Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Setubal or Panama City?
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 Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Panama City?
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.
Panama City
Panama City is the cosmopolitan capital city of the country of Panama. With a population of almost 900,000 and almost 1.5 million in the metropolitan area, it's a very diverse city with expat residents from all over the world. You don't have to search far to find someone who speaks English, and many Panamanians are quite helpful and friendly.
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 Panama, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City.
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Setubal Prices
Portugal PricesPanama City Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €149Panama City €87
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Panama City is €87. 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 Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Panama City €30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Panama City €60
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Panama City? 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 Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Panama City €9.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $276
- Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $185
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Panama City
Also for Panama City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Panama City or PTY Airport to Beach Resort: $220
- Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Playa Blanca resorts: $219
- Private Transfer from PTY to Playa Blanca resorts: $219
- Panama Airport (PTY) to Coronado/Gorgona - Round-Trip Transfer: $206
- San Blas Day Trip (Transfers & Lunch included): $175
- Private Transfer from Panama City Hotels to Colón Cruise Port: $153
- Private Transfer from Panama Airport (PTY) to Colón Resorts: $145
- Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) to Colón resorts: $145
- Transfer Hotel/Airport to Resorts in Playa - return or return: $125
- Panama Tocumen Airport PTY to Coronado/Gorgona - Arrival Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer Tocumen Airport - Linton Bay Marina: $90
- Premium Private Transfer : Airport to Hotel Panama city: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City 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 €60Panama City €31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal
For Setubal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
- Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279
Typical Food Prices in Panama City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Panama City:
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Sandwich€7.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Panama City
For Panama City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Panama Food Tour Local Markets Immersion (Tasting tour + Lunch): $50
- Unique Ravioli Fusion Cooking Class with lunch in Panama City: $55
- 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
- Street Food Tour Panama (25+ tastings) By Paradox Experience: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Panama City €57
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora : Private Walking Tour to Arraiolos with driver and guide: $196
- Évora Private Walking Tour and Traditional Food Tasting: $207
- Évora Roman Legacy: Private walking tour with tickets: $126
- Évora Walking Tour: Small Group Tour with Chapel of Bones Tickets: $80
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
- Évora: Monsaraz Private Walking Tour with Driver and Guide: $289
- Évora: Private walking tour with tickets to main monuments: $126
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel: $70
- Arrábida: Guided Transparent Kayaking Tour: $64
- Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $75
- Boat Tour with Lunch in the Heart of Arrábida - Sesimbra: $139
- COMPORTA, Arrábida Adventure Coasteering Try Dive or Via Ferrata: $139
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Panama City.
- "Bridge of the Americas Stand-Up Paddle Private 2 hours Tour ": $100
- 1- or 2-Night Experience in San Blas Islands: $260
- 2 Days Island Hopping Adventure San Blas Islands - Private Cabin: $265
- 2 Hours Private Luxury Tour in a Convertible Car in Panama City: $255
- 2-Day San Blas Adventure from Panama City with WiFi: $260
- 3 Hours Private Walking Tour in Casco Antiguo Panama City: $45
- 4-Hour Guided Tour of Panama Canal & Old Town & More: $150
- 4-hour tour in Panama: $105
- 5 Hours Private Panama City Tour: $200
- 5 hour tour in Panama City: $35
- 5hour tour of Panama City and Panama Canal - Shared or Private: $65
- 6-Hour Culture and Nature Tour in Embera Tribe - All Included: $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Panama City €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $70
- Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $151
- From: Setúbal Private Arrábida Nature Walk & Premium Wine Tour: $185
- Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $232
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Panama City, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Setubal is in Europe and Panama City is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama City 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 Panama City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Panama City?
Panama City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Panama City, 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.
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.