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

Should you visit Setubal or Bologna?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Bologna?

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.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna 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 Bologna is €159. 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 Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Bologna? 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 Bologna


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 Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Bologna 21

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
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
  • From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
  • Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
  • Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
  • Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
  • Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
  • Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna 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
    Bologna 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Bologna 38

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 Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    12
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    12

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
  • 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
  • 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
  • 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
  • Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
  • BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
  • Bike Tour Bologna: $142
  • Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Bologna 28

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 Bologna

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

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Bologna, 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

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

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Setubal or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Bologna. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Bologna. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Setubal or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Bologna. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Setubal is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Bologna. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Setubal

Setubal Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)