Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Christchurch?
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 Christchurch or Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Setubal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Christchurch or Setubal?
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.
The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.
Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.
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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesSetubal Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Setubal $175
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $175. 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 Christchurch and Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Setubal $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Setubal $138
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch 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: Christchurch Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Setubal $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
- Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
- Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal and Christchurch 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 dayChristchurch $53Setubal $70
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Setubal $15
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Setubal $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
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 Christchurch and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Setubal is in Europe, 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Christchurch.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Setubal?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Setubal?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Setubal in the Summer?
Both Setubal and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In January, Christchurch is generally cooler than Setubalin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Setubalin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Setubalin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Setubal in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Setubal. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Christchurch is much colder than Setubal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Setubalin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Setubal in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Setubal. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Setubal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Setubal averages at about 12°C (53°F)in January.
In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Setubalin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Setubal. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Setubalin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Setubal in the Spring?
Both Setubal and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In October, Christchurch is generally cooler than Setubalin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Setubalin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.