Where to live in Bilbao and the Basque Country

Key rules

• Cost: Vitoria-Gasteiz is cheaper than Bilbao or San Sebastián, and San Sebastián is the priciest.
• Professionals: Abando and Indautxu in Bilbao are the usual choice for professionals and expats.
• Families: Deusto and Getxo in Bilbao, Antiguo in San Sebastián, and Zabalgana and Salburua in Vitoria suit families.
• Short-term lets: In central San Sebastián, check whether a flat is a short-term let or a long-term rental.

Which city fits you

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the cheapest of the three, Bilbao sits in the middle, and San Sebastián is the most expensive and the hardest to find a flat in. Vitoria is compact and bike-friendly. San Sebastián has some of the highest rents in Spain outside Madrid and Barcelona, and supply is tight. Pick the city first, then shortlist two or three areas.

Bilbao

• Abando and Indautxu: central, elegant, commercial and well connected. These are the usual choice for professionals and expats. Abando is around Gran Vía and the Guggenheim area.
• Casco Viejo (Siete Calles): the historic old town, lively, full of pintxo bars and busy at night. Expect noise.
• Deusto: near the university. It suits students and families.
• Basurto, Santutxu and Bilbao La Vieja/San Francisco: cheaper and more multicultural. Some parts are still in transition, so walk the street before you commit.
• Zorrotzaurre: a developing riverside area.
• Getxo (Algorta, Neguri): wealthier suburbs on the right bank, popular with families and international staff. The metro takes about 20–30 minutes to the centre.

San Sebastián (Donostia)

• Centro/Área Romana and Parte Vieja: central, touristy and expensive, with many short-term lets. Ask whether a flat is a short-term let or a long-term rental.
• Gros: trendy and young, near Zurriola beach, with bars and surf. Rental demand is good, so expect competition.
• Antiguo: residential and family-friendly, near Ondarreta beach and the university campus.
• Amara Berri: modern and practical, with shops and transport.
• Egia: rising and more affordable.
• Ategorrieta/Intxaurrondo and Altza: cheaper, more local and residential. This is where to look for lower rent.
• Igeldo and Miramón: quieter, upscale hillside areas. Miramón has the technology park.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

• Casco Medieval: the old town, atmospheric and central, with older buildings.
• Ensanche: the elegant central shopping area.
• El Pilar and Coronación: central, well connected and mid-priced.
• Zabalgana and Salburua: modern, green expansion districts with newer flats and good facilities. They are family-oriented. Salburua has a wetlands park.
• Lakua and Arriaga: newer, family-friendly districts in the north.
• Sansomendi, Adurza and Txagorritxu: residential and mid-priced.
• Judimendi and Zaramaga: more affordable and working-class.

How to decide

Prices and character change from street to street, so compare current listings street by street. Visit each shortlisted area in the evening and at the weekend, and check the travel time to your work or school. The checklist below walks you through this.

Checklist

• Decide which city fits you: Bilbao, San Sebastián or Vitoria-Gasteiz.

• Shortlist two or three areas that match your household, such as Abando or Indautxu in Bilbao, Antiguo in San Sebastián, or Salburua in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

• Compare current listings for each shortlisted area, street by street.

• Visit each shortlisted area in the evening and at the weekend to see the noise and nightlife.

• Check the transport links from each area to your work or school.

• Ask in San Sebastián whether a flat is a short-term let or a long-term rental, as the centre and old town have many short-term lets.

Frequently asked questions

Which Bilbao area suits a family with children?

Deusto is a good Bilbao area for families, because the university is there and it is residential. If you want a wealthier suburb, Getxo (Algorta, Neguri) is popular with families and international staff.

Where can I find cheaper rent in San Sebastián?

Egia, Ategorrieta/Intxaurrondo and Altza are the cheaper San Sebastián areas to look at. Egia is rising, while the other two are more local and residential.

Is Vitoria-Gasteiz cheaper than Bilbao or San Sebastián?

Yes, Vitoria-Gasteiz is cheaper than both Bilbao and San Sebastián, and it is compact and bike-friendly. Judimendi and Zaramaga are the most affordable districts. Zabalgana and Salburua are modern, green and family-oriented.