Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Brussels?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Brussels? 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 Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Brussels €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Brussels 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Brussels €73
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Brussels €146
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Brussels €17
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
-
Subway Pass€4.50
-
Atomium train ticket (2)€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Private Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $502
- Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $492
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam by Luxury car: $285
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $279
- Private Direct Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $256
- VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $246
- Private VIP Transfer to/from Bruges: $245
- Private Transfer From Brussels To Circuit SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Belgium Luxury car : $191
- Transfer Shuttle Leuven <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
- Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $164
- From Brussels city to CRL Charleroi Airport- Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $163
- From Brussels city to CRL Charleroi Airport- Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $163
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 €31Brussels €38
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
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
-
Ice Cream & Macaroons€4.60
-
Dessert (Turkish Delights)€4.75
-
Cheese€5.60
-
Olives and Snacks€6.98
-
Waffle€3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $29
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $137
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $163
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Brussels €23
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 Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Brussels Walking Tour with Waffle Tasting: History and Delights: $23
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Christmas Gems of Brussels - Walking Tour: $261
- 2-Hour Brussels Guided Walking Tour: $15
- 4 Hour Private Tour in Brussels : $273
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
- A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $147
- Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels : $48
- Architecture Tour of Brussels: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Brussels €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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine€10
-
Beer€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
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 Brussels in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Brussels. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°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 Brussels. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Brussels in the Autumn?
Both Brussels 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 Brussels this time of year.
Funchal is much warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Brussels. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Brussels in the Winter?
Both Brussels and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Brussels in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Brussels. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Brussels. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Funchal
| Funchal | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.