Should I Visit Santander or Bilbao for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Santander or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santander and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santander or Bilbao?

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

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 Adventure Tours to Spain.

Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Santander?

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

Santander Prices
Spain Prices

Bilbao Prices
Spain Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Santander €138

Bilbao €170

The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €138, 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 Santander and Bilbao in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Santander €51

Bilbao €72
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Santander €102

Bilbao €144

Compare Hotels in Santander and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Santander 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: Santander Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Santander €24

Bilbao €26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $39
Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $255
Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $255
Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $255
Private Transfer from Santander to Bilbao Cruise Port: $295
Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $34
Santander Private Departure Transfer: $34
Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $79
Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center Transfer: $226
Bilbao Airport (BIO) to San Sebastian City Center Transfer: $390
Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $67
Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $63
Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $400
Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $303
Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $303
Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $200
Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $89
Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $70
Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Santander 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

Santander €70

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: $81
The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $97
The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $103
The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $104
Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $104
The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $108
Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $108
Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $110
Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $128
Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $149
Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Dinner: $185
Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $189

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Santander €18

Bilbao €29

Tours and Activities in Santander

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

Santander El Sardinero Tour Real Racing Club: $18
El Sardinero Stadium Guided Tour: $18
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $40
Santander and Santillana del Mar, Capricho Gaudi + ticket and Redwood Forest: $40
Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $51
Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $53
Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups: $61
Gaudí whim + ticket, Santillana del Mar and Redwoods: $62
From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Walking Tour (Tip based): $2.05
Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $3.12
Secrets of Casco Viejo in Quest Experience: $6.78
30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.18
Bilbao Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.30
Year of Love in Quest Experience: $7.82
VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $10
San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $17
Bilbao tour + Artxanda Funicular in Spanish: $18
1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $21
Bilbao night tour: $21
Bilbao old town walking tour: $21

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Santander €14

Bilbao €21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santander:

Wine Tourism and Cheese in Cantabria: $184

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: $51
Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $52
Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $76
From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $77
Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $141
Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $169
Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $179
Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $235
Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $245
From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $251
From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $253
Premium Wine Tour of Rioja with Gourmet Lunch (From Bilbao): $318

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santander and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Santander.

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

Which is Bigger, Santander or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Santander 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 Santander 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 Santander or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Santander is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santander usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Santander 19°C (66°F)

Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Santander during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Santander is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Santander often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Santander gets 133 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets more rain in October than Bilbao. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Santander 16°C (60°F)

Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Bilbao. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the winter, Santander is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santander in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Santander usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santander usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Santander 9°C (49°F)

Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santander as well as Bilbao. Additionally, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, Santander is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Santander often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Santander receives a lot of rain in the spring. Santander usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bilbao. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Santander 12°C (53°F)

Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Santander

	Santander		Bilbao
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	9°C (49°F)	149 mm (5.9 in)	9°C (48°F)	130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb	10°C (50°F)	116 mm (4.6 in)	10°C (50°F)	108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar	10°C (51°F)	119 mm (4.7 in)	11°C (51°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr	12°C (53°F)	135 mm (5.3 in)	12°C (54°F)	129 mm (5.1 in)
May	14°C (58°F)	94 mm (3.7 in)	15°C (59°F)	92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun	17°C (62°F)	63 mm (2.5 in)	18°C (64°F)	65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul	19°C (66°F)	50 mm (2 in)	20°C (68°F)	51 mm (2 in)
Aug	19°C (67°F)	89 mm (3.5 in)	20°C (68°F)	89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep	18°C (64°F)	88 mm (3.4 in)	19°C (66°F)	75 mm (3 in)
Oct	16°C (60°F)	138 mm (5.4 in)	16°C (62°F)	111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov	12°C (53°F)	181 mm (7.1 in)	12°C (54°F)	152 mm (6 in)
Dec	10°C (50°F)	157 mm (6.2 in)	10°C (50°F)	135 mm (5.3 in)

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

Should you visit Santander or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Santander or Bilbao?

Santander

Bilbao

Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Santander?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Santander and Bilbao

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Bilbao?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Santander

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Which is Bigger, Santander or Bilbao?

When is the best time to visit Santander or Bilbao?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Summer?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Winter?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Santander

Related Articles for Santander

Related Articles for Bilbao

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

Should you visit Santander or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Santander or Bilbao?

Santander

Bilbao

Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Santander?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Santander and Bilbao

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Bilbao?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Santander

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Which is Bigger, Santander or Bilbao?

When is the best time to visit Santander or Bilbao?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Summer?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Winter?

Should I visit Santander or Bilbao in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Santander

Related Articles for Santander

Related Articles for Bilbao

Subscribe to our Newsletter