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

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Setubal?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Setubal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Setubal $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Setubal $126
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Setubal

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Setubal $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

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
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Setubal?

Prices for flights to both Setubal and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Setubal $37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Setubal $13

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Setubal $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

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 Izmir and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Setubal?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Setubal in the Summer?

Both Setubal and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit.

Izmir is a little warmer than Setubal in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Setubal. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Setubal 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Setubal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Setubal.

In the autumn, Izmir is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Setubal averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Setubal during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Setubal. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Setubal 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Setubal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Setubal.

In January, Izmir is generally cooler than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Setubal. Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Setubal. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Setubal 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Setubal in the Spring?

Both Setubal and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Setubal in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, 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 Izmir. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Setubal. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Setubal 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Setubal and Izmir

Izmir Setubal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)