Setúbal, Portugal
A port city on the Sado River, famous for its seafood, historic old town, and the nearby Arrábida Natural Park.
Overview
Setúbal is a city in Lisboa with a population of 121,185. A port city on the Sado River, famous for its seafood, historic old town, and the nearby Arrábida Natural Park. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews older, with a median age of 46.0.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Below Average vs Portugal Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Setúbal vs Portugal Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 28.5%
- Sales Tax: 23.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €18,000
- Unemployment: 6.5%
- Population: 121,185
Climate
- Sunny Days: 230/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 46°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 180 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: €220,000
- 1BR Rent: €750/mo
Cost of Living
Setúbal's cost of living index is 88 (Portugal average = 100).
| Category | Setúbal | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: INE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €220,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €750/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €938/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €146 |
Data source: Idealista / OLX Imóveis, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Setúbal:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €80 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €16 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €35 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €40 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | €171 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ERSE, EDP, Galp 2025
Remote Work Score
Setúbal scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Setúbal has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F | 46°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 61°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 64°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Setúbal faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Mediterranean climate with frequent wildfires.
Southern Portugal experiences frequent droughts.
Extreme summer heat.
Volcanic activity in the Azores archipelago.
Atlantic coast with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 28.5%
- Sales Tax: 23%
- Property Tax: ~0.4% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Setúbal per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Standard national curriculum with regional variations.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Setúbal is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Demographic composition is derived from the Eurostat Urban Audit (city-level). Ethnicity figures are based on nationality / country of birth, as European statistics do not collect race or ethnicity data. Education figures reflect the highest level of education attained by the population aged 25-64.
Data source: Eurostat Urban Audit (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Setúbal, Portugal?
The cost of living index in Setúbal is 88, which is Lower the Portugal national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Setúbal?
The median home price in Setúbal is €220,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Setúbal is approximately €750/mo.
Does Setúbal, STB have income tax?
Setúbal is in STB, which has an income tax rate of 28.5%.
What is the climate like in Setúbal?
Setúbal enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 46°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Idealista / OLX Imóveis, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ERSE, EDP, Galp 2025
Data last updated: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.