Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Bordeaux?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Bordeaux? 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 Bordeaux?
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.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Bordeaux €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is €118. 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 Bordeaux in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Bordeaux €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Bordeaux €126
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bordeaux
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bordeaux? 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 Bordeaux Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Bordeaux €15
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 Bordeaux
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:
- Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273
- Airport to Bordeaux Premium Class Private Transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
- Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
- Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
- Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bordeaux?
Prices for flights to both Bordeaux 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 €31Bordeaux €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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.
- No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $63
- Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $63
- NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
- 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
- Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
- Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $84
- Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
- Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $95
- Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $95
- Food Tour in Bordeaux : $97
- Bordeaux Food Tour - Bakeries, Pastries, Chocolate and more!: $98
- Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Bordeaux €7.89
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 Bordeaux
Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience": $39
- "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $196
- 1-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $27
- 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $164
- 4 Hours Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux the Sandwiches of the World: $64
- Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $20
- Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $53
- Bordeaux - Private Historic Walking Tour: $459
- Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
- Bordeaux : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $75
- Bordeaux Bike Tour - Private: $217
- Bordeaux Christmas Market Tour: $307
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Bordeaux €26
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 Bordeaux
Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
- Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
- Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
- Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
- Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
- Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
- Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
- Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
- Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
- Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
- Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?
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 Bordeaux in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bordeaux. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bordeaux in the Autumn?
Both Bordeaux and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bordeaux in the Winter?
Both Bordeaux and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.
Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Bordeaux. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bordeaux in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bordeaux. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bordeaux. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Funchal
| Funchal | Bordeaux | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 99 mm (3.9 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.