Which place is cheaper, Cork or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Cork?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Cork? 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 Cork?
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.
Cork
Located on the banks of the River Lee, Cork has a small, but pleasant downtown that is easy to walk around. The city was built up on marshland, and many of the streets today, including St Patrick's Street, the South Mall and the Grand Parade, are actually built over what was once river channels. Today there are more than thirty bridges that cross over the channelized River Lee. As an orientation, it's nice to take a historic walking tour of the downtown area. Then you can explore the area in more detail by yourself. There are cathedrals, museums, and galleries around town so you can keep yourself quite entertained. If the weather is nice, head out to Lough park, which has a small freshwater limestone lake and some interesting water fowl to see. It's a great place to people watch and see daily life in the city of Cork.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Cork €101
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Cork is €101. 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 Cork in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Cork €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Cork €120
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Cork
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Cork? 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 Cork Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Cork €16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
- Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Cork?
Prices for flights to both Cork 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 €31Cork €30
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 Cork
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cork.
- Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
- Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
- Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Cork €9.29
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 Cork
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cork are as follows:
- Blarney Castle Tour from Cork including Cobh: $60
- Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
- Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork: $52
- Coastal Foraging and Folklore Tour: $55
- Cork City Cycle Tour - Experience the beautiful and historic City by bike: $51
- Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket: $14
- Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
- Cork Culinary Tour: $128
- Cork Culinary Tour: $142
- Cork Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour: $65
- Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cork Holiday Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Cork €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
Sample the Local Flavors in Cork
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:
- Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
- Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
- Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
- Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $32
- Midleton Distillery Experience & Whiskey Tasting -Home of Jameson: $33
- Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $64
- Cork Irish Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery : $65
- Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $80
- Blarney Castle Cork City and Jameson Distillery Semi Private Tour: $196
- Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery: $254
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Cork, we can see that Cork is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Cork Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Cork?
Cork has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Cork, 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 Cork?
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 Cork in the Summer?
Both Cork and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cork for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Cork. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Cork. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Cork. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Cork 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cork in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Cork. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cork because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Funchal is much warmer than Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Cork during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cork. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Cork 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cork in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Cork. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cork this time of year.
In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Cork. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cork. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cork. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Cork 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cork in the Spring?
Both Cork and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the activities around the city.
In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Cork. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Cork during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cork. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Cork 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cork and Funchal
| Funchal | Cork | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 101 mm (4 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.