Which place is cheaper, Bern or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Bern?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Bern? 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 Bern?
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.
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Bern €234
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Bern is €234. 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 Bern in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Bern €151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Bern €302
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bern
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bern? 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 Bern Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Bern €31
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 Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
- Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
- Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
- Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
- Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bern?
Prices for flights to both Bern 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
-
Food Meals for one dayFunchal €31Bern €56
Typical Food Prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
-
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 Bern
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.
- Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
- Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Bern €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
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
- 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
- Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
- Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
- Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
- Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
- Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
- Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
- Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
- Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
- Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Bern €25
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bern?
Bern has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Bern, 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 Bern?
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 Bern in the Summer?
Both Bern and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.
In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Bern. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Bern. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Bern 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bern in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bern. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Funchal is much warmer than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 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 Bern. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Bern 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bern in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bern. Additionally, many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bern. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Bern 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bern in the Spring?
Both Bern and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Bern. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Bern 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Bern and Funchal
| Funchal | Bern | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.