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

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Should you visit Setubal or Funchal?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Funchal?

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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Setubal and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal €47
    Funchal €41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal €94
    Funchal €82
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Funchal? 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 Funchal


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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 Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal €43
    Funchal €7.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $41
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $41
  • Madeira Funchal Airport FNC Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car: $34
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services: $34
  • Madeira Private Arrival Transfer: $32
  • Private Service Airport Transfer: $25
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $22
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $21
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $19
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Funchal to Madeira Airport (FNC): $19
  • Funchal Shared Arrival Transfer: $18
  • 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.





Food
  • 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:


  • Coffee
    €1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Evening Tour with Dinner and Performance: $44
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $45
  • “Petiscos” cooking experience & Market Tour: $70
  • Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal €9.97
    Funchal €12

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Évora & Estremoz Private Tour from Setubal/Palmela: $411
  • 3 Castels tour and Cabo Espichel visit (All Included): $172
  • Arrábida National Park, Azeitão and Sesimbra - IncrediblePortugal Private Tours: $120
  • Arrábida Uncovered: The Adventure: $93
  • Dolphin Watching and Boat Tour in Sesimbra: $50
  • Full Day - Private Tour Arrábida Park: $185
  • Full Day Private Tour - Dolphin Watching and Secret beaches of the Arrábida!: $809
  • Private Tour in Sintra / Roca Cape / Cascais: $112
  • Rock Climbing and Rappelling Experience in Serra da Arrábida: $75
  • Seaview board tour in the Arrábida Coast! - NEW!!!: $95
  • Sesimbra Beach & Cave Tour: $199
  • Sport Fishing Tour - All Inclusive: $93

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • 3-Hour Madeira Scenic Island Tour (Price per Sidecar - 1 or 2 passengers): $143
  • 3d Fun Art Museum Ticket: $11
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $51
  • Amazing Skywalk and more... Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching: $81
  • Arieiro Peak and Nun´s Valley Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Ariero Peak, Santana "Biosphere Reserve" & more...Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $49
  • Best of Funchal Private Tour: $243
  • Best of Funchal private walking tour with local specialities tasting: $467
  • Best of Madeira Private Tour Half Day: $54
  • Boat and Open Roof 4x4 Tour: $1,595
  • Botanic Garden Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal €8.00
    Funchal €13

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 Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Funchal City Tour with Madeira Wine Tasting: $15
  • Half Day Traditions and Enchanting Valleys - Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras, Monte, Madeira Wine Tasting: $49
  • Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $60
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Cabo Girão Skywalk+Vineyards+Wine Tasting Tour in Open Roof 4x4+Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $166
  • Madeira wine tasting and sightseeing private tour from Funchal: $534

About these numbers

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.


When is the best time to visit Setubal or Funchal?

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 Funchal in the Summer?

Both Funchal and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Funchal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July are around 23°C (73°F), and Funchal is about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Funchal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Funchal. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Funchal in the Autumn?

Both Funchal and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Funchal stays around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Funchal. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Funchal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Funchal.

Setubal is cooler than Funchal in the winter. The temperature in Setubal is usually 12°C (53°F) in January, and Funchal stays around 16°C (61°F).

Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Funchal. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Funchal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Funchal.

In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Funchal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April are around 16°C (60°F), and Funchal is about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Setubal

Setubal Funchal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)


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Setubal vs. Funchal Travel Comparison

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