Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Vitoria-Gasteiz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao?
Vitoria-Gasteiz
In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.
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 Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVitoria-Gasteiz €146Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVitoria-Gasteiz €69Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVitoria-Gasteiz €138Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz 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: Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vitoria-Gasteiz €34Bilbao €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $416
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $314
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $314
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $266
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $266
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $250
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $243
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $243
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $228
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $208
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $197
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $181
Is it cheaper to fly into Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 dayVitoria-Gasteiz €51Bilbao €45
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: $85
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $101
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $108
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $114
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $119
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $133
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $133
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $141
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vitoria-Gasteiz €36Bilbao €29
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: $287
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $80
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $255
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $383
- Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $65
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,140
- Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour lunch included: $258
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $283
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $278
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $373
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $250
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVitoria-Gasteiz €23Bilbao €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: $53
- 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: $146
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $186
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $239
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $244
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $249
- La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao): $255
When comparing the travel costs between Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vitoria-Gasteiz Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Vitoria-Gasteiz. When comparing the sizes of Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao?
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.
Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vitoria-Gasteiz as well as Bilbao. Additionally, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vitoria-Gasteiz is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vitoria-Gasteiz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In the summer, Vitoria-Gasteiz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Vitoria-Gasteiz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bilbao. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Vitoria-Gasteiz is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Vitoria-Gasteiz average around 16°C (62°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 125 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. In October, Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 111 mm (4.4 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 OctoberVitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Vitoria-Gasteiz averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Vitoria-Gasteiz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 77 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. Vitoria-Gasteiz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bilbao. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 130 mm (5.1 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 JanuaryVitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In the spring, Vitoria-Gasteiz is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vitoria-Gasteiz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during spring. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 129 mm (5.1 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 AprilVitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz
| Vitoria-Gasteiz | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.