Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Setubal Prices
Portugal PricesSan Sebastian Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €149San Sebastian €113
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €113. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Setubal and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54San Sebastian €13
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $280
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $280
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
- Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116
- Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
- Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 €60San Sebastian €55
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 San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
- Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
- Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
- Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $165
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
- Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $190
- Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $196
- Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $232
- San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
- Small Group Food Tour: Biarritz, St.Jean de Luz and Hondarribia: $288
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12San Sebastian €32
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- " Basque Farm House & Cider house" tour + meal from San Sebastian: $111
- "A la Vasca" - Top Notch Gastro Cultural Experience: $208
- A Perfect Start to your SS visit! City/cultural Tour: $65
- BASQUE CRAFT BEER and FOOD - Private Gastronomic Adventure: $214
- Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $94
- Bilbao City Tour from San Sebastian: $113
- Camino de Santiago trail. Private trekking tour along the coast: $298
- City tour, bike ride: $54
- Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $196
- Countryside & Coast Private tour : $274
- Discover San Sebastián’s Best Pintxos on a Unique Culinary Tour: $208
- Ebike and Pintxos tour: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10San Sebastian €20
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 San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
- San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $132
- Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $177
- Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $208
- Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $286
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and San Sebastian, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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 Setubal or San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Setubal is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Setubal or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and San Sebastian. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Setubal or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as San Sebastian. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Setubal is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Setubal or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.
In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Setubal
| Setubal | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.