[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Fukuoka vs Bilbao. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link FukuokaJapan2 VS BilbaoSpain2 $1,280Fukuoka monthly budget $1,938Bilbao monthly budget 180 MbpsFukuoka internet 280 MbpsBilbao internet Decision summary No universal winner The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit. Cost Best budget Fukuoka Speed Fastest internet Bilbao Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Fukuoka Air Cleanest air Tie Walk Most walkable Bilbao Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan 2/6 Budget$1,280 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Bilbao](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/bilbao.md) Spain 2/6 Budget$1,938 Internet280 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $1,280 $1,938 1-bed center rent $650 $1,250 Coworking desk $220 $220 Local meal $6.8 $16.5 Cappuccino $3.5 $2.2 Gym membership $65 $45 Transport budget $70 $38 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 180 Mbps 280 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 87/100 76/100 Air quality 78/100 78/100 Walkability 8/10 9/10 Female safety 9/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Average Average Climate type Humid subtropical Oceanic Best time to visit Oct - Nov May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan → ### Strengths * Lower living costs than Tokyo and Osaka * Fast, reliable fiber internet and extensive 5G * Exceptionally safe and clean urban environment * Excellent ramen, seafood, and casual dining * Airport is remarkably close to the city center * Walkable core with efficient subway connections ### Trade-offs * Summer heat, humidity, and typhoon risk can be intense * English is limited outside international-facing businesses * Apartments often require substantial upfront move-in fees * Digital-nomad community is smaller than Tokyo's * Some smaller shops and bars remain cash-oriented * Visa options for long-term remote workers are restrictive ### Common visa routes * Japan Digital Nomad Visa * Temporary Visitor Visa Waiver * Working Holiday Visa [Bilbao](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/bilbao.md) Spain → ### Strengths * Very walkable center with efficient metro, tram, and bus links * Excellent pintxos, Basque food culture, and fresh Atlantic produce * Reliable high-speed fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * High public safety and excellent Spanish healthcare access * Green hills, beaches, and hiking are close to the city * More relaxed and less tourist-saturated than Barcelona or Madrid ### Trade-offs * Frequent rain and cloudy weather can affect outdoor plans * Long-term rents have risen sharply and good flats move quickly * English is less widely spoken than in Spain's biggest expat hubs * Winters are damp, and many homes need good heating and dehumidifying * Coworking and nomad networking options are limited compared with Madrid * Airport connections often require a transfer for long-haul travel ### Common visa routes * Spain Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa-free or tourist stay * Spanish non-lucrative residence visa Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.