Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Tokyo or Bilbao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Tokyo is a iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.
Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Bilbao, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is known for its historical sights. Tokyo is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao and Tokyo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.
Bilbao offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.
Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.
Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Tokyo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Bilbao is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.
Bilbao is not a live music destination.
Bilbao is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.
Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.
Tokyo does not have a historic old town.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.
Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.
Tokyo is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Tokyo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.
Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.
For backpackers, both Tokyo and Bilbao are good places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.
Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.
It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Tokyo is top-notch. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.
Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Tokyo on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.
Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.
For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Bilbao. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.
Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Bilbao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Bilbao if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Tokyo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, 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 Tokyo and Bilbao in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Tokyo 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Bilbao, we can see that Tokyo 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. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Bilbao is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Bilbao. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Bilbao and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Tokyo is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 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. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Bilbao and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.
In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Tokyo gets 175 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. Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Bilbao. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Tokyo | Bilbao | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |