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

Should you visit Vigo 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 Vigo 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: Vigo or Bilbao?

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

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 from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Vigo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vigo is €125, 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 Vigo and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vigo 43
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vigo 86
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Vigo and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Vigo 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.

Hotels in Vigo


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Vigo Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vigo 37
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $205
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $205

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private One way Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Bilbao: $35
  • Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $52
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $71
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $80
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $93
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $94
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao Cruise Port: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $94
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Vigo or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Vigo 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
    Vigo 61
    Bilbao 77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $176

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $88
  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $103
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $106
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $107
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $109
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $109
  • The High End Food Tour: $115
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $119
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $125
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $129
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $144
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vigo 10
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Vigo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:

  • GROUP walking tour in Vigo en español: $1.18
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
  • Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Vigo, Galicia: Walking Tour of Mysteries and Legends: $17
  • Walking Tour with local History & Culture: $17
  • Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Virtual Activity in Vigo: $19
  • RC Celta Vigo Abanca Balaídos Stadium Tour: $20
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $21
  • Thematic Tour Selfie Experience Gallery Vigo-Galicia: $22
  • Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $22
  • Discover Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $24

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $8.07
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $12
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $12
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $16
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
  • The Best of Bilbao Old Town An exclusive walking Guided Tour: $21
  • Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
  • Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
  • Bilbao Historical Tour: $23
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $30
  • Old Town Bilbao Tour in small group: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vigo 5.71
    Bilbao 21

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: $52
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $57
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $86
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $98
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $190
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $196
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $202
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $259
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $274
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $282
  • From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $285


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

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


Which is Bigger, Vigo or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Vigo. When comparing the sizes of Vigo 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 Vigo 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 Vigo or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vigo and Bilbao. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Vigo is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Vigo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vigo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Vigo gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vigo usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Vigo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vigo 21°C (70°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vigo as well as Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vigo is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vigo in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Vigo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Vigo gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Vigo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Vigo usually gets more rain in October than Bilbao. Vigo gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vigo 17°C (62°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Vigo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Vigo is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Vigo average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Vigo usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Vigo gets 110 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. It's quite rainy in Vigo. In January, Vigo usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Vigo gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vigo 10°C (50°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Vigo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

Vigo is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Vigo often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Vigo gets 198 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. Vigo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bilbao. Vigo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vigo 13°C (56°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Vigo

Vigo 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)