A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Gijon vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gijon or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gijon 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: Gijon or Bilbao?

Gijon

Gijon is a coastal city of the Asturias Principality of Spain. Known for its Roman past, museums, sculptures, and architecture, visitors have many opportunities to learn about Gijon's cultural and historic past. Given its location by the sea, the city is also skirted by a few nice beaches for a more leisurely getaway.

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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Gijon?

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

  • Gijon Prices
    Spain Prices
    Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gijon 142
    Bilbao 170

The average daily cost (per person) in Gijon is €142, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. 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 Gijon and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gijon 80
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gijon 160
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Gijon and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Gijon 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 Gijon


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: Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gijon 9.69
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gijon:

  • Private Transfer from Gijon Cruise Port to Asturias Airport (OVD): $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private One way Transfer from Bilbao to Bilbao Airport: $36
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $52
  • Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $52
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Business Car: $60
  • Departure Transfer: Bilbao to Bilbao Airport BIO by Luxury Van: $67
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $71
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $80
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $85
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao City Hotels: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Gijon or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Gijon 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
    Gijon 54
    Bilbao 77
Typical Food Prices in Gijon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gijon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    22

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gijon 12
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Gijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gijon are as follows:

  • Gijón Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Experience: $10
  • Tour to Lakes of Covadonga, Onís Cangas and Ballasts from Gijón: $50
  • Private Tour of Gijón: $87
  • Hiking Experience in Asturias, from Gijón or Oviedo: $102
  • Classic romantic walking tour in Gijon: $210
  • Fascinating Memories of the Gijon Walking Tour: $227

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gijon 14
    Bilbao 21

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 Gijon and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Gijon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gijon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gijon 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 Gijon.

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


Which is Bigger, Gijon or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Gijon. When comparing the sizes of Gijon 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 Gijon 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 Gijon or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gijon and Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gijon is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gijon average around 19°C (65°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Gijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gijon usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Gijon gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gijon usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Gijon gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gijon 19°C (65°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Gijon or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gijon as well as Bilbao. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Gijon is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gijon averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Gijon often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Gijon gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Gijon usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Gijon gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gijon 16°C (60°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Gijon or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Gijon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Gijon is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gijon in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Gijon usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Gijon gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Gijon. In January, Gijon usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Gijon gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gijon 10°C (49°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gijon or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Gijon during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In April, Gijon is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Gijon average around 11°C (53°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Gijon often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Gijon gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gijon usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Gijon gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gijon 11°C (53°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Gijon

Gijon Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 14°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)