Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Setubal or Cuenca?
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 Setubal and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Setubal Prices
Portugal PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal $175Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is $175, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Setubal and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal $69Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal $138Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Cuenca? 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.
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: Setubal Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal $64Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
- Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
- Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Setubal 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
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Food Meals for one daySetubal $70Cuenca $26
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
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal $15Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Evora from Celts to Romans: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
- Secrets of Setúbal: 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
- Sesimbra Walking Tour: $42
- Sesimbra : Guided Kayak Tour in Arrábida Natural Park & Caves : $42
- Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $42
- Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $42
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal $12Cuenca $14
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 Setubal and Cuenca, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Setubal is in Europe and Cuenca is in South America, 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Cuenca, 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 Setubal or Cuenca?
Setubal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Setubal or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Cuenca. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Setubal is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. Setubal is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Setubal is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Setubal
| Setubal | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.