Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Bilbao €72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Bilbao €26
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 €31Bilbao €45
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 Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Bilbao €29
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 Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Bilbao €21
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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bilbao. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.
Funchal is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Funchal
| Funchal | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.