Istanbulis 33% cheaper Dorms avg $26/night vs $21/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇪🇸 Bilbao
🇹🇷 Istanbul
Solo budget traveler
—
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.1 rating
Couple on a budget
—
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $54/night
Digital nomad
—
★★★★★
Coffee $3.95, dorms avg $21
Nightlife seeker
—
★★★★★
Beer $4.56, 5 hostels
First-time Europer
—
★★★★★
27 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇪🇸 Bilbao | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $51 | $34 cheaper | $17/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $79 | $57 cheaper | $22/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $116 | $96 cheaper | $20/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇪🇸 Bilbao | 🇹🇷 Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $19.61 | $11.41 42% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $37.49 | $25.09 33% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.75 18% less | $4.56 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.41 39% less | $3.95 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.96 | $0.80 59% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇪🇸
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
🇹🇷▼
Istanbul
Turkey
30
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCheers Hostel (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels5
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇪🇸 Bilbao
🇹🇷 Istanbul
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Bilbao & Istanbul
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇪🇸 Bilbao
18°C
High
/
8°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 84mm/month
Best months: Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇹🇷 Istanbul
12°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 70mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇪🇸 Bilbao
1. Itsasmuseum BilbaoFree
2. Ariz dorreaFree
3. Convento de San FranciscoFree
4. MamanFree
5. Parque Ibarrola - EmbarcaFree
🇹🇷 Istanbul
1. Military MuseumFree
2. Miniature ParkFree
3. Sculpture of BarbarossaFree
4. Serpent ColumnFree
5. Tomb of Hayreddin BarbarossaFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Bilbao or Istanbul cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Bilbao vs Istanbul?+
Do I need a visa for Bilbao or Istanbul?+
When is the best time to visit Bilbao or Istanbul?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Bilbao and Istanbul?+
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