A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chefchaouen vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chefchaouen and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Chefchaouen or Bilbao?

Chefchaouen

To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Chefchaouen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chefchaouen is $78, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $200. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chefchaouen and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chefchaouen $27
    Bilbao $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chefchaouen $54
    Bilbao $170
Compare Hotels in Chefchaouen and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Chefchaouen or Bilbao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chefchaouen


Hotels in Bilbao


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chefchaouen Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chefchaouen $17
    Bilbao $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander Airport : $277
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to Santander Port: $277
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $228
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $176
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $176
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria Airport : $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Chefchaouen or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Chefchaouen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chefchaouen $34
    Bilbao $91
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:


  • Lunch for Two
    $9.96
  • Dinner for Two
    $11
  • Cupcake
    $0.33
  • Nutella and Yogurt
    $2.21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $120
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $126
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $150
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
  • Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $216

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chefchaouen $18
    Bilbao $34

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4-hour Private Bilbao City Walking Tour: $213
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $107
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $473
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $42
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,315
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $246
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $308
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $414
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $297
  • Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $53
  • Bilbao All Iron Tour: Guggenheim and San Mamés with Lunch: $295
  • Bilbao Electric Bike Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chefchaouen $15
    Bilbao $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $120
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $198
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao: $274
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $287


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chefchaouen and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chefchaouen is in Africa and Bilbao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Chefchaouen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chefchaouen Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chefchaouen or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Chefchaouen and Bilbao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chefchaouen as well as Bilbao. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 24°C (74°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chefchaouen this time of the year. In the summer, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 346 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Chefchaouen usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Chefchaouen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Chefchaouen is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chefchaouen averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Chefchaouen gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Chefchaouen during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Chefchaouen is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chefchaouen in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chefchaouen and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

In April, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 15°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Chefchaouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Chefchaouen gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Chefchaouen gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 127 mm (5 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)