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

Should you visit Setubal or Zaragoza?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza

As the sun slips below the horizon, the night is greeted by the familiar glow of the exquisite cathedral Basilica del Pilar that stands above the city like a shimmering castle. This city is none other than Zaragoza, Spain, the capital city of the Zaragoza province in Aragon, Spain. Overlooking the Ebro River, Zaragoza has a population of 701,090, ranking the 32nd most populated municipality in the European Union. Zaragoza has attracted travelers from all across the world, causing the city to host the Expo in the summer of 2008 and also stand as a candidate for the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Besides its glimmering cathedral, Zaragoza is also known for its rich history in folklore, local gastronomy, as well as hosting the well-known Fiestas del Pilar, the most celebrated of festivals in Spain.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is €126. 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 Zaragoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Zaragoza 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Zaragoza 130
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Zaragoza

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Zaragoza? 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 Zaragoza


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 Zaragoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Zaragoza 23

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 Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $66
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Zaragoza?

Prices for flights to both Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza

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

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Zaragoza 35

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 Zaragoza

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

  • Complete tour + wine and tapas: $202
  • Evening traditional tapas walking tour in old Zaragoza center: $104
  • Haft-day Winery tour from Zaragoza: $158
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite: $102
  • Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza: $104
  • Monumental Walking Tour in Old Town of Zaragoza: $93
  • Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Belchite Old Town: $104
  • Olive Oil and Winery Tour from Zaragoza City: $164
  • Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza: $49
  • Zaragoza - Historic Walking Tour: $320
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Zaragoza 14

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 Zaragoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zaragoza:

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104


When comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Zaragoza, we can see that Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Setubal is generally cooler than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Zaragoza. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Zaragoza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Zaragoza. Also, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Zaragoza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Zaragoza 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Zaragoza. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Setubal is a little warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Zaragoza. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Zaragoza 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the natural beauty.

In April, Setubal is generally around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Zaragoza 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Setubal

Setubal Zaragoza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in)