As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’m here to help you compare Bilbao and Budapest for your backpacking adventure, focusing on verified data and realistic estimates.

Which City Offers a More Budget-Friendly Experience?

Budapest generally provides a more budget-friendly experience for backpackers compared to Bilbao. While backpackers typically spend €35-55 per day in many European cities, Budapest often allows travelers to stay closer to the lower end, or even below, this range due to a lower cost of living. Bilbao, as a Western European city, typically aligns with the mid-to-higher end of that general European daily budget.

What Are Typical Accommodation Costs?

Hostel beds in European cities typically range from €15-30 per night. In Budapest, you can often find comfortable hostel options closer to the €15-20 mark, especially outside peak season. Bilbao’s hostels, reflecting Western European pricing, may more frequently fall into the €20-30 range, and sometimes higher for central locations or better amenities.

How Much Should I Budget for Food?

For food, backpackers typically budget €10-20 per day. Meals at local restaurants in Europe often cost €8-15. In Budapest, inexpensive local eateries (“kifőzde”) and street food can offer meals for €5-10, while supermarket groceries are also quite affordable. In Bilbao, a “menu del día” (set lunch) can be a great value at €12-18, but individual meals outside of this may start from €10-15 and go upwards. Generally, Budapest offers more readily available budget-friendly food options.

What About Local Transportation Costs?

Local public transport (metro, bus, tram) typically costs €5-10 per day if utilizing multiple rides or a daily pass in European cities. Both Bilbao and Budapest boast efficient transport systems. Budapest’s single tickets and daily passes are generally recognized as more affordable than those in Western European cities like Bilbao, where single tickets might be around €1.50-€2.00 and day passes €5-€7 (estimated based on typical EU city costs).

What About Seasonal Price Differences?

Across Europe, spring and fall (estimated April-May, September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months. Shoulder seasons often provide a good balance of pleasant weather and reduced costs in both Bilbao and Budapest. Prices generally increase during major holidays or events in either city.

Overall Daily Budget Estimate

Factoring in accommodation (€15-30), food (€10-20), and transport (€5-10), a backpacker in Europe might estimate a daily budget of €30-60. Budapest often allows travelers to stay comfortably within the €30-45 range, while Bilbao might necessitate a budget closer to €45-60. Remember that resources like AllInMap can help find free amenities and reduce spending on activities in any city.