Lisbonis 26% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (49/10) vs San Sebastian "Pricey" (20/10). Dorms avg $26/night vs $38/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇹 Lisbon
🇪🇸 San Sebastian
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
81 hostels, avg 9.3 rating
★★★★★
10 hostels, avg 8.1 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $94/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $90/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.58, dorms avg $23
★★★★★
Coffee $2.36, dorms avg $38
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.54, 81 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $3.54, 10 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
25 attractions
★★★★★
26 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇹 Lisbon | 🇪🇸 San Sebastian | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $42 cheaper | $56 | $15/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $67 cheaper | $74 | $7/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $106 | $105 cheaper | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇹 Lisbon | 🇪🇸 San Sebastian |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $14.15 35% less | $21.81 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $29.47 | $29.47 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.54 | $3.54 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.58 | $2.36 9% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.36 | $2.18 8% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇹▼
Lisbon
Portugal
49
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $23/night). Strong hostel scene (81 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelGoodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$26/night
Total hostels23
🇪🇸▼
San Sebastian
Spain
20
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $38/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelGurtxu by Sun Sebastian (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$38/night
Total hostels22
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇹 Lisbon
🇪🇸 San Sebastian
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Lisbon & San Sebastian
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇹 Lisbon
17°C
High
/
12°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 61mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May
🇪🇸 San Sebastian
14°C
High
/
8°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 133mm/month
Best months: Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇹 Lisbon
1. Miradouro de São Pedro de AlcântaraFree
2. Pastéis de BelémFree
3. Primeira Travessia Aérea do Atlântico SulFree
4. Museu dos Combatentes do Ultramar
5. Zoo TrainFree
🇪🇸 San Sebastian
1. Igeldoko itsasargiaFree
2. The Comb of the WindFree
3. Ancla para un PuertoFree
4. Aquarium
5. Basque Maritime Museum
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Lisbon or San Sebastian cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Lisbon vs San Sebastian?+
Do I need a visa for Lisbon or San Sebastian?+
When is the best time to visit Lisbon or San Sebastian?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Lisbon and San Sebastian?+
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