Choosing between Bilbao and Lille for a backpacking adventure involves weighing cultural experiences, local flavors, and budget considerations. Both cities offer unique appeal, and understanding their costs can help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?
Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, and both Bilbao and Lille generally fall within this range. While specific daily costs can fluctuate, Lille might be marginally more budget-friendly due to its slightly lower cost of living compared to parts of Spain.
A typical daily budget breakdown for either city could be:
- Accommodation (hostel dorm): €15-30 per night
- Food: €10-20 per day (mix of groceries, street food, and casual meals)
- Local Transport: €5-10 per day
- Activities/Entrance Fees: €5-15 per day (many free options available)
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare for Backpackers?
For backpackers, hostel dorm beds in both Bilbao and Lille typically range from €15-30 per night. Prices can vary based on location, amenities, and booking in advance. During peak seasons (e.g., summer), prices in both cities tend to be at the higher end of this estimate. Lille may have a slightly wider availability of budget accommodations.
What Are Typical Food Expenses?
Food expenses are quite comparable. Self-catering from local supermarkets allows for meals as low as €3-7. Casual meals or street food (like pintxos in Bilbao or frites in Lille) can cost €5-10. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in European cities. Bilbao is famous for its affordable pintxos culture, which can be a budget-friendly way to eat. Lille offers hearty Northern French cuisine which can also be economical.
How Accessible and Affordable is Public Transport?
Both Bilbao and Lille boast efficient and affordable public transport systems, typically costing €5-10 per day for multiple rides or a day pass. Bilbao has a modern metro, tram, and bus network. Lille’s metro, tram, and bus system is also comprehensive and easy to navigate. Both cities are also very walkable, especially in their central areas, allowing backpackers to save on transport costs.
Seasonal Pricing and General Tips
Spring and fall typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights than the busy summer months in both Bilbao and Lille. Traveling during these shoulder seasons can lead to significant savings. Regardless of your choice, tools like AllInMap can help you discover free amenities and attractions, further stretching your travel budget.
