Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra?
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.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Lisbon.
-
Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Coimbra €138
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is €138. 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 Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Coimbra €44
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Coimbra €88
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Coimbra €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- XL Madeira Airport to Funchal City Centre - Private Transfer: $69
- Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $96
- Transfer to Caniçal UNESCO Self-Guided Hike Ponta São Lourenço: $36
- Transfer to Caldeirão Verde Levada Self-Guided Hike Queimadas: $41
- Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro : $41
- Transfer Rabacal 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided: $41
- Transfer Privado e Confiável: Aeroporto → Funchal (ou vice-versa): $21
- Transfer Funchal - Madeira Airport: $43
- Transfer Airport/Funchal/Airport: $92
- Private airport transfer to Funchal 8 people more return: $108
- Private Transfer to Levada do Alecrim - Rosemary Levada (easy): $66
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $176
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $176
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $172
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $162
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $160
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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 €54Coimbra €83
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: $34
- Amazing Dinner with Folklore: $52
- Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal: $68
- Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $63
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Coimbra €18
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Wheelchair Porto Moniz Handicap Tour: $180
- 25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6): $55
- 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $78
- 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $78
- 8-Hour Luxury Cruise from Funchal to Ponta de São Lourenço: $2,132
- Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $174
- Agriculture Green Tour : $102
- Amazing East Tour : $36
- Amazing Sunset (Private tour): $263
- Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day - Shared Tour: $71
- Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour: $83
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $72
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-day tour from Lisbon: Aveiro, Coimbra, Conímbriga and the Palace of Bussaco: $115
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $219
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $156
- AVEIRO, COSTA NOVA E Private Tour from Porto: $230
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $98
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $90
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $90
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $47
- Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $144
- Coimbra & Aveiro Experience: From Porto All-Included: $137
- Coimbra - Condeixa: Off-road Buggy Adventure 150min: $190
- Coimbra - Condeixa: Off-road Buggy Adventure 240min: $230
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Coimbra €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 3-Hour Madeira Cruise with Sweets & Wine Tasting: $40
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $62
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $63
- Madeira 4x4 Tour and Wine Tasting Experience : $90
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $94
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $108
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $109
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $138
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $210
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $40
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Coimbra, we can see that Coimbra 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 Coimbra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Coimbra?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
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 Coimbra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Coimbra.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Coimbra averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Coimbra.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Coimbra. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra in the Winter?
Both Coimbra and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Funchal is a little warmer than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Coimbra during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Coimbra. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Funchal
| Funchal | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.