Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Riga?
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 Riga or Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga 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: Riga or Setubal?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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 Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Riga Prices
Latvia PricesSetubal Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Setubal €149
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, 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 Riga and Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Setubal €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Setubal €118
Compare Hotels in Riga and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Riga 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: Riga Hotel Prices and Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Setubal €54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga Prison Break Transfer with Retro Bus and Drinks: $1,498
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Pärnu City Tour: $680
- 100% Private Countryside Sauna, Hot Tub & Transfer: $565
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $494
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $448
- 2-Hour Quad Bike Tour with Transfer: $311
- Abandoned Building Exploration Tour with Transfer: $288
- Private Transfer from Riga to Baltics: $257
- 4x4 Off-Road Adventure with Hotel Transfers: $254
- Super Grand Prix - Go-Kart Racing with Transfers: $249
- Baltic Explorer Private Riga–Tallinn/Tallinn–Riga Transfer & Tour: $205
- Snowmobile Adventure with Transfer: $196
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: $23
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $54
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $97
- Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $152
- Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $183
- Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $272
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal and Riga 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 dayRiga €57Setubal €60
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
- Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $69
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
- Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248
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: $229
- Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Setubal €12
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Legends and Secret of Riga's Old Town: $102
- 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $90
- 5,5 Hour Small Group Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $86
- Aeroplane Flight Experience: $78
- Art Nouveau Riga Walking Tour Architectural Gems and Highlights: $51
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- City Sightseeing Riga Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $34
- Civilization Secrets Private Walking Tour in Riga: $455
- Da Vinci Genius immersive art experience in Riga: $17
- Day Tour from Riga to Vilnius via Kaunas Sugihara Museum: $298
- Deluxe Riga Tour from Cruise Port: $51
- Discover Old A Walking Tour Through Time: $103
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Evora Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.85
- Évora Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.72
- Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.82
- Explore Evoa with Praca do Giraldo Walking Tour: $8.01
- Romans, Moors and Bones Self Guided Tour of Évora: $8.50
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
- Gatsby Experience: The Bartender Challenge: $34
- Sesimbra Medieval Tour: Castle, History & Views Near Lisbon: $38
- Kayak Tour with Guide in Sesimbra: $40
- Sesimbra Walking Tour: Discover a Hidden Gem Near Lisbon: $40
- Sesimbra : Guided Kayak Tour in Arrábida Natural Park & Caves: $40
- Arrabida Kayak Tour from Sesimbra - Small Group: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Setubal €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $33
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $34
- Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $37
- Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
- Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $40
- 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
- Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
- Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
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: $149
- Private Arrábida Wine Tour from Lisbon with Tastings: $165
- Private Arrábida Nature Walk & Premium Wine Tour from Setúbal: $183
- Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $229
- Évora Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $229
- Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Riga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Setubal?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga or Setubal in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Setubal. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In July, Riga is generally cooler than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 17°C (63°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in July than Setubal. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 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 JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Riga or Setubal in the Autumn?
Both Setubal and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Riga is much colder than Setubal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Setubal. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 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 OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Riga or Setubal in the Winter?
Both Setubal and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Setubal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Setubal averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Setubal. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Riga or Setubal in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Setubal. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Riga is generally much colder than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Setubal. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 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 AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Riga
| Riga | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.