A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Setubal vs. Porto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Porto?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Porto?

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.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto 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 Porto is €160. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Porto 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Porto 144
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Porto? 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 Porto


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 Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Porto 21

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Private transfer between Porto and Algarve with 1 stop: $558
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon from Tarouca: $293
  • Private Transfer to Porto from Tarouca: $135
  • Funchal to Porto Moniz: Volcanic Pools Day Transfer: $70
  • Service Transfer Airport to Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia: $64
  • Madeira: Porto da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour with Transfer: $39
  • Transfer Oporto - Aeroport / Up to 4 passengers: $30
  • Porto Airport Transfer: $24
  • Madeira: Vereda do Larano Trail One-Way Transfer Service: $23
  • Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Valenca Do Minho Station: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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
    Porto 63

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

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

  • Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Porto 25

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

Tours and Activities in Porto

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

  • 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $215
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $52
  • Aveiro and Costa Nova Half Day Tour from Porto with Boat Ride: $55
  • Braga & Guimarães Small Group Tour: Lunch & All Tickets Included: $167
  • Breathtaking Nature in Gerês Park - Private tour from Porto: $130
  • Daytime Sailing Adventure near Lagos and Luz!: $167
  • Douro Sunset Sailboat Experience in Porto: $70
  • Douro Valley : 2 wineries, Tastings, Lunch & Scenic River Cruise: $161
  • Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch: $113
  • Douro Valley and Régua Panoramic Cruise with Lunch from Porto: $92
  • Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise: $106
  • Douro: luxury & private tour with picnic lunch at Quinta da Roêda: $293

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Porto 19

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 Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Luxury Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting & Snacks: $54
  • Port Wine Tour | 3 Cellars | 7 Tastings | 12 Participants Maximum: $60
  • Port Wine Lodges Tour Including 7 Port Wine Tastings (English): $62
  • Authentic Food and Wine Tour in Porto by Food Lover Tour: $81
  • Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch from Porto : $96
  • Douro Valley Wine Tour: 3 Vineyard Visits, Wine Tastings, Lunch: $113
  • Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise: $118
  • Douro Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery and Lunch From Porto: $131
  • Authentic Small Group Douro Wine Tour with Lunch & River Cruise: $131
  • Small Group Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch and Cruise: $149
  • Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Boat: $150
  • Douro Valley Tour - 3 Wine tastings, Lunch & river Cruise: $152


When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Porto, we can see that Porto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Setubal is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Porto. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Setubal is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Porto. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Porto in the Winter?

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

In January, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto 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 Porto. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Porto. Additionally, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Setubal is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Porto. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Setubal

Setubal Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)