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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Setubal?

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.

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 Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Helsinki?

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 Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Setubal is €149. 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 Helsinki and Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki €73
    Setubal €59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki €146
    Setubal €118
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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 Helsinki


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki €22
    Setubal €54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $791
  • Premium Chauffeur & Transfer Service Helsinki: $263
  • The Executive Helsinki Transfer*****: $257
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $228
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $161
  • Private Airport Transfer by VIP car in Helsinki region: $153
  • Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $143
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $132
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $103
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $97
  • Transfer From Évora to Lisbon: $143
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $54
  • Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $183
  • Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $151
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal and Helsinki 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
    Helsinki €59
    Setubal €60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $117
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $193
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $261
  • Sauna and Dinner with Locals in a Lake-Side Home near Helsinki: $280

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

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

  • Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrábida Wine & Food Tour: $228
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki €27
    Setubal €12

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • 2-Hours Private VIP Tour by Modern Boat in Helsinki Archipelago: $297
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour of Underground Helsinki: $27
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $23
  • A Private Walking Tour Through Helsinki: $285
  • A Walking Tour Through WWI Land Fortifications: $285
  • Adventure Day: $46
  • All Inclusive Luxury Day Cruise Helsinki to Tallinn Self Guided: $263
  • Best of Small Group Walking Tour (Max 10, 3 Hours): $66
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $20
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $41
  • Classic Car Sightseeing Ride in Helsinki and Nuuksio with Locals: $223
  • Cruise Friendly Helsinki Tour: $81

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Évora : History, Heritage & Alentejo Wine — Private Tour: $147
  • Évora : Love at First Sight – Private Walking Tour with a Local: $79
  • Évora : Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour & Chapel of Bones: $79
  • Évora Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the UNESCO Old Town: $183
  • Évora Private Walking Tour with Cathedral & Chapel of Bones: $113
  • Évora Roman Legacy: Ancient City & Archaeology — Private Tour: $124
  • Évora Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.71
  • Évora Walking Tour: $54
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
  • Évora to Monsaraz Private Tour: Village & Local Pottery: $239
  • Arrábida Family and Group Kayak Adventure: $124
  • Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki €16
    Setubal €10

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $74
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $140
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $148
  • Private Arrábida Wine Tour from Lisbon with Tastings: $165
  • Évora Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $228
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Setubal, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Setubal?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Setubal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Setubal. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Setubal. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Setubal 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Setubal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Setubal. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Helsinki is much colder than Setubal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Setubal. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Setubal in the Winter?

Both Setubal and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Setubal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Setubal averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Setubal. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Setubal in the Spring?

Both Setubal and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Setubal. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Helsinki

Helsinki Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)