Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Bilbao?
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Gran Canaria Prices
Spain PricesBilbao Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €150Bilbao €170
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €150, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. 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 Gran Canaria and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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: Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Bilbao €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $44
- From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $175
- Gran Canaria Airport LPA to Las Palmas-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $94
- Gran Canaria Airport(LPA) to Las Palmas- Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Gran Canaria Port to Las Palmas City Hotels Private Transfer: $74
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Amadores to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $204
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Arinaga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Golf Maspalomas to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $106
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $295
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $285
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $277
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $269
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Pamplona Airport: $269
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $268
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $232
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $232
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Laguardia town: $232
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $178
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $178
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Gran Canaria or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Gran Canaria 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 dayGran Canaria €59Bilbao €77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $72
- Food Tour with Distillery Visit & Lunch: $99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Bilbao Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $85
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $88
- Bilbao Authentic Food Tour with 9 Pintxos and Local Drinks: $114
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $118
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $118
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $124
- Paella and Burnt Basque Cheesecake Cooking Class (in Bilbao): $147
- Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $177
- Bilbao Food Tour Market Pintxos and Wine: $182
- Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $212
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Bilbao €29
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Palmas GC Essential : Self-guided tour created by local Official Guide: $5.90
- Las Palmas Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h15 and 18 reviews: $6.96
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.15
- Discover A Self-Guided Island Tour: $8.24
- Las Palmas Pirates Self Guided Treasure Adventure Walk: $8.24
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $11
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $12
- Las Palmas Old Town: Walking Tour: $12
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Las Palmas BEACH SUNSET: City Walking Tour: $16
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $106
- Big Group Paddle Adventure: $236
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $71
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $53
- Bilbao Exclusive Private Walking Tour: $41
- Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket: $35
- Bilbao Highlights 3-hour E-Bike tour: Small Group or Private Tour: $58
- Bilbao Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $35
- Bilbao Icons and Photo Safari 2 Hours Walking Tour: $77
- Bilbao Must See Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide: $39
- Bilbao Old Town Tour: $35
- Bilbao Private Walking Tour: $268
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Bilbao €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Painting and textures workshop with volcanic wine tasting: $47
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $64
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $69
- Gran Canaria flavours with distillery visit and tastings: $79
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe and wine tasting from Bilbao: $88
- Bilbao Small Group Tour with Tapas and Wine Tasting: $113
- The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local: $117
- Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $118
- Private Basque Vineyard Visit: Txakoli Wine Tasting from Bilbao: $206
- Rioja Icons: Marqués de Riscal & Ysios Wine Tour from Bilbao: $295
- La Rioja wine tour: winery and traditional lunch from Bilbao: $295
When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Bilbao?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Bilbao?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Bilbao. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Gran Canaria gets 0 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 JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 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, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 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 OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Gran Canaria gets 187 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. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 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 JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 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, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 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 AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.