Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Lugo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLugo €98Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Lugo is €98, 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 Lugo and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLugo €50Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLugo €100Bilbao €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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lugo €20Bilbao €26
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 Departure Transfer: $46
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $65
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $416
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $314
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $314
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $208
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $65
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
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Food Meals for one dayLugo €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: $85
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $101
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $108
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $114
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $119
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $133
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $133
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $141
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lugo €13Bilbao €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: $6.39
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
- ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80
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: $2.59
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.26
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.45
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao tour + Artxanda Funicular in Spanish: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $27
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLugo €16Bilbao €21
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
- 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: $146
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $186
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $239
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $244
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $249
- La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao): $255
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLugo 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLugo 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 and the shopping scene.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLugo 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLugo 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) |
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.