A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Setubal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Seoul or Setubal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Setubal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Seoul or Setubal?

Seoul

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Seoul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $128, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $175. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seoul and Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $54
    Setubal $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $108
    Setubal $138
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Setubal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Seoul


Hotels in Setubal


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Seoul Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $15
    Setubal $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:


  • Subway Card
    $3.58
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.01
  • Metro Ride
    $0.97
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $204
  • Private Transfer from Seoul to Incheon Cruise Terminal(12 pax): $190
  • Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
  • Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $164
  • Seoul Incheon Airport ICN to Seoul - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • Private transfer from Seoul hotel to Seoul Station and so on: $132
  • Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
  • Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
  • Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
  • [Cherry blossom]Gyeongju Tour from SEOUL transfer to BUSAN: $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
  • Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal and Seoul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Seoul $51
    Setubal $70
Typical Food Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.30
  • Waffle
    $0.72
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.43
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $3.94
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.43
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.36
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.30
  • Donut
    $0.72
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.72
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.36
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.01
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.44
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.22
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.58
  • Fried Rice
    $3.94
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $6.80
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $6.80
  • Donut
    $1.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.

  • Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
  • Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
  • [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
  • Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
  • Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
  • Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
  • Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
  • Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
  • Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
  • Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $26
    Setubal $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:


  • Palace Tickets
    $5.73
  • Movie Ticket
    $5.73
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.15

Tours and Activities in Seoul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:

  • DMZ, Eunpyeong village and Jinkwansa Temple Private Tour : $212
  • Private Garden of Morning Calm Experience: $267
  • Private Tour Nami Island & Morning Calm Garden: $256
  • Seoul National Museum Walking Tour Experience: $35
  • (Closed) Korea’s White House Walking Tour Blue House: $148
  • (Small Group) Art and Architecture tour of Seoul: $121
  • 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
  • 2 Hours Seoul Private Walking Tour Including Pick up: $59
  • 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul: $29
  • 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
  • 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $30
  • Aegibong DMZ and Eunpyeong Hanok Village One Day Tour from Seoul: $51

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Evora from Celts to Romans: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Explore the Highlights of Evora: Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $8.32
  • Wines tour and tasting with history in Atalaia: $18
  • Underwater viewing tours along the coast of Sesimbra: $30
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • Gatsby Experience: The Bartender Challenge: $30
  • Kayaking experience on DE beaches DA Arrábida: $36
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $42
  • Sesimbra : Guided Kayak Tour in Arrábida Natural Park & Caves : $42
  • Sesimbra Walking Tour: $42
  • Kayak Tour with Guide in Sesimbra: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $12
    Setubal $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl: $25
  • The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
  • LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
  • Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
  • Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
  • Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
  • Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
  • Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
  • Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $156
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $213


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Setubal is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal than you might in Seoul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Seoul or Setubal?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Setubal, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Seoul or Setubal?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seoul or Setubal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Setubal. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Setubal. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Seoul 26°C (78°F) 
    Setubal 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Seoul or Setubal in the Autumn?

Both Setubal and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

Seoul is cooler than Setubal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Setubal. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Seoul 15°C (59°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Seoul or Setubal in the Winter?

Both Setubal and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Setubal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Setubal averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Setubal. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.

Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Setubal. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Seoul -3°C (27°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Seoul or Setubal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Setubal. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Seoul is generally cooler than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Setubal. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Seoul 13°C (55°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Seoul

Seoul Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 369 mm (14.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (80°F) 294 mm (11.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 0°C (33°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)