Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Setubal or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Rotterdam €152
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €152. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Rotterdam €77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Rotterdam €154
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Rotterdam €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $146
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $81
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
- Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $293
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $271
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $239
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $206
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $168
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $168
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $166
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $164
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $164
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $163
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 daySetubal €35Rotterdam €54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $42
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $119
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $152
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $271
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Rotterdam €32
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $106
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $43
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.86
- Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $54
- Évora With Love Walking Tours: $54
- Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $63
- Évora: Private Walking Tour: $63
- Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $92
- Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
- Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
- Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64
- Arrábida: Guided Transparent Kayaking Tour: $60
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
- Best of small-group walking tour: $96
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $96
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Rotterdam €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $65
- Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $70
- Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
- Half-Day Tour to Arrabida from Sesimbra with Wine Tasting: $82
- Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $151
- Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $169
- 4x4 Cork Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $175
- From Lisbon: Wine Tasting Tour and Traditional Tile Factory: $260
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $7.99
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $7.99
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Setubal is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Rotterdam. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. In the winter, Setubal is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
Setubal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Rotterdam. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.
In April, Setubal is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°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 Rotterdam. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Setubal
| Setubal | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.