Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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:
- Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61
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 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 €34Bilbao €45
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.Gran Canaria €20Bilbao €29
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
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 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:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
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 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 and the shopping scene.
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.