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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Faro is €160. 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:

  • Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $278
  • Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $187
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Transfer From Faro Algarve To Lisbon: $291
  • Private transfers between Faro and Aljustrel: $268
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Lisbon: $262
  • Private transfers between Faro and Almonte: $221
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Huelva: $214
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sao Sebastiao: $213
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vila do Bispo: $211
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Budens: $199
  • Private transfers between Faro and Huelva: $186
  • Private transfers between Faro and Bordeira: $186
  • Private transfers between Faro and Aljezur: $186
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Monchique: $185

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 60
    Faro 62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

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

  • Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $114

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.

  • Évora Jewish History Tour: Private walking tour with tickets: $127
  • Évora Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the UNESCO Old Town: $187
  • Évora Roman Legacy: Private walking tour with tickets: $127
  • Évora Walking Tour: Small Group Tour with Chapel of Bones Tickets: $81
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
  • Évora: Best-Value Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $23
  • Évora: Monsaraz Private Walking Tour with Driver and Guide: $291
  • Évora: Private walking tour with tickets to main monuments: $127
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel: $70
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $128
  • Arrábida Family and Group Kayak Adventure: $127
  • Arrábida: Caving Adventure with Photos: $109

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $33
  • 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $76
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $292
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $233
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $68
  • Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $58
  • Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $58
  • Benagil Caves, Albufeira and Carvoeiro Private Tour From Algarve: $233
  • Birdwatching in Ria Formosa - Eco Boat Tour from Faro: $47
  • Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona: $41
  • Boat Tour to Desert Island at The Ria Formosa: $52
  • Bordeira Beach - Horse Riding Tour at Sunset: $163

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: $70
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $152
  • Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $233

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $23
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $29
  • Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $87
  • Tavira Tuk Tuk Tour: Historic Center & Wine Tasting: $97
  • Jeep Tour - Tavira, Santa Luzia & Wine Tasting: $139


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)