A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Setubal vs. Palma de Mallorca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Palma de Mallorca?

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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island, Mallorca, in the western Mediterranean. It is home to landmarks like Gothic cathedrals and medieval fortresses, but is also host to sandy beaches where the city meets the sea in a backdrop of surrounding mountains. Amidst the city itself you will find it easy to get lost in the charm of cobbled lanes, busy markets, boutiques, and historic courtyards.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Palma de Mallorca or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Palma de Mallorca is €139. 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 Palma de Mallorca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Palma de Mallorca 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Palma de Mallorca 138
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Palma de Mallorca

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Palma de Mallorca? 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 Palma de Mallorca


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 Palma de Mallorca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Palma de Mallorca 25

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.80
  • Bus Ride
    1.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca

Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cala Mesquida to Mallorca airport (PMI): $213
  • Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Cala Mesquida : $213
  • Mallorca Airport (PMI): Private Transfer to Port de Polença: $212
  • Private Transfer to/from Mallorca Airport: $183
  • Private transfer from Alcúdia to Mallorca Airport: $175
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Mallorca Airport PMI to Palma in Luxury Car: $147
  • Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Pollensa: $144
  • Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Alcudia: $144
  • Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Can Picafort : $144
  • Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Calas de Mallorca: $142
  • Private Transfer from Cala Millor to Mallorca airport (PMI): $142
  • Departure Transfer to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI by Van: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Palma de Mallorca?

Prices for flights to both Palma de Mallorca 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 35
    Palma de Mallorca 45

Typical Food Prices in Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca

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

  • Mallorca Evening Tour: Horseback Riding, Dinner and Dance: $107
  • Spanish Cooking Experience in Mallorca: $109
  • The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Mallorca: The 10 Tastings: $130
  • Mediterranean cooking experience in nature: $131
  • 4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma: $147
  • Sailboat Dinner and Movie Night: $650

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Palma de Mallorca 34

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 Palma de Mallorca

For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Deluxe Segway Tour from Palma: $83
  • 1 Hour of Adrenaline and Speedboat adventure in Alcúdia: $57
  • 1.5 H Electric Kick-Scooter Tour: $49
  • 1H Self-Guided Electric Scooter Tour around Palma de Mallorca: $22
  • 2-Hour Guided Buggie Tour of Mallorca: $87
  • 2hrs Snorkeling Experience in Sa Foradada: $47
  • 3 Hour Slingshot Sunset Tour from Paguera: $129
  • 3 Hours Quad Adventure in Mallorca: $104
  • 3 hours quad tour from Paguera: $163
  • 4-Hour Catamaran Tour including Tapas: $108
  • 4-Hour Private Gourmet Experience in Traditional Mallorcan Finca: $120
  • 5-Hour Catamaran Tour including BBQ: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Palma de Mallorca 29

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Palma de Mallorca

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:


  • Coffee
    3.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:

  • Wine tasting with wines from the smallest wineries in Mallorca: $43
  • Guided tour of the Winery with wine tasting, Vineyard and much more!: $49
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour: $53
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca : $54
  • Gastronomic Mallorquin Wine Tasting & local delicacies: $71
  • Mallorca Wine Tasting: $74
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Mallorcan Delights in Alcudia: $87
  • Sa Clasta Mallorca Wine Tours: $158
  • Mallorca Bodega & Olive Tour with Wine Tasting (full day): $162


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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Palma de Mallorca?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Palma de Mallorca. Also, many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Palma de Mallorca 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Palma de Mallorca. Also, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Setubal is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Palma de Mallorca 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Setubal usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Palma de Mallorca 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Setubal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Setubal is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Palma de Mallorca 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Setubal

Setubal Palma de Mallorca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)