Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Puerto de la Cruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz 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: Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao?
Puerto de la Cruz
The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto de la Cruz €112Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto de la Cruz €51Bilbao €72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto de la Cruz €102Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz 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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €40Bilbao €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private One way Airport Transfer Bilbao Airport to from Bilbao: $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Puerto de la Cruz 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 dayPuerto de la Cruz €34Bilbao €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: $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.Puerto de la Cruz €28Bilbao €29
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 dayPuerto de la Cruz €5.00Bilbao €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
- 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Puerto de la Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto de la Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Bilbao. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPuerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Bilbao. Additionally, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPuerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.
In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPuerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Puerto de la Cruz during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the spring, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPuerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Puerto de la Cruz
| Puerto de la Cruz | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.