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

Should you visit Setubal or Lagos?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Lagos?

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.

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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, Lagos 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 Lagos is €143. 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 Lagos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Lagos 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Lagos 122
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Lagos

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Lagos? 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 Lagos


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 Lagos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Lagos 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
  • Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $287

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Private Transfer from Lisbon to the Algarve or vice versa: $529
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $470
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $470
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $470
  • Private Door to Door Transfers from/to (Lisbon - Algarve): $429
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Portimao, English Speaking Driver: $294
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Lisbon, Local English Speaking Driver: $294
  • Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $217
  • Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $217
  • Private Transfer from Sao Sebastiao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from Burgau to Faro (FAO) Airport: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Lagos?

Prices for flights to both Lagos 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
    Lagos 59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

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

  • Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $206

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $107
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: $117
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $147
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $150
  • Market Tour and Cataplana Cooking Class: $176
  • Local Market Tour and Portuguese Seafood Cooking Class: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Lagos 26

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.21
  • Wines tour and tasting with history in Atalaia: $18
  • Gatsby Experience: The Bartender Challenge: $30
  • Underwater viewing tours along the coast of Sesimbra: $30
  • Medieval Tour: $40
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $42
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $42
  • Sesimbra Walking Tour: $42
  • Sesimbra : Guided Kayak Tour in Arrábida Natural Park & Caves : $42
  • Kayak Tour with Guide in Sesimbra: $42
  • Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $43
  • UNESCO Small Group Heritage City Tour in Évora: $47

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ponta da Piedade Costal cruise and Caves-2h: $36
  • 1 Day Algarve Surf Experience: $94
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $43
  • Algarve Seven Hanging Valleys Benagil Triptour: $70
  • Algarve: Catamaran Cruise with Paddleboarding & Snacks: $1,269
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $76
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $78
  • Benagil Tour: $88
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $40
  • Boat tour through the wonderful caves of Ponta da Piedade : $20
  • Boomshaka Kayak Tour: $28
  • Catamaran Cruise in Lagos: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Lagos 6.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $157
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $214

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Guided Gin Distillery Tour With Tasting at Alma Luz: $23
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $78
  • Wine Tasting Off-Road Tour: $93


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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Lagos?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Setubal or Lagos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Lagos. Additionally, most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Lagos in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Lagos 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Lagos in the Autumn?

Both Lagos and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Setubal is cooler than Lagos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lagos averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Lagos. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Lagos 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Lagos in the Winter?

Both Lagos and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In January, Setubal is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Lagos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Lagos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Lagos. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Setubal is much colder than Lagos in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Lagos. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Lagos 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lagos and Setubal

Setubal Lagos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)