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

Should you visit Setubal or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is €91. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Santiago de Compostela 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Santiago de Compostela 74
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Santiago de Compostela 38

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
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela 19

Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    3.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Kebab
    7.25
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    28
  • Tuna Empanada
    3.50
  • Fruit Shake
    3.50
  • Crepe
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Santiago de Compostela 39

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 Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Santiago de Compostela 23

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 Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214


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

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Santiago de Compostela?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Setubal is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Setubal usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Setubal is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Setubal

Setubal Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)