A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Setubal vs. Porto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Porto?

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 Porto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Porto?

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.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Porto is €160. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Porto 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Porto 144
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Porto? 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 Porto


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 Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Porto 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $282
  • Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $190
  • Transfer From Évora to Lisbon: $148
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $544
  • Private Transfer from Porto to Santiago de Compostela: $297
  • Private Transfer between Porto and Vigo: $297
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon from Tarouca: $291
  • Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Coimbra Center: $291
  • Private Geres National Park Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $285
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon: $267
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with up to 3 Stops: $267
  • Private Transfer from Porto to Lisbon: $267
  • Private Transfer from/to Porto - Lisbon: $248
  • Private transfer between Porto and Lisbon - up to 5 stops: $238
  • Private Transfer between Porto and Lisbon: $238

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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 60
    Porto 63

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
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrábida Wine & Food Tour: $237
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

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

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Porto Wine (Sé do Porto): $42
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Porto Wine (Lapa): $42
  • Eat Porto Like a Local: The Ultimate Full-Meal Food Tour: $69
  • Small Group Porto Food Tour Traditional Taverns and Local Dishes: $71
  • Authentic Porto Small Group Food Tour with Local Tastings: $79
  • Porto Food Tour: $89
  • Authentic Porto Food Tour + Traditional Restaurant Stop: $89
  • 4 Hour Traditional Aveiro Portuguese Food Tour: $89
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto by Taste Porto (since 2013): $89
  • Food Tour: Wine, Beer & Liquor - Porto’s Secret Spots: $95
  • Porto Food Tour of 8 Tastings: Custard Tart, Bifana & Hidden Gems: $99
  • Private Porto Market Tour & Authentic Portuguese Cooking Class: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Porto 25

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: $147
  • Évora Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the UNESCO Old Town: $190
  • Évora Private Walking Tour and Traditional Food Tasting: $147
  • Évora Roman Legacy: Private walking tour with tickets: $80
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
  • Évora Walking Tour: Small Group Tour with Chapel of Bones Tickets: $46
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • Évora: Private walking tour with tickets to main monuments: $103
  • Évora: Private walking tour, By Local Guide: $74
  • Adventure Circuit + Via Ferrata, Arrábida, Setúbal, near Lisbon: $65
  • Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $77
  • Arrabida Adventure Coasteering Try Dive or Via Ferrata: $142

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • 1 Day Tour to Passages and Bridge 516 Arouca: $107
  • 19th Century metal portrait an unique experience Porto-Portugal: $71
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Porto: $33
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $52
  • 3-Hour Porto Jewish Heritage Walking Tour with Local Guide: $36
  • 3D Fun Art Museum Porto Ticket: $15
  • 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $83
  • 4-hour sightseeing tour in Porto: $53
  • Adventure Day in the Douro: Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and Reboque Bowl: $128
  • Authentic Braga & Guimarães: Small Historical Group Tour: $70
  • Aveiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 20 reviews: $7.01
  • Aveiro Canal Cruise in Traditional Moliceiro Boat: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Porto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $71
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $145
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $154
  • Private Full-Day Wine Tour from Lisbon with Tastings to Arrábida: $184

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Crazy Pub Crawl with 9 Drinks, Free Shots, Wild Games +VIP: $15
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $21
  • 4-hour Guided Porto Pub Crawl with 6 drinks and VIP CLUBentry: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $27
  • Premium wine tasting at Quinta das Arcas: $28
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $30
  • Taylor's Port Cellars Visit & Port Wine Tasting: $30
  • Fado Concert with Port Wine Tasting at Quinta da Boeira: $30
  • Authentic Oporto Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $33
  • Porto City Tour with Wine Tasting: $40
  • Port : Luxury Yacht Cruise with wine tasting, snacks & 7 bridges: $48
  • Porto : Douro River Cruise with Local Wine Tasting: $51


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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Setubal is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Porto. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Setubal is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Porto. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Porto. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives less rain than Porto. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Porto. Additionally, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Setubal is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Porto. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Setubal

Setubal Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)