Spain · Basque Country
Living & working in Bilbao
Everything a professional needs to relocate to Bilbao, Spain — costs, salaries, visas, neighborhoods, healthcare and more.
Tier
3
Population
345k
Cost index
65
1BR rent / mo
$1,430
Deep dives on Bilbao
Living in Bilbao
Daily life, neighborhoods, and what to expect.
Working in Bilbao
Job market, hiring cycles, and work culture.
Cost of Living in Bilbao
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities in one place.
Rent in Bilbao
Rental prices and tenancy practices.
Healthcare in Bilbao
Public coverage, private insurance, and access.
Schools in Bilbao
International schools, curricula, and admissions.
Best Areas in Bilbao
Where expats and professionals actually live.
Public Transport in Bilbao
Metro, buses, taxis, and commuting times.
Safety in Bilbao
Crime rates, areas to avoid, and emergency contacts.
Internet in Bilbao
Connectivity, average speeds, and providers.
Weather in Bilbao
Climate, seasons, and what to pack.
Taxes in Bilbao
Income tax rates, social contributions, and treaties.
Banking in Bilbao
Opening an account, transfers, and digital banking.
Work Culture in Bilbao
Norms, hours, hierarchy, and communication style.
Moving Checklist in Bilbao
Pre-arrival and first-90-days task list.
Salaries in Bilbao
Software Engineer
$53k – $98k
Data Scientist
$58k – $108k
Product Manager
$64k – $119k
Business Analyst
$41k – $77k
UX / Product Designer
$44k – $83k
Marketing Manager
$44k – $81k
Sales Manager
$47k – $88k
Finance Analyst
$44k – $83k
HR Manager
$40k – $74k
Doctor
$77k – $144k
Nurse
$36k – $67k
Teacher
$28k – $52k
Pilot
$61k – $113k
Chef
$26k – $49k
Electrician
$31k – $57k
Construction Worker
$25k – $46k
Truck Driver
$29k – $53k
Logistics Manager
$44k – $81k
Customer Support
$23k – $43k
Healthcare Worker
$31k – $57k
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FAQs about Bilbao
Is Bilbao a good place to live for expats?+
Bilbao is a Tier-3 city in Spain with strong infrastructure for international residents. Moderate English proficiency simplifies daily life for English-speaking professionals.
What is the average cost of living in Bilbao?+
A single professional in Bilbao typically spends around $2,470/month including rent, food, transport and utilities.
How much is rent in Bilbao?+
A central 1-bedroom apartment in Bilbao averages ~$1,430/month. Suburban areas run 25–40% lower.
What's the population of Bilbao?+
Bilbao has a metro population of approximately 0.34M.
Is Bilbao safe?+
Bilbao's central and residential districts are generally safe with standard urban precautions. Refer to the safety guide for area-specific notes.