Side-by-side city decision # Toulon vs Bilbao. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ToulonFrance2/6 VS BilbaoSpain4/6 $1,528Toulon monthly budget $1,938Bilbao monthly budget 310 MbpsToulon internet 280 MbpsBilbao internet Decision summary Bilbao Bilbao leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Toulon Speed Fastest internet Toulon Vibe Best nomad vibe Bilbao Safety Highest safety Bilbao Air Cleanest air Bilbao Walk Most walkable Bilbao Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Toulon](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/france/toulon.md) France 2/6 Budget$1,528 Internet310 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Bilbao](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/bilbao.md) Spain 4/6 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 MetricToulonBilbao Total estimated budget $1,528 $1,938 1-bed center rent $920 $1,250 Coworking desk $220 $220 Local meal $16.5 $16.5 Cappuccino $3.4 $2.2 Gym membership $42 $45 Transport budget $38 $38 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricToulonBilbao Internet speed 310 Mbps 280 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricToulonBilbao Safety index 68/100 76/100 Air quality 76/100 78/100 Walkability 8/10 9/10 Female safety 7/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricToulonBilbao Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Average Average Climate type Mediterranean Oceanic Best time to visit Apr - Jun 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. [Toulon](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/france/toulon.md) France → ### Strengths * Sunny Mediterranean climate with mild winters * More affordable rents than Nice or central Marseille * Fast fiber internet is widely available * Excellent beaches, islands, and coastal hiking nearby * Walkable central neighborhoods and practical bus network * Strong public healthcare and reliable urban services ### Trade-offs * Smaller international nomad community than larger French cities * English is less common outside tourism and younger social circles * Summer crowds and heat raise prices near the waterfront * Mistral winds can be strong and disruptive * Limited dedicated coworking choice compared with Marseille * French bureaucracy can be slow for housing and administration ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa or visa-free entry (90 days in any 180-day period) * France long-stay visitor visa * French Talent Passport for qualifying employed or self-employed professionals [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.