A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Lugo vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lugo or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lugo 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: Lugo or Bilbao?

Lugo

Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Lugo?

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 Lugo is €123, 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 Lugo and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lugo 50
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lugo 100
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Lugo and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Lugo 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.

Hotels in Lugo


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Lugo Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lugo 20
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center Transfer: $111
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to San Sebastian City Center Transfer: $417
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $65
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $412
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $312
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $312
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $206
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $92
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $72
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Private One way Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Bilbao: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Lugo or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Lugo 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
    Lugo 60
    Bilbao 77

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: $83
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $100
  • The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $106
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $108
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $108
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $111
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $111
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $113
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $132
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $153
  • Private Luxury Pintxos & Premium Wines Gourmet Food Tour: $178
  • Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Dinner: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lugo 13
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Lugo

Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $8.45
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $79

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $2.11
  • Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $2.25
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.23
  • Bilbao Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.31
  • 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.40
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $8.07
  • Bilbao Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.31
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $17
  • Bilbao tour + Artxanda Funicular in Spanish: $18
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $21
  • Old Town Bilbao Tour in small group: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lugo 16
    Bilbao 21

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: $52
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $78
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $79
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $145
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $174
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $185
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $242
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $248
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao): $248
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $259
  • From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $261
  • Premium Wine Tour of Rioja with Gourmet Lunch (From Bilbao): $328


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lugo and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Lugo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lugo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lugo 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 Lugo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lugo Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lugo or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lugo. When comparing the sizes of Lugo 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 Lugo 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 Lugo or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Lugo 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.

Lugo is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Lugo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lugo. Lugo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Lugo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lugo usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Lugo gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lugo 19°C (66°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Lugo or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Lugo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lugo is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lugo in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Lugo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Lugo gets 155 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lugo. Lugo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bilbao. Lugo gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lugo 16°C (61°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lugo or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lugo and Bilbao. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lugo is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Lugo average around 11°C (51°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Lugo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Lugo gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lugo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lugo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Lugo gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lugo 11°C (51°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Lugo or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lugo as well as Bilbao. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Lugo is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Lugo averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Lugo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Lugo gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Lugo usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Lugo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lugo 13°C (55°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Lugo

Lugo Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)