Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna? 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 Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
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 Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Bologna €159
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. 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 Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Bologna €87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bologna? 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 Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Bologna €21
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 Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
- Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
- From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
- Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
- Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
- Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
- Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
- Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
- Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
- Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
- Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
- Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna 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 €31Bologna €39
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 Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Bologna €38
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 Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
-
Food Tour (for 2)€31
-
Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
-
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
-
National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
-
Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
- 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
- 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
- 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
- 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
- 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
- Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
- BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
- Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
- Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
- Bike Tour Bologna: $142
- Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Bologna €28
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 Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Bologna, 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 Bologna?
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 Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bologna. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bologna. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bologna. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bologna can be very cold during winter. Funchal is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna in the Spring?
Both Bologna and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bologna. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Funchal
| Funchal | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.