Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Marbella?
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 Marbella can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Marbella?
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.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Marbella €117
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Marbella is €117. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Marbella €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Marbella €122
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Marbella? 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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Marbella €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $223
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $175
- Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from San Pedro de Alcántara to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Istán to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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 €35Marbella €38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Marbella €19
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
- Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
- Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
- Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
- 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
- Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
- Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
- Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
- Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47
- 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $175
- Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $206
- Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $98
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $109
- Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $75
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $49
- Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $97
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $71
- E-Bike Tour through Marbella/ Puerto Banús and San Pedro: $101
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Marbella €5.71
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 Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Marbella, 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 Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Marbella?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Marbella. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Marbella averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella 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 Marbella during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Setubal usually receives more rain than Marbella. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Marbella in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Marbella. Additionally, many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the autumn, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Marbella. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Marbella in the Winter?
Both Marbella and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Setubal is around the same temperature as Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Setubal usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Marbella. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Marbella in the Spring?
Both Marbella and Setubal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the spring, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Marbella. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Setubal
| Setubal | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.