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

Should you visit Setubal or Arles?

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 Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Arles?

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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Setubal?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Arles is €142. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Arles? 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 Setubal


Hotels in Arles


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 Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Arles 23

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 Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Setubal 35
    Arles 52

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Arles 31

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 Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Arles 24

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 Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Arles?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Arles. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In July, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Arles. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. 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 Arles. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Setubal is a little warmer than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Arles during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Arles. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Setubal is much warmer than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Arles. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Arles during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Arles. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Setubal

Setubal Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)