54Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Gdansk and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Gdansk 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: Gdansk Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gdansk $8.53Bilbao $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:
- Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Luxury Car: $56
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39
- Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $60
- Departure Private Transfer: Gdansk City to Gdansk Airport GDN by Minivan: $39
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Star: $58
- From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
- Gdansk Airport (GDN) Private Transfer to City Center Gdansk: $44
- Gdansk Airport - Gdynia City Private Transfer: $56
- Gdansk Airport - Sopot Private Transfer: $53
- Gdansk Airport One-Way Transfer: $47
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 Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $209
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Gdansk or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Gdansk 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 dayGdansk $20Bilbao $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.
- Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
- 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
- Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
- Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
- Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
- Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
- Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208
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.Gdansk $8.13Bilbao $31
Tours and Activities in Gdansk
Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Gdańsk: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
- Gdańsk: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
- Discover Gdansk! - €5 Walking Tour: $5.46
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $6.31
- Gdańsk: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $6.42
- Gdansk Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Individual Sightseeing Tour with Audio Guide: $7.43
- Gdańsk: Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $14
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Gorgeous Gdansk Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Gdańsk : Catamaran River Cruise (group): $17
- Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise: $17
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.28
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.48
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
- Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $31
- Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGdansk $4.74Bilbao $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:
- Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
- Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
- Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30
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 Gdansk and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Gdansk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gdansk Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gdansk or Bilbao?
Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Gdansk 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 Gdansk or Bilbao?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Gdansk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gdansk is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gdansk. Gdansk usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Gdansk gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gdansk usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGdansk 17°C (63°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Gdansk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Gdansk is much colder than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gdansk averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Gdansk often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gdansk usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGdansk 8°C (46°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gdansk and Bilbao. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.
Gdansk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gdansk is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gdansk in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Gdansk usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Gdansk gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gdansk usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGdansk -2°C (28°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gdansk as well as Bilbao. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In April, Gdansk is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 6°C (43°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Gdansk often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Gdansk usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGdansk 6°C (43°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Gdansk
| Gdansk | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 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.