Cost of Living: Bilbao vs Funchal (2026)
Spain vs Portugal — relocation comparison
The Short Version
- •Rent is 20% cheaper in Bilbao ($1259/mo vs $1568/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Bilbao (25°C vs 24°C).
- •Street-level English is easier in Funchal (72/100 vs 38/100).
Bilbao vs Funchal — Common Questions
Is Bilbao cheaper than Funchal?▾
Bilbao is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1259/month in Bilbao vs $1568/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Bilbao or Funchal?▾
Bilbao is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bilbao has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Funchal has 0.72 per 100,000.
Should I move to Bilbao or Funchal?▾
Bilbao and Funchal 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.
Can I live in Bilbao or Funchal without speaking the local language?▾
Funchal is easier for street-level English (72/100) than Bilbao (38/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
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