Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Saaremaa?
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 Saaremaa or Setubal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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: Saaremaa or Setubal?
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.
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 from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Saaremaa Prices
Estonia PricesSetubal Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaaremaa €128Setubal €149
The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is €128, 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 Saaremaa and Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaaremaa €36Setubal €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaaremaa €72Setubal €118
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa 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: Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saaremaa €47Setubal €54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:
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Rental Car and Gas for a Day€34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $279
- Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $188
- Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $156
- Transfer From Évora to Lisbon: $147
- Setúbal Private Grape Stomping & Harvest Tour with Transfers: $116
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal and Saaremaa 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 daySaaremaa €63Setubal €60
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:
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Salmon€1.28
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 Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner: $221
- Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrábida Wine & Food Tour: $235
- Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saaremaa €21Setubal €12
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora Private Walking Tour and Traditional Food Tasting: $210
- Évora Roman Legacy: Private walking tour with tickets: $128
- Évora Walking Tour: Small Group Tour with Chapel of Bones Tickets: $81
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
- Évora: Monsaraz Private Walking Tour with Driver and Guide: $293
- Évora: Private tour of Prehistoric Monuments w/ driver and guide: $199
- Évora: Private walking tour with tickets to main monuments: $128
- Évora: Private walking tour, By Local Guide: $87
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel: $71
- 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $129
- Adventure Circuit + Via Ferrata, Arrábida, Setúbal, near Lisbon: $65
- Arrábida: Guided Transparent Kayaking Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaaremaa €11Setubal €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $71
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $76
- Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $153
- Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $235
- Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Setubal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Setubal?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Setubal in the Summer?
Both Setubal and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Setubal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Setubal averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Setubal. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaaremaa 17°C (62°F)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Setubal in the Autumn?
Both Setubal and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.
Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Setubal. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaaremaa 8°C (47°F)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Setubal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Setubal. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.
It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Setubal in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Setubal. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaaremaa -3°C (27°F)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Setubal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Setubal. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Setubal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Setubal averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In the spring, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Setubal. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.
Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Setubal. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaaremaa 4°C (38°F)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Saaremaa
| Saaremaa | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (26°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (38°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.