Cost of Living: Bilbao vs Bologna (2026)
Spain vs Italy — relocation comparison
1BR centre
At each city's local median pay
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- No VAT exemption
- €1800/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €85k
- 26% social
- €1000/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Verdict delivered. Your move.
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · Gallup · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 14 weeks. 2023 reform removed mandatory waiting period.
On request up to 90 days. 7-day waiting period. High rates of conscientious objection limit practical access.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Bilbao vs Bologna — Common Questions
Is Bilbao cheaper than Bologna?▾
Bologna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1130/month there vs $1259/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Bilbao or Bologna?▾
Bologna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bilbao has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Bologna has 0.57 per 100,000.
Should I move to Bilbao or Bologna?▾
Bilbao and Bologna are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Which has better weather, Bilbao or Bologna?▾
Bologna is warmer in summer (88°F vs 77°F). Bilbao has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
Can I live in Bilbao or Bologna without speaking the local language?▾
Bilbao is easier for street-level English (38/100) than Bologna (29/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
What's the cost of rent in Bilbao vs Bologna?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1130/month in Bologna, $1259/month in Bilbao (Numbeo). That's 10% cheaper rent in Bologna.
Is Bilbao or Bologna better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Bilbao scores 8.1/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 7.6/10 for Bologna. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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