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

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.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Oviedo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Oviedo Prices
    Spain Prices
    Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oviedo 134
    Bilbao 170

The average daily cost (per person) in Oviedo is €134, 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 Oviedo and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oviedo 53
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oviedo 106
    Bilbao 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.

Hotels in Oviedo


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: Oviedo Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oviedo 20
    Bilbao 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: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to San Sebastian City Center Transfer: $418
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $413
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $312
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $312
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $287
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $264
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $264
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $249
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $242
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $206
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $196
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $196

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Oviedo 66
    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
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $111
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $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
  • Exclusive basque gourmet pintxos and premium wines food tour: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oviedo 19
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Oviedo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oviedo.

  • Oviedo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Private Tour: $9.27
  • Historical Tour on the Origin of Oviedo: $10
  • Civil War Tour of Oviedo: $11
  • Tour de los misterios y leyendas de Oviedo: $11
  • Guided tour of Oviedo: $11
  • OVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour: $11
  • Guided tour to the Cathedral with tickets included: $12
  • Oviedo : Archaeological and fine arts museum tour: $16
  • Guided Tour of the Cathedral of Oviedo: $16
  • From Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, and Lastres Tour: $44
  • 2-Hour Private Tour of Oviedo: $77
  • Cathedral Guided Tour: $95

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: $286
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $80
  • Year of Love in Quest Experience: $8.08
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $194
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $253
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $97
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $423
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $380
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $35
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,132
  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour lunch included: $257
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oviedo 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
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $53
  • 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: $146
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $175
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $185
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $243
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $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 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oviedo 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oviedo 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, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oviedo 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oviedo 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)