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

Should you visit Pecs 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 Pecs 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: Pecs or Bilbao?

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

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 Tours for Seniors to Hungary, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Pecs?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pecs is $80, 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 Pecs and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pecs $37
    Bilbao $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pecs $74
    Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Pecs and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Pecs 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 Pecs


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: Pecs Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pecs $17
    Bilbao $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

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 Pecs or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Pecs 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
    Pecs $29
    Bilbao $48
Typical Food Prices in Pecs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pecs:


  • Dinner for Two
    $24

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.
    Pecs $17
    Bilbao $31

Tours and Activities in Pecs

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

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36

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
    Pecs $8.30
    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 Pecs and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Pecs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pecs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pecs 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 Pecs.

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


Which is Bigger, Pecs or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pecs. When comparing the sizes of Pecs 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 Pecs 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 Pecs or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Pecs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Pecs is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Pecs average around 22°C (71°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pecs. Pecs usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Pecs gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pecs usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Pecs gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pecs 22°C (71°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Pecs or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Pecs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Pecs is cooler than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pecs averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Pecs often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Pecs gets 169 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. Pecs usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Pecs gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pecs 13°C (56°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Pecs or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pecs and Bilbao. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pecs. In the winter, Pecs is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pecs in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Pecs usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during winter. Pecs gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pecs usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Pecs gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pecs 0°C (32°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Pecs or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pecs as well as Bilbao. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Pecs is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Pecs average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Pecs often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Pecs gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Pecs usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Pecs gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pecs 12°C (54°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Pecs

Pecs Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)