A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luxor vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luxor or Bilbao?

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

Should I visit Luxor 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: Luxor or Bilbao?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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 Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $17, 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 Luxor and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Bilbao $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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 Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Bilbao $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Hot Air Balloon, Luxor Museum and Mummification with Transfer: $80
  • Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
  • Luxor airport transfer : $25
  • Luxor airport transfer To any place in the East Bank: $12
  • Private Transfer From Luxor to Aswan: $73
  • Transfers From Luxor To Hurghada : $140
  • 4- Hours Private Transfer With Driver In Luxor : $20
  • Airport Shuttles private Transfer to your Hotel/ Nile Cruise Boat: $10
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $21
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40

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 Luxor or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Luxor 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
    Luxor $5.83
    Bilbao $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
  • Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Bilbao $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.74
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • Ramesseum Mortuary Temple of Ramses II Entry Ticket: $4.56
  • Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
  • Mummification Museum Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
  • Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • See the Valley of the Kings & More: Shared Tour (All-Inclusive): $8.80
  • Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.95
  • Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20
  • Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Bilbao $23

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 Luxor and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.

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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Bilbao?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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 Luxor or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Luxor or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is much warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Luxor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the autumn, Luxor is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Luxor is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Bilbao. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.

Luxor is much warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Luxor

Luxor Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)