Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Alicante?
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 Alicante can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Alicante?
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.
Alicante
Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Alicante €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. 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 Alicante in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Alicante €42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Alicante €84
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Alicante
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Alicante? 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 Alicante Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Alicante -
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Alicante?
Prices for flights to both Alicante 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 €35Alicante €72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.
- Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
- Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
- Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
- Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
- Alicante Food Tour: $71
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
- Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
- Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
- Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Alicante €53
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)€54
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)€67
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€120
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Walking Tour (for 2)€60
Tours and Activities in Alicante
Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
- Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
- Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
- Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
- Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
- Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
- Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
- Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
- Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
- Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Alicante -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante
Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
- Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
- Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
- Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
- Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
- Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267
When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Alicante, we can see that Alicante 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 Setubal Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Alicante?
Alicante has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Alicante, 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 Alicante?
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 Alicante in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Alicante. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the summer, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in July than Alicante. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Alicante 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Alicante in the Autumn?
Both Alicante and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene.
In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Alicante. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Alicante 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Alicante in the Winter?
Both Alicante and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Setubal is around the same temperature as Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the winter, Setubal often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Alicante 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Alicante in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Alicante. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Alicante averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Alicante. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Alicante 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Alicante and Setubal
| Setubal | Alicante | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 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.