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

Should you visit Setubal or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Sao Paulo?

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.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo is €51. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Sao Paulo 24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Sao Paulo 48
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo


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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Sao Paulo 4.90

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Ilhabela Port: $295
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
  • Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo 21

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Sao Paulo 3.31

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
  • 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Sao Paulo 2.88

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


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

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Setubal has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Setubal or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

Both Sao Paulo and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Setubal is cooler than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Sao Paulo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Setubal is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Sao Paulo. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the activities around the city.

In April, Setubal is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Setubal

Setubal Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)