Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Setubal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Setubal?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Setubal €123
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Setubal is €123. 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 Athens and Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Setubal €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Setubal €118
Compare Hotels in Athens and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Setubal? 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Setubal €54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,682
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,043
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $459
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $447
- Athens Airport Taxi Transfer to Ermioni - Private for up to 4 pax: $299
- Private Transfer from Athens to Epidaurus or Epidavros: $299
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $298
- Athens airport to Costa Navarino transfer or Costa Navarino to Athens: $290
- Luxury Private Transfer from Athens to Kymi Port: $283
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $283
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Return Transfer to Cape Sounio: $272
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $196
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $147
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to / From Lisbon: $52
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
- Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Setubal €35
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Oriental Kitchen Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Setubal €12
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $150
- Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruiser: $75
- Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $272
- DELPHI and THERMOPYLAE: Full Day Private Tour Visit Arachova 8 H: $203
- Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $259
- Highlights Athens History Tour: $36
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Private Full Day Tour in Delphi: $212
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $283
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Athens Highlights Tour : Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more.": $154
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: $106
- Évora Catholic History Tour: $84
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $54
- Évora With Love Walking Tours: $54
- Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
- Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
- 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
- Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
- Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Setubal €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Pub Crawl: $26
- Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $38
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
- Private Wine Tasting near Acropolis: $71
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
- Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $65
- Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
- Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
- Half-Day Tour to Arrabida from Sesimbra with Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $109
- Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $151
- Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $169
- 4x4 Cork Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $174
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Setubal, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Setubal?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Setubal, 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 Athens or Setubal?
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 Athens or Setubal in the Summer?
Both Setubal and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Setubal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Setubal averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Setubal. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Athens or Setubal in the Autumn?
Both Setubal and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in October than Setubal. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Athens or Setubal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Setubal. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Athens is cooler than Setubal in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Setubal. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Athens or Setubal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Setubal. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Athens is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Setubal averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Setubal. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Athens
| Athens | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.