Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Malaga?
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 Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Malaga €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Malaga is €140. 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Malaga €75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Malaga €150
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Malaga? 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.
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 Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Malaga €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: $22
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $295
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Bubión: $266
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $262
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Cortes de la Frontera: $247
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Órgiva: $232
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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
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Food Meals for one daySetubal €35Malaga €35
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Malaga €31
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
- Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
- Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
- Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
- Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
- Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
- Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
- Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $115
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Malaga €22
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
- Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
- Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
- Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
- Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
- Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
- Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
- Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
- Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136
When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Malaga, 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 Malaga?
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 Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Malaga. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Malaga. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Malaga. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
Setubal is around the same temperature as Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Setubal often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.
Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Malaga. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Setubal
| Setubal | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.