Should you visit Setubal or Faro?
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.
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 city 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 €99, while the average daily cost in Faro is €130. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Setubal and Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
Double occupancy rooms typically run around €94 in Setubal For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
The prices for places to stay in Faro can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is €59, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around €118.
Local Transportation
To get around in Setubal, the average visitor spends €43 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
To get around in Faro, the average visitor spends €6.90 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Braga:
$1,769
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Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Madrid:
$1,407
-
Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sierra Nevada:
$1,061
-
Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Málaga:
$909
-
Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Cádiz:
$761
-
Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 8 passengers):
$498
-
Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers):
$498
-
Private Transfer Lisbon - Eastern Algarve:
$460
-
Faro Airport Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers):
$440
-
Private Transfer Lisbon - Pine Cliffs Algarve (5 to 8 passangers):
$435
-
Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (1 to 4 passengers):
$435
-
Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Lisbon:
$424
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
Setubal food costs typically run travelers around €28 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
Faro food costs typically run travelers around €41 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Setubal €28
Faro €41
Entertainment
In Setubal, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average €9.97 per person, per day.
In Faro, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average €56 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
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Évora & Estremoz Private Tour from Setubal/Palmela:
$411
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3 Castels tour and Cabo Espichel visit (All Included):
$172
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Arrábida National Park, Azeitão and Sesimbra - IncrediblePortugal Private Tours:
$120
-
Arrábida Uncovered: The Adventure:
$93
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Dolphin Watching and Boat Tour in Sesimbra:
$50
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Full Day - Private Tour Arrábida Park:
$185
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Full Day Private Tour - Dolphin Watching and Secret beaches of the Arrábida!:
$809
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Private Tour in Sintra / Roca Cape / Cascais:
$112
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Rock Climbing and Rappelling Experience in Serra da Arrábida:
$75
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Seaview board tour in the Arrábida Coast! - NEW!!!:
$95
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Sesimbra Beach & Cave Tour:
$199
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Sport Fishing Tour - All Inclusive:
$93
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
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3 Days in BMW R nineT Scrambler Tour:
$523
-
7 Fountains Walking Tour from Faro:
$118
-
7-Day Off The Beaten Track Algarve Walk Tour:
$2,687
-
8 Days Tour - North & South of Portugal:
$1,896
-
Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket:
$11
-
Algarve Beauties cave Tour - Benagil cave and Marinha beach from Faro:
$64
-
Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour:
$56
-
Algarve Private & CustomTour:
$93
-
Algarve Tour:
$435
-
Algarve: 2-Hour Ria Formosa Kayak Tour from Faro:
$57
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Amoreira River Kayak Tour:
$50
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Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour:
$50
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Setubal, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €8.00.
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
-
SUP Tour w/ Local Food & Wine Tasting:
$115
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
-
Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting:
$21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro than you might in Setubal.
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