Rental Market in Setúbal — District Guide
The Setúbal district is going through a deep transformation in its rental market, driven by the spillover of prices from Lisbon to the south bank of the Tagus and by the growing appeal of the coastal municipalities of Arrábida. With median prices still 25-30% below the equivalents in the Lisbon district, Setúbal offers one of the best value propositions in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area for those looking for space, nature and accessibility.
- Data from 1 June 2026
- Confidence: High
District overview
The Setúbal district in numbers
- Municipalities
- 13
- Rental properties (est.)
- 20,000
- Average rent
- €850
- Year-on-year change
- +7.5%
- Demand index
- Medium-high
The Setúbal district includes municipalities with very different realities: Almada (high density, South Tagus Metro), Setúbal (industrial and university), Sesimbra and Palmela (nature and Arrábida). The south bank of the Tagus has been steadily gaining value as connections to Lisbon improve.
Main markets
Featured cities in the district
- High
Almada
The largest city on the south bank; the South Tagus Metro and the ferry connect to central Lisbon.
T2: €850-€1,400/monthView market - Medium-high
Setúbal
Industrial capital with a Sado riverfront being regenerated and strong growth.
T2: €700-€1,200/monthView market - High
Sesimbra
Pearl of Arrábida; tourism supports higher prices, but a year-round residential market exists.
T2: €900-€1,400/month
Tips for landlords
On the south bank, the distance to the ferry or to the Fertagus train is the main value factor; state the commuting time to Lisbon in the first lines of the listing to maximise demand.
Tips for tenants
The cost of a transport pass on the south bank (ferry + Metro) is around €40-55/month — include this cost in your budget when comparing rents with Lisbon. The net saving on rent remains significant.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest municipality to rent in the Setúbal district?
The most affordable municipalities in the Setúbal district are Palmela (median €650/month), Grândola (€580/month) and Alcácer do Sal (€520/month), but with fewer local job opportunities. For people who work in Lisbon or Setúbal, Palmela offers the best price-to-accessibility ratio.
Is Arrábida adding value to the rental market in Setúbal?
Yes, proximity to the Arrábida Natural Park has progressively raised values in areas such as Azeitão, Sesimbra and São Simão, with rents growing 6-9% a year. Demand from Lisbon families looking for nature and quality of life supports this growth, especially since 2020 with remote working.
What is the best way to get from Setúbal to Lisbon?
The fastest option from Setúbal to Lisbon is the Setúbal-Barreiro regional train with a change to the Barreiro-Lisbon ferry (1h-1h15 in total). Via the Fertagus on the 25 de Abril Bridge, the car journey takes between 45 min (off-peak) and 90 min (rush hour). The Setúbal-Lisbon express coach (Rede Expressos) takes 1h on average.