Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Cardiff?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff?
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.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Cardiff €182
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is €182. 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 Cardiff in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Cardiff €109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Cardiff €218
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Cardiff
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Cardiff €25
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 Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
- Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
- Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
- Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
- Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
- Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Cardiff?
Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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 €31Cardiff €51
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Cardiff €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 Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
- 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
- A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
- Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
- Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
- Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
- Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
- Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
- Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Cardiff €15
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 Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
- Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Cardiff?
Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?
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 Cardiff in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Cardiff. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Cardiff 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cardiff in the Autumn?
Both Cardiff and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Cardiff 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cardiff in the Winter?
Both Cardiff and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Cardiff. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Cardiff 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cardiff in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Cardiff. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Funchal is much warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Cardiff 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cardiff and Funchal
| Funchal | Cardiff | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.