City · País Vasco · All places
A food city that reinvented itself around the Guggenheim, with green hills, cool summers and serious pintxos.
Bilbao is the largest city of the Basque Country. It sits in a narrow valley along the Nervión river, ringed by green hills, about fifteen kilometres from the Atlantic. Steel and shipbuilding once defined it; today it is known for its museum, its restaurants and a confident, orderly urban life.
It is a mid-sized city with a large public sector, a metro and tram network and a working, local feel. It reads less like a holiday destination than San Sebastián and more like a place where people live and work. The rain is a fact of life.
The city has 351,124 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 17.6% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Dec 2025
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What the data says
Bilbao stands out for prosperity, transport and healthcare; it is weaker on safety. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €806 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Bilbao’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
Few residents come from English-speaking or northern European countries, so daily life runs in Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish or Basque.
Basque is an official language alongside Spanish. Expect it on signs, at the town hall and in state schools.
Most commuters walk, cycle or take public transport. Owning a car is optional, and parking is the bigger cost.
Thefts without violence happen 2.5 times as often as in the typical Spanish city. Keep phones and bags close in busy areas and on public transport.
People born abroad are in work less often than people born in Spain across País Vasco. Remote income or a job offer makes the move far easier.
Almost every home can get gigabit fibre, so working from home is not a gamble on the flat you pick.
Residents are older than in most of Spain: calmer streets, and fewer young people to share a flat or a night out with.
Pintxos along the counter, salt cod, grilled mushrooms, and the covered Ribera market by the river.
Brisk, practical and punctual, with the txikiteo round of small drinks after work.
Casco Viejo and its seven streets, Indautxu and Ledesma for weekday evenings.
The old town is by the river, Abando is the commercial grid, Deusto is student and residential.
Spanish is spoken everywhere, and Basque appears on signs and in local government.
Aste Nagusia in August, with concerts and fireworks along the river.
Direct, proud and loyal once they know you, less effusive than in the south.
Bilbao is direct, practical and proud. People are less effusive than in the south, but loyal and generous once they know you. The city's life is street life: the txikiteo, a round of small drinks and snacks from one bar to the next, takes place in the Casco Viejo, the seven old streets next to the river, and in Indautxu and Ledesma on weekday evenings.
Food is at the centre of it. Pintxos line the counters: tortilla, anchovies, cod with peppers, croquettes, grilled mushrooms and small skewers. The covered Ribera market is a landmark by the river, and the city has restaurants at all levels, from old taverns to Michelin-starred places.
The Guggenheim Museum, a curved titanium building, is the symbol of the city, and its riverside neighbourhoods have been transformed into parks and promenades. Football is a religion: Athletic Club has the unusual policy of fielding only players from the Basque Country or trained in its clubs. In August, the Aste Nagusia festival fills the streets with concerts and fireworks.
Basque is an official language alongside Spanish in the Basque Country.
Bilbao grew rich in the nineteenth century from iron ore mined nearby and exported to Britain, and from the banks, shipyards and steelworks that followed. By the 1980s, heavy industry was in crisis, the river was polluted, and the city was shrinking. Local leaders decided to rebuild, with a new metro, a clean river, new bridges, an airport terminal and, in 1997, the Guggenheim Museum, which brought international attention.
Today the economy is diverse: energy, engineering, finance, ports and logistics, health and services. The city's headquarters include large energy and banking firms, and the city comes out above average on jobs and strong on prosperity. Unemployment is 9.0% (2025), and adults with a university degree make up 58% (2024).
Residents of Bilbao are taxed under the Basque foral system, set by the Bizkaia provincial authority rather than by the state tax rules.
The city is hemmed in by hills, so there is little flat land for new building. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €806 a month (2024), and buying costs €3,529 per square metre (Q2 2026).
The metro, tram and local trains connect the city with the surrounding towns. Public transport carries 37% of commuters of commuters (2021), and the airport is 5 km from the centre. Recorded crime is 68.1 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out below average. The crowded bar streets at weekends are the places to keep an eye on bags and phones.
Figures for Bilbao itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Bilbao data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Prosperity is strong: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 20,598 € a year per person — better than 93% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 93 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personBilbao · 2024 | 20,598 € a year per person | better than 93% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is strong: in the top 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by car: 29.6% — better than 99% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Strong: 76 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Bilbao · 2021 | 39.6 minutes | better than 41% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carBilbao · 2021 | 29.6% | better than 99% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportBilbao · 2021 | 36.9% | better than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is above average: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 83.9 years — better than 74% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 74 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyBilbao · 2023 | 83.9 years | better than 74% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Jobs is above average: in the top quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -1.47 points — better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Above average: 70 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentBilbao · 2025 | 9.04% | better than 69% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearBilbao · 2025 | -1.47 points | better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Climate is above average: in the top quarter of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 107 days a year — better than 82% of major European cities
Above average: 67 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Bilbao · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 107 days a year | better than 82% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CBilbao · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.10 days a year | better than 73% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CBilbao · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 23.2 nights a year | better than 28% of major European cities |
Digital is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Homes that can get gigabit internet: 99.2% — better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 58 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetBilbao · 2025 | 99.2% | better than 70% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorBilbao · 2025 | 99.2% | better than 66% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageBilbao · 2025 | 100.0% | better than 32% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is around the middle: better than most major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 4.70 km — better than 93% of major European cities
Average: 56 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportBilbao · 2026-10-21 | 4.70 km | better than 93% of major European cities |
| Airport passengersBilbao · 2025 | 7.06 million passengers a year | better than 9% of major European cities |
Safety is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Thefts: 2,993 per 100k people — worse than 94% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 27 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesBilbao · 2025 | 0.85 per 100k people | better than 42% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeBilbao · 2024 | 68.1 per 1,000 people | better than 15% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesBilbao · 2025 | 217 per 100k people | better than 13% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesBilbao · 2025 | 122 per 100k people | better than 44% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesBilbao · 2024 | 0.57 per 1,000 people | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsBilbao · 2025 | 2,993 per 100k people | better than 6% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsBilbao · 2025 | 23.9 per 100k people | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
What we cannot score for Bilbao yet
Highs around 24° in August, lows around 9° in January. 107 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C).
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.0°C | 8.5°C | 148 mm |
| February | 12.9°C | 8.8°C | 117 mm |
| March | 13.7°C | 9.4°C | 97 mm |
| April | 15.3°C | 10.9°C | 77 mm |
| May | 17.6°C | 13.4°C | 62 mm |
| June | 20.7°C | 16.5°C | 76 mm |
| July | 23.2°C | 18.8°C | 40 mm |
| August | 24.1°C | 19.5°C | 46 mm |
| September | 22.4°C | 18.1°C | 82 mm |
| October | 20.0°C | 15.4°C | 100 mm |
| November | 15.9°C | 12.0°C | 163 mm |
| December | 14.0°C | 10.1°C | 136 mm |
Bilbao has a mild, damp Atlantic climate. Summers are warm and not extreme; winters are mild and wet, with many grey days and occasional wind from the south that brings a warm spell. Rainfall is 1,146 mm a year (2015–2024), and rain days run at 153 a year (2015–2024).
Very hot days number 0 a year (2015–2024). Frost days are 0 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 107 a year (2015–2024). It is a year-round city for people who accept rain; those who want sun should plan trips.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
68/100 · above average · 32nd of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
9.0% in 2025
8.0% in Q2 2026
€3,529 per m² in Q2 2026
83.9 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Bilbao. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
Guides for the practical side of moving to Spain: residency, housing, healthcare, tax and schools. Where the rules or prices depend on where you live, the guide says so.
Is Spain right for you, when to go, and how to try it before you commit.
Visas, residence permits, the route that fits you, and keeping your status.
Budgeting the first year, banking, tax residency, income and social security.
Employment, remote work, self-employment, running a business and your rights at work.
Choosing where to live, renting safely, buying, and settling into a home.
Public and private care, health cover, and insurance for your life in Spain.
Family, children, and education
Partners, children, schools, childcare and studying in Spain.
Paperwork, identity numbers, belongings, pets, utilities and the first weeks.
Learning Spanish, understanding local life and building a social circle.
Routines, food, local customs, holidays, transport and getting around.
Scams, disputes, emergencies, your rights and where to get help.
Long-term settlement and leaving
Staying for good, long-term residence and citizenship, retiring, or returning home.
You will know where Spanish rentals are found, what they cost, how to time and run a search, and how to judge a flat before you commit.
You will know whether you need an NIE, which route to take and how to handle its paperwork.
Finding your public healthcare route
You will know which route applies to your situation and what, if anything, you have to do to start it.
Becoming a Spanish tax resident
You will know whether and from when Spain taxes you as a resident, and how to keep the evidence to back your position.
School types and choosing a school
You will know which stage your child is in, what each school type means in Spain, and how to shortlist schools that fit your family's stay and goals.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Hills, hiking and the coast at Getxo and Sopelana, with surfing close by. The weather is wet.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Many retirees live in the central districts near the river, where the metro and tram make daily errands easy. Winters are damp and grey, and summers are mild.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Housing, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Bilbao has a long industrial and engineering tradition, and many founders work with energy and industrial clients. Residents of Bilbao are taxed under the Basque foral system, set by the Bizkaia provincial authority rather than by the state tax rules.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Indautxu, Abando and Getxo, on the coast, are the usual addresses, with private clinics and Michelin-starred restaurants nearby. Prime addresses cluster in a few central districts.
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Housing, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Remote workers tend to live in Abando, Indautxu or the old town, working from cafés and coworking spaces. The airport is on the edge of the city and the pintxo bars are the social hub.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Housing, Lifestyle.
Younger people often share flats in the old town, Abando or Deusto, with employers in energy, engineering, finance and services. Evenings revolve around the txikiteo and sport.
Not measured yet: Housing, Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
The Guggenheim, the Fine Arts Museum, concert halls, festivals and a serious food scene. A lot of culture is packed into a mid-sized city.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for culture, food and nightlife: San Sebastián (73), Vitoria-Gasteiz (69)
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
The University of the Basque Country has a campus at Leioa, a metro ride away, and Deusto University sits in its own district by the river. Students share flats in Deusto and the old town.
Better nearby for students: San Sebastián (57)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Housing, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Families often live in Deusto, Indautxu or the surrounding towns on the metro line, with parks and the river promenades for weekends. Many mornings begin on the metro or on foot.
Better nearby for families with children: Vitoria-Gasteiz (60)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Housing, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Budget-minded movers often look at towns along the metro line, such as Barakaldo, or at Santutxu and the left bank. A pass covers metro and tram.
Better nearby for budget-conscious movers: Vitoria-Gasteiz (54), Irun (43), San Sebastián (41)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Housing, Price level vs EU average.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Bilbao as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Bilbao; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €794 a month
Compare with Bilbao70 m²: €645 a month
Compare with Bilbao70 m²: €733 a month
Compare with Bilbao70 m²: €979 a month
Compare with Bilbao70 m²: €692 a month
Compare with BilbaoGuide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
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