Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇪🇸 Barcelona
🇪🇸 Bilbao
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
23 hostels, avg 9.5 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $166/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.01, dorms avg $36
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.72, 23 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
24 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 🇪🇸 Bilbao | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $52 | $51 cheaper | $0/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $81 | $79 cheaper | $2/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $123 | $116 cheaper | $7/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇪🇸 Barcelona | 🇪🇸 Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $18.27 7% less | $19.61 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $35.37 6% less | $37.49 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4.72 | $3.75 21% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.01 | $2.41 20% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $3.12 | $1.96 37% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇪🇸▼
Barcelona
Spain
32
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $36/night). Strong hostel scene (23 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelOnefam Paralelo (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$36/night
Total hostels23
🇪🇸
Bilbao
Spain
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHabitación con balcón centro Bilbao Artístico (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$26/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇪🇸 Barcelona
🇪🇸 Bilbao
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Barcelona & Bilbao
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇪🇸 Barcelona
16°C
High
/
8°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 63mm/month
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
🇪🇸 Bilbao
18°C
High
/
8°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 84mm/month
Best months: Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇪🇸 Barcelona
No attraction data
🇪🇸 Bilbao
1. Itsasmuseum BilbaoFree
2. Ariz dorreaFree
3. Convento de San FranciscoFree
4. MamanFree
5. Parque Ibarrola - EmbarcaFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Barcelona or Bilbao cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Barcelona vs Bilbao?+
Do I need a visa for Barcelona or Bilbao?+
When is the best time to visit Barcelona or Bilbao?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Barcelona and Bilbao?+
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