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

Should you visit Setubal or Zurich?

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

Where Should I go: Setubal or Zurich?

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.

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Zurich is €310. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Zurich 168
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Zurich 336
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Zurich? 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 Zurich


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 Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Zurich 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24
  • Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • WEF DAVOS 2025 | TRANSFER TO/FROM ZURICH AIRPORT TO DAVOS: $754
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Moritz: $693
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Grindelwald: $656
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Lauterbrunnen: $599
  • Private transfer between Zurich Airport to/from Interlaken.: $566
  • Transfer Zurich Airport to Basel: $539
  • Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $478
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $478
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Anton am Arlberg: $467
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lech am Arlberg: $467
  • Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $450
  • Zurich Airport: Private Lucerne Transfer by Mercedes: $450

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 60
    Zurich 106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

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

  • Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $205

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

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

  • Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
  • Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156

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

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Evora from Celts to Romans: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Explore the Highlights of Evora: Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $8.32
  • Wines tour and tasting with history in Atalaia: $18
  • Underwater viewing tours along the coast of Sesimbra: $30
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • Gatsby Experience: The Bartender Challenge: $30
  • Kayaking experience on DE beaches DA Arrábida: $36
  • Sesimbra Walking Tour: $42
  • Sesimbra : Guided Kayak Tour in Arrábida Natural Park & Caves : $42
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $42
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $42

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $115
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $161
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $85
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $163
  • Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $97
  • Chocolate, Art, and History walking tour of Zurich: $94
  • Cinematic Zurich – Photo and Video Shoot Tour: $566
  • City e-bike tour: $50
  • City tour historic old town Zurich: $48
  • Crash Landing on You: Switzerland Filming Locations Day Tour: $317
  • Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Zurich 29

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $156
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $213

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Setubal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Setubal 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Setubal.

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


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Setubal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Zurich. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Zurich. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Zurich. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Setubal is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Setubal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Zurich in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Zurich. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Setubal

Setubal Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)