Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Geneva? 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Geneva €196
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €196. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Geneva €136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Geneva €272
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Geneva €8.79
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 Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
- Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
- Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Meribel (FR): $1,129
- Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Courchevel (FR): $1,038
- Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere: $826
- Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez: $794
- Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Leukerbad: $730
- Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Chamonix (FR): $699
- Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Montreux: $690
- Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
- Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Saas-Fee: $689
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Adelboden: $678
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 €31Geneva €49
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 Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,406
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Geneva €28
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 Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
- (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
- 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
- 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
- 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
- Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Geneva €21
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Geneva. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Geneva. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Geneva. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Geneva in the Autumn?
Both Geneva and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
Funchal is much warmer than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Geneva. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Geneva. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Geneva in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Geneva. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Geneva. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Funchal
| Funchal | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.