Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Gdansk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Gdansk or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gdansk or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Gdansk or Bilbao?
Gdansk
Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.
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 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Gdansk Prices
Poland PricesBilbao Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGdansk $77Bilbao $200
The average daily cost (per person) in Gdansk is $77, 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 Gdansk and Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGdansk $30Bilbao $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGdansk $60Bilbao $170
Compare Hotels in Gdansk and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Gdansk 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.
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: Gdansk Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gdansk $9.47Bilbao $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:
- Aiport Gdansk Transfer to Malbork Castle or Stutthof : $298
- CO2-OffsetArrival Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City: $72
- Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $59
- Gdansk to Torun Private Transfer : $145
- Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $99
- Gun Shooting Experience with Hotel Transfers Gdansk: $84
- Indoor Go Karting Package in Gdansk with Hotel Transfers : $130
- Luxury Limousine Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) : $136
- Private Round Trip Transfers from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Gdansk: $118
- Private Round-Trip Transfers: Gdansk Airport (GDN): $148
- Private Transfer From the Port Gdynia to Gdansk Old Town: $114
- Private Transfer Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City/Sopot/Gdynia: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $105
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $52
- Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $52
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $85
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $105
- Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $80
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $60
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Gdansk or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Gdansk 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
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Food Meals for one dayGdansk $39Bilbao $91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.
- Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $100
- Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Gdansk: $118
- Foodpairing dinner in one of the best restaurants in Gdansk: $160
- Sopot: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $193
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
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $119
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $125
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $149
- Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
- Private Guided Street Food Tour of Bilbao: $182
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gdansk $9.03Bilbao $34
Tours and Activities in Gdansk
Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Legends and Liberty Gdansk Old Town Tour: $5.55
- Discover Gdansk Walking Tour: $5.97
- Cruises on the Motlawa River by a luxury catamaran - Gdańsk from the water side: $19
- Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $22
- Gdansk Guided City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat: $23
- Sunset on the Shipyard and Old Town Evening Cruise: $24
- Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour: $26
- Private 2-Hour Tour with City Game in Gdańsk: $28
- Culinary cruises - pierogi tasting Shipyard and Port: $32
- Gdańsk: City Sightseeing Tour by Buggy/Golf Cart LIVE GUIDED 1H: $32
- GDANSK City Tour by Golf Cart Live Guide & City Sightseeing 60min: $34
- Outdoor Murder Mystery Adventure in Gdansk: $35
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Year of Love: Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
- Bilbao (Monumental) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $12
- Walking Tour on the Origins of Football in Bilbao and Biscay: $12
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
- I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $20
- Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
- Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
- Bilbao Historical Tour in small group: $23
- Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGdansk $5.26Bilbao $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:
- Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $26
- Polish Spirits tasting in Gdańsk Craft Distillery tawern: $37
- #1 Pub Crawl in Sopot: $44
- Exclusive Gdańsk Wine Tour with Polish Wine Tastings: $96
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
- The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local: $118
- Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $119
- 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
- La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $275
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gdansk and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Gdansk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gdansk Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gdansk or Bilbao?
Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Gdansk 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 Gdansk or Bilbao?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Gdansk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gdansk is generally cooler than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gdansk. Gdansk usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Gdansk gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Gdansk usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGdansk 17°C (63°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Gdansk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Gdansk is much colder than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gdansk averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Gdansk often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gdansk usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGdansk 8°C (46°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gdansk and Bilbao. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gdansk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gdansk is much colder than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gdansk in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Gdansk usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Gdansk gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gdansk usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGdansk -2°C (28°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Gdansk or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gdansk as well as Bilbao. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In April, Gdansk is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gdansk average around 6°C (43°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Gdansk often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Gdansk usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Gdansk gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGdansk 6°C (43°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Gdansk
| Gdansk | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.