Cities · Spain

ES Bilbao — cost of living

What it actually costs to live in Bilbao, Spain. Monthly rent, utilities, groceries, and transit costs sourced from national statistical offices and municipal data.

Total monthly essentials: approximately €1,430/month for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). Lifestyle and neighbourhood swing this 30–50% either way.

Cost breakdown

Item	Monthly / item cost	Source
1-bedroom flat, city centre	€1,000/mo	Idealista free-sector market average ↗
Rent per square metre	€14.50/m²	Idealista Q4 2024 market average ↗
Utilities (85m² flat)	€130/mo	OCU consumer-association 2025 estimate ↗
Public transport pass	€40/mo	Bilbobus / Metro Bilbao combined ↗
Groceries, one person	€260/mo	OCU 2025 basket study ↗
Restaurant meal, average	€16	Bilbao mid-range dining estimate ↗

Figures reflect the most recent published statistical data; individual experience varies with district and lifestyle.

Visa routes for Spain

Relevant residence permits to move to Bilbao. Full detail on the Spain country brief.

VisaDigital Nomad Visa (DNV)Non-EEA remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside Spain.VisaHighly Qualified Professional (HQP) residence permitNon-EEA professionals hired by Spanish companies for roles requiring recognised qualifications.VisaStartup / Entrepreneur VisaNon-EEA founders with an innovative business idea of strategic interest to Spain.VisaNon-Lucrative Visa (NLV / Residencia No Lucrativa)Self-funded non-EEA movers (retirees, passive-income earners) not working in Spain.

Other cities in Spain

CityBarcelona CityMadrid CitySeville CityValencia

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