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

Should you visit Setubal or Rijeka?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €95. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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 35
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
  • Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
  • Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
  • Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Rijeka 16

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Rijeka, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Setubal or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In July, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Rijeka. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Setubal is a little warmer than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Rijeka. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Setubal is much warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Setubal

Setubal Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)