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

Should you visit Setubal or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Setubal?

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 Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €121. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Dubrovnik 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Dubrovnik 100
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Dubrovnik? 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 Setubal


Hotels in Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Dubrovnik 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Private Split to Dubrovnik transfer with Mostar tour & Wine: $1,006
  • Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $848
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $702
  • From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $644
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $611
  • Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $585
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $579
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $527
  • One Way Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split: $501
  • Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $494
  • Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $468
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $468

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Setubal 60
    Dubrovnik 57

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 Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
  • Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $140
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
  • Old Town Food Tour: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
  • Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Dubrovnik 19

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $183
  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Évora Catholic History Tour: $101
  • Évora Jewish History Tour: $101
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $56
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $60
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $108
  • Arrábida - Sesimbra: Nature Jeep Tour: $65
  • Arrábida Kayak Tour with Secret Beaches & Beach Picnic: $186
  • Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $72
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $42

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • 1H Sunset cruise around the Old Town Dubrovnik: $30
  • Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat: $275
  • Flavours of Konavle: Wine, Food & Village Life Experience: $239
  • Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat from Koločep: $131
  • Speed Boat Private Tour From Cavtat/Dubrovnik: $298
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $76
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $27
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour : $165
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $60
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $131
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $78
  • 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $93

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Dubrovnik 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

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
  • Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Dubrovnik, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Dubrovnik?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Setubal or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Setubal is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Setubal

Setubal Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)