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

Should you visit Setubal or Split?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is €109. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Split

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Split 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Private transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,069
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $735
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Zagreb: $668
  • Split Airport: Speedboat Taxi transfer to/from Hvar: $642
  • private transfer from Split airport to Novalja/Zrće: $535
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $535
  • Split – Dubrovnik via Ston Private transfer: $441
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $427
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $387
  • Private transfer (Taxi) Split to Zadar: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Split 3.71

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
  • Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
  • Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
  • Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
  • Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
  • Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
  • Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64

Tours and Activities in Split

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

  • Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Small Group Tour with Lunch: $82
  • History tour: $33
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/PRIVATE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum : $210
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $75
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $66
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour of Split with an Art Historian: $24
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $33
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Split in a Classic Ford T: $45
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $87
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $86
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Split 7.95

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

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

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Split, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Split. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Setubal is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Split. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Split. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the autumn, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Split. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Setubal is a little warmer than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Split during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Split. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Setubal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Setubal is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Split. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Split. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Setubal

Setubal Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)