Which place is cheaper, Arles or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Arles?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Arles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Funchal or Arles?
Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.
Arles
Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Arles €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Arles is €142. 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 Funchal and Arles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Arles €71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Arles €142
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Arles
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Arles? 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.
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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Arles €23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:
- Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Arles?
Prices for flights to both Arles and Funchal 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
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Food Meals for one dayFunchal €31Arles €52
Typical Food Prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
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Coffee€1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal
For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
- Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
- Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Typical Food Prices in Arles
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:
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Cooked Clams€4.50
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Ice Cream€1.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Arles €31
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
- Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $11
- Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
- Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: $25
- Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
- Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
- São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
- Majestic West Tour : $31
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- Exorbitant West Tour: $33
- Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles
Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Castle Entrance Fee€5.50
Tours and Activities in Arles
Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
- Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
- Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
- Art and History Walking Tour: $299
- City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
- City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
- From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
- Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
- Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
- Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Arles €24
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
- Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
Sample the Local Flavors in Arles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:
- Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Funchal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Funchal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Funchal 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles than you might in Funchal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Arles?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Arles, 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 Funchal or Arles?
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 Funchal or Arles in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Arles. Additionally, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Arles. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Arles 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Arles in the Autumn?
Both Arles and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Arles. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Arles 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Arles in the Winter?
Both Arles and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Funchal is much warmer than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Arles 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Arles in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Arles. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Arles. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Arles 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Arles and Funchal
| Funchal | Arles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.