Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Malmo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malmo or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo 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: Malmo or Bilbao?
Malmo
Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalmo $81Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $81, 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 Malmo and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalmo $48Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalmo $96Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Malmo 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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malmo $7.88Bilbao $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:
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Malmö Bus Card$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo
Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
- Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
- Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $84
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $229
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $199
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $199
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $153
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Malmo 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 dayMalmo $25Bilbao $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
- Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120
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.Malmo $16Bilbao $31
Tours and Activities in Malmo
For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35
- Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
- Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
- Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
- Malmö Photography Tour: $58
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
- Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
- Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
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 dayMalmo $35Bilbao $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 Malmo and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malmo Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malmo or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Malmo 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 Malmo 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 Malmo or Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Malmo during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Malmo is cooler than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Malmo. In the summer, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Malmo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bilbao. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalmo 17°C (62°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Bilbao. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Malmo is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malmo in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).
Malmo usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malmo usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 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 OctoberMalmo 10°C (50°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Bilbao. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.
Malmo can be very cold during winter. In January, Malmo is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 0°C (32°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Malmo often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Malmo usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 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 JanuaryMalmo 0°C (32°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Malmo is much colder than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Malmo usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 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 AprilMalmo 5°C (42°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Malmo
| Malmo | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (35°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.