Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Oviedo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Oviedo or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Oviedo and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Oviedo or Bilbao?
Oviedo
Oviedo is the capital city of the Asturias Principality in Northern Spain. It is a city of churches and cathedrals with many of its buildings designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its old town, or Casco Antiguo, is the most historic part of Oviedo, where many of the UNESCO sites are situated.
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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOviedo €106Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Oviedo is €106, 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 Oviedo and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOviedo €53Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOviedo €106Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Oviedo and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Oviedo 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: Oviedo Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Oviedo €20Bilbao €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oviedo
Also for Oviedo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Asturias Airport (OVD) to Gijon Cruise Port: $39
- Private Transfer from Asturias Airport to Oviedo and Gijón: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $416
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $314
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $314
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $266
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $266
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $250
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $243
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $243
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $228
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $208
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $197
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $181
Is it cheaper to fly into Oviedo or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Oviedo 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 dayOviedo €38Bilbao €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.Oviedo €19Bilbao €29
Tours and Activities in Oviedo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oviedo.
- Uncover Oviedo's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.47
- Oviedo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
- Oviedo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Private Tour: $9.00
- Guided tour of Oviedo: $9.78
- 2-hour Guided Walking Tour: $10
- Civil War Tour of Oviedo: $11
- Tour of the mysteries and legends of Oviedo: $11
- 1934 Revolution Tour: $11
- OVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour: $11
- Guided tour to the Cathedral with tickets: $12
- Guided Tour of the Cathedral of Oviedo: $12
- Oviedo : Archaeological and fine arts museum tour: $16
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: $287
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $80
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $255
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $383
- Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $65
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,140
- Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour lunch included: $258
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $283
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $278
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $373
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $250
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOviedo €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 Oviedo and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Oviedo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oviedo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oviedo 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 Oviedo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oviedo Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Oviedo or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Oviedo. When comparing the sizes of Oviedo 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 Oviedo 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 Oviedo or Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Oviedo as well as Bilbao. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In the summer, Oviedo is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oviedo in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oviedo this time of the year. In the summer, Oviedo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Oviedo gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Oviedo usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Oviedo gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOviedo 19°C (65°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Oviedo or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Oviedo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Oviedo is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Oviedo average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
Oviedo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Oviedo gets 138 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, Oviedo usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Oviedo gets 94 mm (3.7 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 OctoberOviedo 16°C (60°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Oviedo or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Oviedo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.
Oviedo is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Oviedo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Oviedo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Oviedo gets 95 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Oviedo. Oviedo usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Oviedo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryOviedo 10°C (49°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Oviedo or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oviedo and Bilbao. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Oviedo is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oviedo in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Oviedo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Oviedo gets 143 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, Oviedo usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Oviedo gets 92 mm (3.6 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 AprilOviedo 11°C (53°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Oviedo
| Oviedo | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (65°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.