Should you visit Zaragoza or Bilbao?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zaragoza or Bilbao, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Zaragoza
As the sun slips below the horizon, the night is greeted by the familiar glow of the exquisite cathedral Basilica del Pilar that stands above the city like a shimmering castle. This city is none other than Zaragoza, Spain, the capital city of the Zaragoza province in Aragon, Spain. Overlooking the Ebro River, Zaragoza has a population of 701,090, ranking the 32nd most populated municipality in the European Union. Zaragoza has attracted travelers from all across the world, causing the city to host the Expo in the summer of 2008 and also stand as a candidate for the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Besides its glimmering cathedral, Zaragoza is also known for its rich history in folklore, local gastronomy, as well as hosting the well-known Fiestas del Pilar, the most celebrated of festivals in Spain.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Bilbao or Zaragoza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Zaragoza is €101, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €110. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Zaragoza and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Zaragoza is about €104 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about €114 for a double occupancy room in Bilbao.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Zaragoza cost around €33 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around €13.
On average, meal and food prices in Bilbao cost around €37 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around €15.
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Food
Meals for one day
Zaragoza €33
Bilbao €37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zaragoza.
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Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class:
$111
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
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The authentic Bilbao food tour:
$96
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €18 per day to get around in Zaragoza.
The average price of local transportation around Bilbao is €21 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:
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Low Cost Private Transfer From Zaragoza Air Base to Zaragoza City - One Way:
$47
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Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre:
$75
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Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport:
$75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
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Private Airport Transfer: from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao:
$25
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Private Airport Transfer: from Bilbao to Bilbao Airport (BIO):
$25
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Arrival Private Transfer Business Car Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City:
$47
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Departure Private Transfer Business Car Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO:
$47
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Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer:
$48
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Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer:
$48
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Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car:
$54
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Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car:
$57
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Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport:
$67
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Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City:
$67
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Departure Private Transfer Luxury Van Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO:
$67
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Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port:
$68
Is it cheaper to fly into Zaragoza or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Zaragoza 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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €28 per person, per day in Zaragoza. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Bilbao's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €23 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Tours and Activities in Zaragoza
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zaragoza are as follows:
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Zaragoza Aquarium Admission Ticket:
$17
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Private Tour with a Local Guide:
$40
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Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza:
$106
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Private Walking Tour of Zaragoza with official tour guide:
$248
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Zaragoza Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide:
$322
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Private City Tour of Zaragoza with driver & official tour guide w/ Hotel pick up:
$384
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Portugalete, Getxo, & Santurtzi Panoramic Boat Tour:
$7.10
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personalized guided tour with a local:
$50
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Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika:
$75
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Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup:
$81
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Santoña and Santander Guided Tour with Hotel Pick up from Bilbao:
$83
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Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, Hondarribia and San Sebastian Full Day Tour:
$87
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Full-day San Sebastian tour from Bilbao:
$89
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Guided Pintxos Tour:
$108
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Basque Country Full Day Tour from Bilbao:
$112
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Getxo and Bizkaia bridge small group tour:
$124
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Tour Bilbao in a Vintage VW "Beetle":
$185
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Guggenheim Museum Personalized & Private Tour with Official Guide:
$198
Alcohol
The average person spends about €11 on alcoholic beverages in Zaragoza per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Bilbao may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €17 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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La Rioja and Vitoria Wine Tour with Winery Visit:
$87
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Cantabric Sea Experience: Food & Wine Tasting:
$199
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La Rioja Wine Tour with Two Winery Visits with Wine Tasting from Bilbao:
$243
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Architectural Rioja Wine Tour from Bilbao:
$287
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San Sebastian & The Basque Wine Region with Lunch and Wine Tasting (From Bilbao):
$305
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Essential Rioja Private Wine Tour from Bilbao:
$311
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La Rioja Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch from Bilbao:
$383
When comparing the travel costs between Zaragoza and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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.
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