A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Setubal vs. Faro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Faro?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Faro?

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.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro is €133. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Faro 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Faro 150
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Faro? 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 Faro


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 Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Faro 9.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $150
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $150
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $83
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to / From Lisbon: $53
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $490
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $490
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $419
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $392
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $387
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $381
  • Private Airport Transfer - Faro Airport to Lisbon Airport: $265
  • Private Transfer From Faro To Lisbon With a 2 Hour Stop: $262
  • Transfer From Tavira Algarve To Lisbon: $261
  • Transfer From Faro Algarve To Lisbon: $255
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Monte Ruivo: $243
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Aljezur: $243

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $84
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $99
  • Faro, Algarve: Cataplana Cooking Class: $125
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Faro 9.41

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $109
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $50
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.10
  • Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
  • Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
  • Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $72
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $72
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $50
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $100
  • Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $94
  • Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $131
  • Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $54

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Quad Biking Adventure Tour in Albufeira: $83
  • 1 Hour Private Speed Boat Tour: $50
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour Fishermen's Route in Ria Formosa: $28
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $28
  • 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $61
  • 2-3 hr Electric Motor Bike tour to Quinta Da Tor Winery Algarve: $122
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $277
  • 2hr electric motorbike Tour via the Ria Formosa to Faro Island : $105
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3 Hour electric bike motorbike Tour to QUEDA DO VIGARIO ALTE: $144
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Faro 3.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $67
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $72
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $78
  • Half-Day Tour to Arrabida from Sesimbra with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $98
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $114
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $145
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $173
  • 4x4 Cork Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $178

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $28
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $49
  • Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $72


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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Faro?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Setubal or Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Faro in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives more rain than Faro. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Setubal is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Faro averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Faro. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Faro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Faro. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Setubal usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Faro. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Faro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Faro. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Faro in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Faro. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Setubal

Setubal Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°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) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)