Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Tangier?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tangier or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tangier and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Tangier or Bilbao?
Tangier
Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.
After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.
In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.
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 Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTangier $61Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Tangier is $61, 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 Tangier and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTangier $23Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTangier $46Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Tangier and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Tangier 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: Tangier Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tangier $23Bilbao $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Tangier Airport to Chefchaouen: $87
- "Fez to Marrakech: Enjoy a Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $205
- Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
- Casablanca Airport Arrival To Tanger Private Transfer: $216
- Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $291
- From Fes: Transfer to Tangier passing by Chefchaouen: $96
- From Tangier : Private Luxury Transfer to Fes: $272
- From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $245
- Luxury transfer from Tangier to Tamuda bay or vice versa: $233
- One Way transfer from Fes to Tanger passing by chefchaouen: $82
- One-Way Transfer from Tanger to Fez: $154
- One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Tangier or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Tangier 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 dayTangier $20Bilbao $48
Typical Food Prices in Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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Fruit & Yogurt$1.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier
For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
- Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
- Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
- Tangier food tour : $71
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
- Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
- The Food tour of Tangier: $76
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
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.Tangier $20Bilbao $31
Tours and Activities in Tangier
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
- Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
- From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
- Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
- Tangier walking tour: $17
- Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
- Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
- Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
- Touristic guide: $28
- 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
- Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
- Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31
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 dayTangier $11Bilbao $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 Tangier and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tangier is in Africa and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tangier Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tangier or Bilbao?
Tangier has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Tangier 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 Tangier or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tangier or Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tangier as well as Bilbao. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tangier is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tangier in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In the summer, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Tangier gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Tangier usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Tangier gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTangier 24°C (74°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Tangier or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Tangier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Tangier is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Tangier average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Tangier gets 235 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, Tangier usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Tangier gets 65 mm (2.6 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 OctoberTangier 20°C (68°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Tangier or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Tangier during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.
Tangier is a little warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Tangier averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Tangier often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Tangier gets 169 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 Tangier. Tangier usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Tangier gets 104 mm (4.1 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 JanuaryTangier 13°C (55°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Tangier or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tangier and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Tangier is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tangier in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tangier usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Tangier gets 251 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, Tangier usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Tangier gets 62 mm (2.4 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 AprilTangier 15°C (60°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Tangier
| Tangier | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°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) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.