Should you visit Setubal or Portimao?
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 Portimao can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
Which city is cheaper, Portimao or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €99, while the average daily cost in Portimao is €121. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Setubal and Portimao in more detail.
Accommodation
Double occupancy rooms typically run around €94 in Setubal For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about €124 for a double occupancy room in Portimao.
Food
Setubal food costs typically run travelers around €28 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
The price of a meal in Portimao can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is €36 per person, and a typical meal will cost around €14 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Setubal €28
Portimao €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
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Portimão - Food Tour:
$96
Local Transportation
To get around in Setubal, the average visitor spends €43 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €30 per day to get around in Portimao.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
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Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport:
$96
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Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport:
$96
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Airport Transfer:
$94
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Faro Airport Private Transfer to or from Portimão/Praia da Rocha:
$88
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Transfer Praia da Rocha - Balaia Golf (Albufeira):
$66
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Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira):
$62
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Transfer Portimão - Boavista Golf (Lagos):
$52
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Transfer Praia da Rocha - Boavista Golf (Lagos):
$52
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Faro Private Transfer to or from Portimão:
$44
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Faro Shared Transfer to or from Portimão:
$38
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Transfer Portimão - Alamos Golf (Portimão) Pending:
$36
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Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alamos Golf (Portimão):
$36
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Portimao?
Prices for flights to both Portimao 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.
Entertainment
In Setubal, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average €9.97 per person, per day.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €33 per person, per day in Portimao. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
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Dolphin Watching and Boat Tour in Sesimbra:
$50
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Rock Climbing and Rappelling Experience in Serra da Arrábida:
$75
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Sport Fishing Tour - All Inclusive:
$93
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Arrábida Uncovered: The Adventure:
$93
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Seaview board tour in the Arrábida Coast! - NEW!!!:
$95
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Private Tour in Sintra / Roca Cape / Cascais:
$112
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Arrábida National Park, Azeitão and Sesimbra - IncrediblePortugal Private Tours:
$120
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Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience:
$141
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3 Castels tour and Cabo Espichel visit (All Included):
$172
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Full Day - Private Tour Arrábida Park:
$185
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Sesimbra Beach & Cave Tour:
$199
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Full Day Private Tour - Dolphin Watching and Secret beaches of the Arrábida!:
$809
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
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1 Hour - Express tour to Benagil Cave:
$28
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2 Hours Portimão Walking Tour:
$20
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2.5-Hour Cruise to Benagil Caves From Portimão:
$37
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2h30min Private Benagil Caves Tour & Snorkeing & Cliff-jumping with Lots of fun!:
$373
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Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao:
$44
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Algarve Coastline Tour from Portimao jeep and boat tour:
$75
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Algarve Jeep Safari tours:
$38
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Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour:
$44
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Benagil - Private Tour with Captain - Algarve Cave Captain:
$348
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Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide:
$35
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Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao:
$37
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Benagil Caves Tour & Snorkeling & Cliff-jumping - lots of fun and adventure:
$50
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Setubal, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €8.00.
The average person spends about €24 on alcoholic beverages in Portimao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
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SUP Tour w/ Local Food & Wine Tasting:
$115
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
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Portimão & Carvoeiro: Algarve Wine Tour in a VW T2 Van:
$57
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Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates:
$72
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Algarve wine tour of two wine estates and lunch at hystorical town of Silves:
$112
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Algarve Wine Tour and Mountain Discovery With Lunch at Mountain Top:
$144
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Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve:
$207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Setubal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Setubal 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao than you might in Setubal.
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