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

Should you visit Setubal or Zadar?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is €89. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Zadar 9.50

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
  • Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Plitvička Jezera: $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Zadar 19

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 Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2-Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $213
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Dream Experience: Luxury Tour through the NP Kornati: $802
  • Dugi Otok - half day kayak adventure: $82
  • Early Bird Group Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Zadar 12

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 Zadar

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

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


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

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Zadar?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Setubal or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Zadar. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar 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 Zadar during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Setubal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Setubal or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Zadar. Additionally, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Setubal or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zadar and Setubal

Setubal Zadar
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)