Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Setubal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Setubal?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, 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 dayIstanbul $126Setubal $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, 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 Istanbul and Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Setubal $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Setubal $126
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Setubal $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $749
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $466
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $321
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $287
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $282
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $225
- Full-Day Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $210
- Layover Private Guided Istanbul City Tour with Transfers: $192
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: $22
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Setubal $37
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Setubal $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
- 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $432
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
- Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
- Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
- Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
- Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
- Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
- Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
- Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Setubal $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844
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 comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Setubal, we can see that Setubal 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Setubal?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Setubal?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Istanbul or Setubal in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Setubal. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Istanbul is around the same temperature as Setubal in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Setubal. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 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 JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Setubal in the Autumn?
Both Setubal and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Setubal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Setubal averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Setubal. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Setubal in the Winter?
Both Setubal and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.
Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Setubal. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Setubal in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Setubal. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Istanbul is cooler than Setubal in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Setubal. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 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 AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.