Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Bilbao €26
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 €35Bilbao €45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Bilbao €29
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
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Bilbao €21
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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Bilbao. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Setubal is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Setubal is a little warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Setubal
| Setubal | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.