Which place is cheaper, Florence or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Florence? 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Florence €154
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Florence €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Florence? 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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Florence €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Sorrento: $2,138
- From Amalfi Coast Transfer with a Stop in Pompeii: $1,176
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,176
- Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to Florence or Siena: $893
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Pisa: $567
- Private Transfer to Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
- From Private Transfer to Siena: $396
- From Private Transfer to Livorno Port: $386
- Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $386
- Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $314
- Horse ride in the Mugello (transfer from / to Florence) and Tuscan aperitif: $293
- Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 €31Florence €36
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
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
- Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Florence €30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $92
- Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $191
- Florence-Private bike tour: $98
- From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
- Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
- Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
- 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $35
- 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $49
- 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Uffizi Galleries for Families: $38
- 2-Hour Guided Tour to Uffizi Gallery and its Symbols: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Florence €18
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 Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Florence?
Florence has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Florence, 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 Florence?
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 Florence in the Summer?
Both Florence and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Florence. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Florence 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Florence in the Autumn?
Both Florence and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Florence. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Florence 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Florence in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Florence. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Florence. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Florence 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Florence in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Florence. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Florence 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Florence and Funchal
| Funchal | Florence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.