Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Setubal or San Juan?
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 San Juan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
-
Setubal Prices
Portugal PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal $167San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is $167, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal $66San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal $132San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Setubal and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal $61San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer: Grândola > Lisbon: $272
- Serra da Arrabida Natural Park E Bike Tour with Transfers: $183
- Comporta Melides Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $151
- Evora Private Transfers Multiple Destinations: $151
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $97
- Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $54
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $160
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Ponce Transfers: $150
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $114
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer in San Juan: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $67San Juan $62
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: $228
- Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Food Tour with 7 Tastings of Authentic Local Flavors: $140
- FlyDining 4-Course Dinner in Old Sunset or City Lights: $165
- Puerto Rican Gastronomy Cooking Class: $167
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal $14San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora : History, Heritage & Alentejo Wine — Private Tour: $147
- Évora : Love at First Sight – Private Walking Tour with a Local: $79
- Évora : Small-Group Cultural Walking Tour & Chapel of Bones: $79
- Évora Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the UNESCO Old Town: $183
- Évora Private Walking Tour with Cathedral & Chapel of Bones: $113
- Évora Roman Legacy: Ancient City & Archaeology — Private Tour: $124
- Évora Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.71
- Évora Walking Tour: $54
- Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $29
- Évora to Monsaraz Private Tour: Village & Local Pottery: $239
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel: $69
- Arrábida Family and Group Kayak Adventure: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 1-Hour Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $150
- 2 Tours in 1 Day Rainforest and Beach Adventure with Transport: $44
- 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $44
- 3 in 1 Full Day Cueva Ventana, Indian Cave & Waterfall Adventure: $155
- 30-Minute Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
- ATV Tour in Double Rider, Puerto Rico: $221
- ATV Tour in Single Rider, Puerto Rico: $149
- Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $99
- Arecibo: River and Natural Waterslide Adventure from San Juan: $105
- Around the Island Tour From San Juan: $148
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal $11San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $74
- Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $140
- Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $148
- Private Arrábida Wine Tour from Lisbon with Tastings: $165
- Private Arrábida Nature Walk & Premium Wine Tour from Setúbal: $183
- Azeitão Private Wine Tour from Lisbon – Premium Wineries: $228
- Évora Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $229
- Portuguese Wine Tasting in Lisbon with an Award-Winning Sommelier: $299
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Setubal is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and San Juan, 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 San Juan?
Setubal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Setubal or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Setubal is cooler than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than San Juan. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Setubal or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Setubal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the autumn, Setubal is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the autumn, Setubal often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Setubal or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Setubal is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Setubal usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 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 San Juan. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Setubal or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Setubal as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Setubal is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the spring, Setubal often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Setubal
| Setubal | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.