Should you visit Setubal or Funchal?
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 Funchal 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.
Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.
Which city is cheaper, Funchal 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 Funchal is €75. 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 Funchal 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.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €82 in Funchal For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
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.
In Funchal travelers spend around €25 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Setubal €28
Funchal €25
Typical Food prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal
For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Madeira Evening Tour with Dinner and Performance:
$44
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Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show:
$45
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“Petiscos” cooking experience & Market Tour:
$70
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Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal:
$70
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.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Funchal than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend €7.95 on transportation in Funchal on average per day.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address):
$41
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Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport):
$41
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Madeira Funchal Airport FNC Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car:
$34
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Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services:
$34
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Madeira Private Arrival Transfer:
$32
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Private Service Airport Transfer:
$25
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Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport:
$22
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Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal:
$21
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Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service:
$19
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Private Airport Transfer: from Funchal to Madeira Airport (FNC):
$19
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Funchal Shared Arrival Transfer:
$18
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Madeira Private Transfer: To/From Funchal Airport:
$18
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Funchal?
Prices for flights to both Funchal 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.
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.
Sightseeing expenses in Funchal, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of €12 per day, per person.
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
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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 Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
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3-Hour Madeira Scenic Island Tour (Price per Sidecar - 1 or 2 passengers):
$143
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3d Fun Art Museum Ticket:
$11
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4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors:
$51
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Amazing Skywalk and more... Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4:
$40
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Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching:
$81
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Arieiro Peak and Nun´s Valley Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4:
$40
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Ariero Peak, Santana "Biosphere Reserve" & more...Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4:
$49
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Best of Funchal Private Tour:
$243
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Best of Funchal private walking tour with local specialities tasting:
$467
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Best of Madeira Private Tour Half Day:
$54
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Boat and Open Roof 4x4 Tour:
$1,595
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Botanic Garden 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.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Funchal, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €13.
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
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SUP Tour w/ Local Food & Wine Tasting:
$115
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Funchal City Tour with Madeira Wine Tasting:
$15
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Half Day Traditions and Enchanting Valleys - Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras, Monte, Madeira Wine Tasting:
$49
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Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour in Open Roof 4x4:
$60
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Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting:
$94
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Cabo Girão Skywalk+Vineyards+Wine Tasting Tour in Open Roof 4x4+Dolphin Watching:
$98
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Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch:
$166
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Madeira wine tasting and sightseeing private tour from Funchal:
$534
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Funchal, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Funchal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Funchal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Funchal 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 Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal than you might in Funchal.
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