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

Should you visit Setubal or Reykjavik?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

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 Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is €264. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Reykjavik 137
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Reykjavik 274
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik


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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Reykjavik 45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $280
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $56
  • Evora Private Transfers Multiple Destinations: $156
  • Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $156

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Private 7-hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,831
  • Landmannalaugar Super Jeep All Year Transfer: $1,702
  • Silver Circle Tour & Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $1,386
  • Private 4-Hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,221
  • Private 3-Hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $977
  • Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $613
  • From Skarfabakki: Blue Lagoon Round-Trip Transfer: $524
  • Blue Lagoon Luxury Spa with Private Transfer: $400
  • From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $395
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Transfer to Skarfabakki Cruise Port: $361
  • Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Private Return Transfer with Entrance: $343
  • Private Airport Transfer: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik 51

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: $235
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    175

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

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

  • Harbor Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $137
  • Harbor Cruise with Three Course Dinner from Reykjavik: $139
  • Food Tour by locals: $140
  • Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
  • Icelandic Food Tour: $147
  • Reykjavík Food Tour with 5 Authentic Local Tastings & Secret Dish: $153
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
  • Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $241
  • Authentic Icelandic Cooking Class in a Local Reykjavik Home: $285

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Reykjavik 71

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: $199
  • Évora Private Walking Tour and Traditional Food Tasting: $210
  • Évora Walking Tour: Small Group Tour with Chapel of Bones Tickets: $81
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
  • Évora: Monsaraz Private Walking Tour with Driver and Guide: $293
  • Évora: Private walking tour, By Local Guide: $87
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel: $71
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $129
  • Arrábida: Guided Transparent Kayaking Tour: $65
  • Arrabida Adventure Circuit: $76
  • Arrabida and Troia Jet Ski Tour: $106
  • Boat Tour to Hidden Natural Gems w/local fisherman + Snorkeling: $59

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    11
  • Wine and Spa
    29

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

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

  • 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $553
  • 1.5 Hour Buggy Tour from Reykjavik – Off-Road Adventure: $219
  • 1.5 hour ATV Mountain Peak adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $149
  • 2 Hours Whale Watching Express Adventure: $106
  • 2-Hour Buggy Adventure Tour out off Reykjavik: $264
  • 2.5 hour Twin Peaks ATV Adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $179
  • 2hr ATV adventure with Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $165
  • 3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik: $339
  • 4x4 Reykjavik Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Photographer: $245
  • A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Active Volcano Hike & Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik: $185
  • Bonfires and Fireworks New Years Eve Tour in Reykjavik: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Reykjavik 28

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $71
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $153
  • Private Arrábida Nature Walk & Premium Wine Tour from Setúbal: $188
  • Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $235
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    8.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
  • Reykjavík Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Games: $152
  • Icelandic Bar Crawl Experience: $162


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Reykjavik?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Reykjavik. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Setubal is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

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

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Setubal is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Reykjavik. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In January, Setubal is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Setubal is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Setubal

Setubal Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)