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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Vigo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vigo is €99, 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 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:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $55
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $43
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $61
  • 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 Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $73
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $75
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $81
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $85
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $92
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $154

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 35
    Bilbao 45

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: $164

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: $87
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $103
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $110
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $110
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $110
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $114
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $116
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $136
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $136
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $143
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $157
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $165

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: $1.10
  • Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.91
  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Historic District of Tui: $11
  • Tui Cathedral Guided Tour: $13
  • Abanca Balaídos Tour, RC Celta’s Stadium: $16
  • Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Retro Gamer Activity in Vigo: $17
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
  • Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21

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: $4.34
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
  • Bilbao Sweets Tour: $11
  • Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
  • Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
  • Old Town Walking Tour in spanish and Cable Car Ride: $21
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $21
  • Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $26
  • City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $27
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $28

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:

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $54
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $77
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $149
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $179
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $190
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $198
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $203
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $242
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Magical Picnic (From Bilbao): $244
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $244


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 and the shopping scene.

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)