Which place is cheaper, Rabat 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 Rabat?
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 Rabat can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Rabat?
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.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
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 in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Setubal Prices
Portugal PricesRabat Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €149Rabat €50
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €50. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Rabat €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Rabat €50
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Rabat? 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 Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Rabat €1.99
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 Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale€3.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $159
- Private transfer from rabat to chefchaouen: $155
- "Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer: Smooth and Comfortable": $140
- Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $119
- Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $70
- Private Transfer from Rabat to Casablanca Airport: $66
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $17
- Transfer from or to airport rabat: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 €60Rabat €20
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 : $225
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi: $35
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $54
- Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $65
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $74
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $78
- Rabat Night Tour with balade Sunset views & Moroccan Dinner : $106
- Rabat Night Tour with traditional Moroccan Dinner : $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Rabat €2.68
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 Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- Car tour in Rabat: $51
- Chefchaouen Full-Day Guided Tour Check-out DE Rabat: $191
- Day Trip from Rabat to Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Ticket : $143
- Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $36
- Full Day Guided Tour from Rabat to Fez: $239
- Full-day guided tour from Rabat to Chefchaouen iconic blue city: $209
- Half-Day Guided Tour of Rabat Highlights: $89
- Local Traditional Hammam Experience in Rabat Medina: $36
- Merzouga Sightseeing Tour by Jeep: $3.58
- Paragliding Experience at Rabat: $78
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $66
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Rabat -
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 Rabat, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Setubal is in Europe and Rabat is in Africa, 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 Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Rabat, 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 Rabat?
Setubal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Setubal or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Setubal usually receives more rain than Rabat. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Setubal is cooler than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Setubal usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.
Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Rabat. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rabat averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rabat. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Setubal
| Setubal | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (4 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.