Madridis 7% cheaper Dorms avg $26/night vs $35/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇪🇸 Bilbao
🇪🇸 Madrid
Solo budget traveler
—
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
—
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $149/night
Digital nomad
—
★★★★★
Coffee $2.98, dorms avg $35
Nightlife seeker
—
★★★★★
Beer $4.13, 20 hostels
First-time Europer
—
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇪🇸 Bilbao | 🇪🇸 Madrid | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $51 | $48 cheaper | $4/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $79 | $75 cheaper | $4/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $116 cheaper | $117 | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇪🇸 Bilbao | 🇪🇸 Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $19.61 | $17.68 10% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $37.49 | $35.37 6% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.75 9% less | $4.13 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.41 19% less | $2.98 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.96 | $1.77 10% 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
🇪🇸▼
Madrid
Spain
30
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $35/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelOnefam Sungate (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$35/night
Total hostels20
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇪🇸 Bilbao
🇪🇸 Madrid
🇪🇺 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 Bilbao & Madrid
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇪🇸 Bilbao
18°C
High
/
8°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 84mm/month
Best months: Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇪🇸 Madrid
15°C
High
/
5°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 47mm/month
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇪🇸 Bilbao
1. Itsasmuseum BilbaoFree
2. Ariz dorreaFree
3. Convento de San FranciscoFree
4. MamanFree
5. Parque Ibarrola - EmbarcaFree
🇪🇸 Madrid
1. Monumento a Claudio MoyanoFree
2. Museo Casa de la MonedaFree
3. National Archaeological Museum of SpainFree
4. Homenaje a las víctimas españolas que muri…Free
5. Monumento a José Calvo SoteloFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Bilbao or Madrid cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Bilbao vs Madrid?+
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