Which place is cheaper, Birmingham or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Birmingham?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham?
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.
Birmingham
Birmingham, England, is often known as Britain's second-largest city. It is located in the western Midlands of England. Birmingham is nearly in the center of England, so almost all rail and motorways cross here. The city gained popularity and status during the industrial revolution and is still one of the main cities for industrial production and power, ranging from electricity to metal. Because of its importance as an industrial hub, it is one of the most populated cities in England. In more recent years, Birmingham has done a lot to add to the overall cultural scene of the city with the addition of museums and art.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Birmingham €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Birmingham 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 Birmingham in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Birmingham €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Birmingham €154
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Birmingham
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Birmingham €30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham
Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
- Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
- Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
- Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
- Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
- Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
- Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
- Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
- Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
- Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Birmingham?
Prices for flights to both Birmingham 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 €31Birmingham €45
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 Birmingham
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:
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Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station€6.52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham
For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Birmingham €56
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Low Cost Wheelchair Handicap Half Day Tour, Fully Accessible Tour : $76
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
- 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
- Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
- Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
- Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
- Around the island - Two days tour: $82
Tours and Activities in Birmingham
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.
- 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
- Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
- Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
- Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
- Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
- Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
- Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
- Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
- Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
- Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
- Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Birmingham €13
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 Birmingham
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:
- Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham 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 Birmingham Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Birmingham?
Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Funchal or Birmingham in the Summer?
Both Birmingham and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Birmingham 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Birmingham in the Autumn?
Both Birmingham and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.
Funchal is much warmer than Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Birmingham 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Birmingham in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Birmingham. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Birmingham 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Birmingham in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Birmingham.
In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Birmingham. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Birmingham 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Birmingham and Funchal
| Funchal | Birmingham | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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) | 6°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.