Should you visit Faro or Albufeira?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Albufeira, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
Which city is cheaper, Albufeira or Faro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €130, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is €118. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Faro and Albufeira in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Faro can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is €59, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around €118.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €59. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Albufeira the cost is €118 on average.
Food
Faro food costs typically run travelers around €41 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
The average traveler spends about €38 per day in Albufeira for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Faro €41
Albufeira €38
Local Transportation
To get around in Faro, the average visitor spends €6.90 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
The average price of local transportation around Albufeira is €27 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Algarve private transfer to Seville:
$307
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Algarve to/from Seville Transfer:
$325
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Arrival Transfer Faro Airport - Carvoeiro:
$58
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Arrival Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira or Açoteias by Private Vehicle:
$38
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Arrival Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Meia Praia or Lagos by Private Vehicle:
$78
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Arrival Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Vilamoura or Qta do Lago by Private Vehicle:
$32
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Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 4 passengers):
$398
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Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 8 passengers):
$498
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Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (1 to 4 passengers):
$435
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Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers):
$498
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Faro Airport (Algarve) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Vilamoura Hotels or Address):
$45
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Faro Airport FAO Transfer to Alvor, Carvoeiro or Portimão by Private Vehicle:
$64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
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Transfer Algarve - Up to 7 People:
$871
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Transfer Algarve - Up to 3 People:
$746
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Lisbon Airoport Private Transfer To Algarve ( 8 Seats Van ):
$566
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Private Transfer Algarve-Lisbon (5 to 8 passangers):
$442
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Private Transfer Lisbon - Pine Cliffs Algarve (5 to 8 passangers):
$442
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Sevilha Airoport Private Transfer To Algarve ( 8 Seats Van ):
$417
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Private Transfer Central Algarve - Lisbon:
$398
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Private Transfer Lisbon - Central Algarve:
$398
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Private Transfer Lisbon - Pine Cliffs Algarve (up to 4 passangers):
$360
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Enjoy Three Days in Algarve ( Hotel & Transfers & Tours ):
$330
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Transfer From Albufeira Algarve To Lisboa:
$235
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Safe & Clean Economic Private Transfer Albufeira > Lisbon:
$139
Entertainment
In Faro, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average €56 per person, per day.
Albufeira's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €31 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
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Horse Experience For Children: Lead Rein Riding:
$3.72
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Birds and Nature Catamaran Tour from Faro:
$19
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Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa:
$32
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Algarve: Animaris Desert Island & Ria Formosa Day Tour:
$36
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Ria Formosa Natural Park Boat Cruise from Faro:
$37
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Birdwatching Boat Tour in Ria Formosa:
$38
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Small-Group Tour in Faro Islands:
$40
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Private Speed Boat Tour:
$45
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Stand Up Paddle tour, Ria Formosa:
$46
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Amoreira River Kayak Tour:
$50
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Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour:
$50
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Ingrina to Barranco Grottos Kayak Tour:
$50
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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'Leaozinho' Pirate Ship Cruise from Albufeira:
$30
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1.5 Hour Quad Off-Road Tour from Albufeira:
$31
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Albufeira 1.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour:
$40
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Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour:
$75
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Albufeira 3-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour:
$137
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Albufeira Beach Tour:
$25
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Albufeira Coast and Countryside Mountain Bike Tour:
$73
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Albufeira Jeep Safari Tour (Full Day):
$65
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Albufeira to Algibre Trails Bike Tour:
$73
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Algarve 4x4 Combi Tours:
$199
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Algarve Coast Full-Day Private Tour:
$93
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Algarve Coastline and Beaches Land Tour:
$622
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Albufeira may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €21 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
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Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting:
$21
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira:
$61
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sunset wine tasting from Albufeira:
$87
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Half Day Small Group Premium Wine Tour from Albufeira:
$93
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Wine Tour & Walking 7 Hanging Valleys - Coast Algarve:
$156
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From Algarve: Medieval Évora with Lunch and Wine Tasting:
$319
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Algarve Art and Wine Tour from Albufeira:
$653
When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Albufeira, we can see that Faro 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.
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