Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Belfast? 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 Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Belfast €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Belfast is €155. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Belfast €80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Belfast €160
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Belfast? 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 Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Belfast €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
- Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dublin Airport: $294
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derrygonnelly: $286
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belcoo: $286
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bellanaleck: $268
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Kinawley: $264
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnarick: $259
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballinamallard: $248
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Castlederg: $248
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnaskea: $243
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Maguiresbridge: $243
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownbutler: $236
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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 €31Belfast €59
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Belfast €21
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 Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets€9.35
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
- Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
- Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
- 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
- 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
- 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
- 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
- A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
- Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
- Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
- Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
- Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Belfast €9.18
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 Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Belfast?
Belfast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
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 Belfast in the Summer?
Both Belfast and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Belfast in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Belfast. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Funchal is much warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Belfast. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Belfast in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Belfast. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Belfast in the Spring?
Both Belfast and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Belfast. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Funchal
| Funchal | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.