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

Should you visit Dahab or Setubal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Dahab and Setubal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Dahab or Setubal?

Dahab

Dahab is a small town on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It is located about 85 kilometers north of Sharm el-Sheikh and sits on the Gulf of Aqaba. It's a popular destination with divers and backpackers alike, and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving that you'll find in the Red Sea. It's a great alternative to the resort driven Sharm el-Sheikh, and is popular with independent travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation. There are some upmarket options however, predominantly in the Laguna area, but budget facilities are not hard to find.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Dahab?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dahab is $13, while the average daily cost in Setubal is $132. 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 Dahab and Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dahab $6.09
    Setubal $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dahab $12
    Setubal $126
Compare Hotels in Dahab and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Dahab 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.

Hotels in Dahab


Hotels in Setubal


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: Dahab Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dahab $1.92
    Setubal $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

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

  • Private Pickup Transfers From Dahab To Cairo: $260
  • Private Transfer From Dahab To Taba border group from 1 to 12: $220
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Dahab to Taba: $120
  • Private Transfer from Dahab to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) Airport: $109
  • Private Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH) Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Hotel in Dahab To Sharm el Sheikh Airport: $55
  • Sharm el-Sheikh: 1-Way or Round-Trip Transfer to Dahab: $38
  • Dahab Private Transfer To/From Sharm el sheikh ( One Way Transfer ): $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal and Dahab 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
    Dahab $4.82
    Setubal $37
Typical Food Prices in Dahab

For Dahab, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $2.00
  • Juice
    $0.11
  • Breakfast for Two
    $0.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

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

  • Bedouin Dinner in the Mountains In Dahab: $30
  • Bedouin Dinner in the Mountains In Dahab: $36
  • Dahab Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner: $40
  • Stargazer + Camel riding + Bedouin dinner from Dahab : $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dahab $4.60
    Setubal $13

Tours and Activities in Dahab

For Dahab, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2- Day Tour Exploring the Hidden Gems of Serabit el Khadim: $200
  • 4x4 Jeep Adventure from Dahab: $39
  • Adventure Quad Biking Tour in Dahab: $50
  • Adventure Safari By Horse In Dahab At Laguna Beach: $65
  • Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour with lunch from Dahab: $28
  • Camel Ride + Blue Hole Snorkeling + Quad Bike Tour With Lunch From Dahab: $45
  • Dahab Windsurfing Adventure in Red Sea Waves: $30
  • Royal Seascope Submarine Guided Boat Tour : $38
  • Royal seascope Semi-Submarine Cruise: $33
  • luxury Snorkeling cruise with buffet lunch: $41
  • From Three Pools Guided Snorkeling Tour with Lunch: $28
  • Full Day Climbing and Hiking Tour in Canyon with Pickup: $40

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
  • Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
  • 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
  • Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
  • Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dahab $2.63
    Setubal $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dahab or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dahab. When comparing the sizes of Dahab 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.