Which place is cheaper, Valletta or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal or Valletta?
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 Valletta can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Valletta?
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.
Valletta
A harbor city and the capital city of the island of Malta, Valletta dates back to the 16th-century with a preserved architectural heritage that earned the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is best known for its museums, palaces, and churches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Valletta €116
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Valletta is €116. 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 Valletta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Valletta €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Valletta €130
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Valletta
Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Valletta? 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 Valletta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Valletta €24
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 Valletta
Also for Valletta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $150
- Private Airport Transfer from Malta to Gozo: $109
- Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
- From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $87
- Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $87
- Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
- Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
- Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $66
- Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
- Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Malta island: $51
- Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49
- Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Valletta?
Prices for flights to both Valletta 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
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Food Meals for one daySetubal €35Valletta €32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta
For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
- Valletta Food Tour: $49
- Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
- Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
- Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $76
- The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $80
- Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $80
- Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $86
- Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $91
- From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
- The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
- Private Valletta Food Tour: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Valletta €27
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 Valletta
For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Cities Tour: $16
- 3 Hours Private Picnic Experience in Malta: $273
- 3 cities: Private Insider Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $160
- 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
- 4-hr day tour around Malta: $207
- 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass Bus + Harbour Cruise: $55
- 90 minutes Harbour Cruise in Valletta - ticket only: $22
- A Monumental Maltese Experience: $175
- Adventures in Malta: Thrills, History, and Natural Beauty: $320
- Best of Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour: $20
- Best of Valletta Walking Tour: $20
- Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk Half-Day Tour from Valletta: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Valletta €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
Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Valletta:
- Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
- Malta Pub Crawl: $22
- The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
- The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
- Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44
When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Valletta, 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 Valletta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Valletta?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Valletta, 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 Valletta?
Setubal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Setubal or Valletta in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Valletta. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Setubal is generally cooler than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta 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 Valletta during summer. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Valletta. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Valletta 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Valletta in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Valletta. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.
Setubal is around the same temperature as Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. 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 Valletta. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Valletta. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Valletta 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Valletta in the Winter?
Both Valletta and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Setubal is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Setubal usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Valletta. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Valletta 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Valletta in the Spring?
Both Valletta and Setubal during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.
In April, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Valletta. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the spring, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.
Setubal usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Valletta 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Valletta and Setubal
| Setubal | Valletta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 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.