A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Como for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Como?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Funchal or Como? 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 Como?

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.

Como

At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.

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 Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Como or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Como is €214. 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 Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Como 146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Como 292
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Como

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Como? 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.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Como


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 Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Como 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
  • Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
  • Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $235
  • Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $221
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193
  • Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
  • Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como 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 day
    Funchal 31
    Como 60
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 Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
  • Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
  • Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
  • Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
  • Como Food Tour: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Como -

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Low Cost Wheelchair Handicap Half Day Tour, Fully Accessible Tour : $76
  • “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
  • Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
  • Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
  • Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
  • Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
  • Around the island - Two days tour: $82

Tours and Activities in Como

For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
  • 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
  • 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
  • 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
  • 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
  • 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
  • 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
  • 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Como -

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 Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
  • Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Como?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Como. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Como. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Como. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Como. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Como. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Funchal is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Como during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Como. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Como. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Como 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Como and Funchal

Funchal Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)