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Live in Bilbao: Learn advantages, disadvantages & costs
Come and live in Bilbao, the city of the Guggenheim! One of the greenest places in the country, offering a high quality of life.
Thinking about living in northern Spain? If you choose to live in Bilbao, the capital of Vizcaya in the Basque Country, you’ll be in one of the country’s most modern cities. It offers a vibrant cultural scene, plenty of green spaces, and coworking areas, along with excellent technology infrastructure and reliable internet. Since the opening of its iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has become a favorite destination for travelers from around the world.
If you’re not very familiar with the city, don’t worry. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that covers Bilbao’s quality of life and key services for residents, including education, healthcare, digital connectivity, and the job market. We’ll also look at how well the city caters to digital nomads who need reliable and secure internet. Finally, we’ll highlight the main pros and cons, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision about moving to Bilbao.
Quality of life in Bilbao
The quality of life when you live in Bilbao is very high, though the cost of living is above that of many other Spanish cities. This is balanced by higher salaries, safe streets, and prestigious universities. We’ll dive deeper into all of these aspects in the following sections.
How you can study in Bilbao
Thinking about applying for a scholarship to study in Bilbao? Being a student in this city can be highly rewarding, as it offers an excellent education system, both public and private. OECD data shows that students in the Basque Country consistently score above the national average in math, science, and reading. Some of the city’s most renowned institutions include:
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU): It is a public university recognized in the Shanghai Ranking and THE World University Rankings as one of Spain’s top institutions. It is especially strong in Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Economics.
- University of Deusto: It is recognized by the QS World University Rankings and U-Multirank as one of Spain’s leading private universities. Programs include Law, Psychology, Engineering, Business Administration, and International Relations, among others.
- Mondragon University (campus in Bilbao): This private institution emphasizes hands-on learning and boasts a high employment rate for graduates. It stands out for its unique Bachelor’s program in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation.
For students from EU countries, studying in Bilbao does not require a visa. You only need to register as a resident at the Foreigners’ Office within 90 days. Students from outside the EU will need to apply for a student visa through the Spanish embassy in their home country, which first requires being accepted by a university in the city.
Feel safe walking around the streets of Bilbao
Bilbao is a safe city with lower crime rates than Barcelona or Madrid, according to the Ministry of the Interior. The Ertzaintza, the Basque regional police, uses an urban video surveillance system that helps maintain order both day and night. The quietest neighborhoods to live in Bilbao include:
- Abando: A central and upscale neighborhood with grand buildings and excellent transport links. It is ideal for families or professionals with a higher budget.
- Deusto: A residential and university neighborhood near the University of Deusto, well connected by metro and bus, with a calm atmosphere and a youthful vibe.
- Indautxu: A middle to upper-class residential area, ideal for families and professionals. Schools, hospitals, and green spaces surround the neighborhood.
- Uribarri / Campo Volantín: Close to the city center and the Guggenheim, this area offers residential housing, green spaces, and is popular with remote workers thanks to its coworking facilities.
Access your healthcare system
According to the IDIS Foundation, the Basque Country ranks among the regions with the highest public satisfaction with its healthcare system. The Basque Health Service, Osakidetza, provides high-quality primary, specialized, and hospital care free of charge, with reasonable waiting times. In case of a medical emergency, the top hospitals in the city include:
- Basurto University Hospital (Osakidetza): It is the teaching hospital of the UPV, specializing in general medicine, surgery, orthopedics, oncology, and neurology.
- Cruces University Hospital (Barakaldo): Located 15 minutes from the city center, it handles the most complex cases in all of the Basque Country and is considered one of the top hospitals in northern Spain.
- IMQ Zorrotzaurre Clinic: Private center that works with a wide range of insurance companies and has very short waiting times.
- Quirónsalud Bizkaia Hospital: Private clinic specializing in diagnostic imaging, traumatology, intensive care, and sports medicine.
Spain’s public healthcare system is among the best in the world and highly accessible to foreign residents. Its goal is to provide medical care to anyone in need, regardless of social status, and it offers several options that you can take advantage of:
- European Union (EU) citizens: If you apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country, you will be entitled to the same healthcare rights as any other resident in Spain.
- Non-EU foreigners: If you contribute to the Spanish social security system, you and your immediate family members are also entitled to free healthcare.
- Foreigners who do not pay social security contributions: There is a special agreement that allows you to access public healthcare for a fixed monthly fee of around $68 if you are under 65, and $176 if you are older.
- Private insurance: You can also take out private health insurance and receive treatment in private clinics.
This is the economy in Bilbao and its job market
People consider the cost of living in Bilbao to be upper middle range compared with the rest of Spain, though still lower than in other European capitals like Paris. According to a 2025 study by Numbeo, a single person would need around $1,400 per month to live in the city, not including rent.
Bilbao’s economy is strong in sectors like services, engineering, green technologies, and logistics. If you have expertise in one of these areas, you can find good job opportunities for qualified professionals. While the cost of living is higher than in other Spanish cities, salaries are also above the national average, with the typical monthly income around $1,900.
How the internet connection works in Bilbao
The Basque Country is one of the most digitally advanced regions in Spain. Most homes have high-speed fiber optic internet, reaching up to 1 Gbps, thanks to providers like Movistar, Euskaltel, Orange, and Vodafone, according to the European Commission’s Digitalization Index.
Living in Bilbao as a digital nomad is an excellent choice thanks to its modern tech infrastructure and coworking spaces with high-speed wifi, such as Spaces Abando and Bilbo Lab. 5G coverage is already available across much of the city, but for extra reliability, Holafly’s monthly plans provide unlimited data, the ability to connect two devices at once, and a stable connection for $64.90.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Advantages of living in Bilbao
Have you made up your mind about moving to Bilbao? If you still have questions, let’s go over all the advantages and benefits the city offers to anyone planning to spend some time there. Beyond its high-quality education, access to public healthcare, competitive salaries, and reliable internet, Bilbao also has local features that set it apart from other destinations. Here’s what makes it special:
- Efficient transportation: In Bilbao, you can get around by metro, tram, bus, or train, with connections to every part of the city. If you rely on public transport for work or school, you can count on always getting there on time.
- Delicious cuisine: Enjoy a constant culinary adventure in Bilbao with Basque cuisine, famous for its pintxos and bacalao al pil-pil, along with several Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Proximity to nature: Bilbao is one of the greenest cities in Spain, with parks and natural spots within the city such as Doña Casilda Park, Mount Artxanda, and the Bilbao estuary. You can also enjoy nearby beaches like Getxo, Sopelana, and Plentzia, perfect for surfing or strolling along the cliffs.
- Connection to Europe: Bilbao’s international airport connects you to destinations across Europe, and its proximity to France makes it easy to reach by car in just a few hours.
- Cultural activities: The Guggenheim Museum is the city’s contemporary art icon, and you can also enjoy festivals like the pop music BBK Live and the Bilbao Jazz Festival. In addition, Bilbao’s traditional celebrations, such as Aste Nagusia, feature concerts, fireworks, street theater, local cuisine, and lively parades.
Disadvantages of living in Bilbao as a foreigner
What downsides would affect you most when living in Bilbao? Everyone weighs things differently, so it’s important to balance the benefits we’ve highlighted throughout this article against the drawbacks below and decide which factors matter most to you.
- Rainy climate: Bilbao’s oceanic climate brings over 120 rainy days a year and plenty of cloudy skies. This can affect your mood, especially if you are used to sunnier cities.
- High rent: Rent prices in Bilbao can be high, especially in central areas. One-bedroom apartments typically start at around $1,139 per month.
- Reserved society: People in Bilbao are very polite, though somewhat serious and reserved with strangers. This means it can take time to build trust and form new friendships.
- Language barrier (Basque): Everyone in Bilbao speaks Spanish, but the Basque language is also widely present throughout the city, appearing on traffic signs, in schools, and public institutions. Understanding it can be challenging, since it does not come from Latin.
- Limited job market: Outside of key sectors like engineering, healthcare, logistics, or new technologies, finding skilled work can be challenging, especially if you are not fluent in Spanish.
Frequently asked questions about living in Bilbao
Yes, most locals speak Spanish as their first language, but learning a few basic Basque words can help you connect more with the city’s culture and history.
It is increasingly common to see digital nomads working from cafés or coworking spaces around the city. While Bilbao is not as popular as southern Spain because of the weather, it still has a sizable and active community.
Living in Bilbao gives you access to well-known universities like Deusto and UPV, as well as business schools such as ESEUNE and Mondragon Team Academy.
Yes, the city has a public bike system called Bilbao Bizi, an expanding network of bike lanes, and an efficient metro, tram, and bus system.
We recommend visiting or moving to Bilbao at any time of year, but spring and autumn offer milder weather, fewer rainy days, and smaller crowds than in the summer.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
