Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Albufeira?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Albufeira can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Albufeira?
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.
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Albufeira €148
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is €148. 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 Setubal and Albufeira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Albufeira €74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Albufeira €148
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Albufeira
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Albufeira? 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 and Albufeira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Albufeira €34
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: $146
- Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $22
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $511
- Private transfer from Albufeira to Lisbon with 2 hours sightseeing: $282
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $163
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $151
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo António - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $139
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Transfer Alcantarilha - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $98
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Faro Airport (Algarve) Departure Transfer (Vilamoura Hotels to Faro Airport): $88
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Albufeira?
Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Setubal 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 daySetubal €35Albufeira €48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.
- A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
- Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
- Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
- Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
- Sunset Tour - Champagne and Traditional Dinner: $75
- Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Albufeira €39
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: $7.53
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.86
- Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
- Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
- Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
- Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
- Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $39
- Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
- Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $43
- Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $43
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $43
- Cruise along the beaches of Arrábida: $49
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Algarve Coast & Chapel of Bones ( Private Van Tour ): $52
- Safari Experience with Traditional Tapas: $76
- 3 Hour Benagil Sunset and Coastline Boat Tour in Albufeira: $36
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura: $33
- 4 Hour Cruise along the Algarve Coastline: $92
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $33
- Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour: $43
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $35
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $65
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $46
- Albufeira 6-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour: $201
- Albufeira Algarve 4Hours Benagil Tasting Experience: $96
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Albufeira €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $65
- Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $70
- Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
- Half-Day Tour to Arrabida from Sesimbra with Wine Tasting: $82
- Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $151
- Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $169
- From Lisbon: Wine Tasting Tour and Traditional Tile Factory: $260
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl in Albufeira with Professional Party Makers: $32
- Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
- Porches Algarve Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Experience: $53
- Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $67
- Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
- Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
- Albufeira Coast Tour with Wine Tasting and Chicken PiriPiri Lunch: $75
- From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
- Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Setubal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Setubal 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Setubal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Albufeira?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Albufeira, 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 Setubal or Albufeira?
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 Setubal or Albufeira in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Albufeira. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Albufeira averages at about 25°C (78°F).
Setubal usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Albufeira 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Albufeira in the Autumn?
Both Albufeira and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Albufeira 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Albufeira in the Winter?
Both Albufeira and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Setubal is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Albufeira. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Albufeira 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Albufeira in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Albufeira. Furthermore, many visitors come to Albufeira in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Albufeira averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Albufeira 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Albufeira and Setubal
| Setubal | Albufeira | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.