Which place is cheaper, Positano or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Positano?
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 Positano can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Positano?
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.
Positano
Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.
The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).
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 Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Positano €222
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Positano is €222. 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 Positano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Positano €148
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Positano €296
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Positano
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Positano? 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 Positano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Positano €7.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:
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Bus Ticket€1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano
Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from Rome & Pompeii Ruins: $839
- From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport, Port or Train station: $288
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport: $283
- Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
- From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
- Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Central Station: $262
- From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
- Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
- Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
- Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
- Transfers Positano - Naples: $207
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Positano?
Prices for flights to both Positano 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 €35Positano €53
Typical Food Prices in Positano
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€31
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Pizza in a Restaurant€9.32
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Sandwich in a Restaurant€12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano
For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
- Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
- Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
- Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
- Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
- Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
- Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
- Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
- Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Positano €60
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano
For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande€17
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Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi€80
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Sunset Cruise€24
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Full Day Wine Tour€97
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Cooking Class€65
Tours and Activities in Positano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.
- Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
- Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
- Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
- Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
- Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
- Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
- Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
- Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
- Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
- Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
- Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Positano €15
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 Positano
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:
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Bottle of Limoncello€16
Sample the Local Flavors in Positano
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:
- 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
- Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
- Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Positano, we can see that Positano 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Setubal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Positano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Positano?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Positano, 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 Positano?
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 Positano in the Summer?
Both Positano and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Positano. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Positano 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Positano in the Autumn?
Both Positano and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Positano because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Setubal is a little warmer than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Positano. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Positano 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Positano in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Positano. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.
In the winter, Setubal is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Positano 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Positano in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Positano. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Positano. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Positano 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Positano and Setubal
| Setubal | Positano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.