Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Pontevedra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pontevedra or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pontevedra 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: Pontevedra or Bilbao?
Pontevedra
An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.
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 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPontevedra €120Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Pontevedra is €120, 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 Pontevedra and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPontevedra €61Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPontevedra €122Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Pontevedra and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Pontevedra 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: Pontevedra Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pontevedra €23Bilbao €26
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 Pontevedra or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Pontevedra 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 dayPontevedra €42Bilbao €45
Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159
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.Pontevedra €19Bilbao €29
Tours and Activities in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
- NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
- Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64
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 dayPontevedra €20Bilbao €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra
Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32
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 comparing the travel costs between Pontevedra and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pontevedra Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pontevedra or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra or Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Pontevedra 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.
Pontevedra is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Pontevedra. In the summer, Pontevedra often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Pontevedra gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Pontevedra usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Pontevedra gets 37 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 JulyPontevedra 21°C (70°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Pontevedra or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pontevedra 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, Pontevedra is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pontevedra in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).
Pontevedra usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Pontevedra gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pontevedra usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Pontevedra gets 164 mm (6.5 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 OctoberPontevedra 17°C (62°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Pontevedra or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pontevedra as well as Bilbao. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.
In January, Pontevedra is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Pontevedra average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Pontevedra often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Pontevedra gets 110 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pontevedra usually gets more rain in January than Bilbao. Pontevedra gets 232 mm (9.1 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 JanuaryPontevedra 10°C (50°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Pontevedra or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Pontevedra 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.
Pontevedra is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Pontevedra usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Pontevedra gets 198 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. It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. In April, Pontevedra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Pontevedra gets 125 mm (4.9 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 AprilPontevedra 13°C (56°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Pontevedra
| Pontevedra | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 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.