Why Move to Bilbao?

Bilbao is a city reborn. Once an industrial powerhouse, it has transformed itself into a global center for art, design, and culinary excellence, famously symbolized by the Guggenheim Museum. Unlike the sun-drenched south, Bilbao offers a lush, green landscape and a more temperate climate. Expats are drawn to its sophisticated urban lifestyle, its exceptional quality of life, its cleanliness and safety, and its unique position as the gateway to the stunning Basque coastline and countryside.

Pros and Cons of Living in Bilbao

Weather: The Famous Green Coast

If you love lush, green landscapes, you’ll understand Bilbao’s weather. The climate is Oceanic, meaning mild, damp winters and warm (but rarely scorching) summers. Rain is a frequent feature throughout the year, keeping the surrounding hillsides vibrant and green. Forget the stereotype of a sun-baked Spain; Bilbao offers four distinct seasons and a welcome escape from extreme heat. For detailed trends, see WeatherSpark.

Cost of Living

Bilbao is one of the more affluent cities in Spain, and its cost of living reflects this. While more expensive than cities in the south, it is still generally more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. A single person can expect to live comfortably on €1,800–€2,400 per month. See the latest data on Numbeo.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

• Casco Viejo: The historic “Seven Streets.” A charming maze of narrow alleys packed with pintxos bars, independent shops, and lively atmosphere. It’s the heart and soul of old Bilbao.
• Abando & Indautxu: These two central neighborhoods form Bilbao’s modern commercial and business heart. Here you’ll find elegant apartments, high-end shopping on the Gran Vía, and many of the city’s best restaurants.
• Deusto: Located across the river from the Guggenheim, this area is home to the University of Deusto, giving it a lively, student-focused atmosphere with more affordable housing options.
• Uribarri: A residential area on a hillside offering fantastic views of the city. It’s quieter and more family-oriented, with good connections to the city center via a modern metro line.
• Getxo: Not in Bilbao proper but a nearby coastal suburb, Getxo is a popular choice for expats and families seeking a more relaxed, seaside lifestyle with beautiful beaches and grand old villas, all while being a short metro ride from the city.

Begin your property search on Idealista.

The Legendary Pintxos Culture

In the Basque Country, tapas are elevated to an art form known as **pintxos**. These are small, elaborate snacks, often served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick. The culture of *txikiteo* involves hopping from bar to bar, enjoying a small glass of wine (*txikito*) or beer (*zurito*) and one or two pintxos at each stop. The bars of the Casco Viejo are famous for their elaborate displays, turning a simple night out into a gastronomic adventure.

Work and Career

Bilbao has a strong, modern economy based on services, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Key sectors include finance (the BBVA bank was founded here), engineering, and renewable energy. For expats, opportunities often exist for highly skilled professionals in these fields, as well as in academia and English teaching. The city is home to a growing number of startups and tech companies.

Getting Around

Bilbao boasts a superb public transport system. The metro, designed by architect Norman Foster, is a work of art in itself and is clean, fast, and efficient. It connects the city center with the suburbs and the coast. The city also has a modern tram line, an extensive bus network (Bilbobus), and is very pedestrian-friendly, with a lovely promenade running along the Nervión River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Spanish and Basque (Euskera)?

Everyone in Bilbao speaks Spanish fluently. For daily life, Spanish is all you need. However, the Basque language, Euskera, is co-official and a vital part of the local identity. You will see and hear it everywhere. Learning a few basic phrases will be deeply appreciated and is essential for roles in public administration.

Is Bilbao really as rainy as people say?

Yes, it does rain significantly more in Bilbao and Northern Spain than in the rest of the country. However, this doesn’t mean it rains all day. Often, it’s a passing shower followed by sun. The constant rain is what keeps the landscape so beautifully green and lush.

How does Bilbao compare to a city like Barcelona?

Both are modern, culturally rich cities in autonomous regions. However, Bilbao is smaller, less crowded with tourists, and feels more authentically Basque than cosmopolitan. Barcelona has a Mediterranean beach-party vibe, while Bilbao is more sophisticated, focused on gastronomy, and connected to the wilder Atlantic coast.

Explore Other Destinations

Spain is a country of diverse regions and lifestyles. If you’re still exploring your options, browse our other destination guides to find your perfect match.