Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Glasgow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow?
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.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Glasgow €169
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is €169. 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 Glasgow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Glasgow €86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Glasgow €172
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Glasgow
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Glasgow €32
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
- Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
- Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
- Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
- Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
- Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
- Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Glasgow?
Prices for flights to both Glasgow 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 €31Glasgow €53
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 Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market€2.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Glasgow €26
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 Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)€14
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Two Bike Rental€40
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
- 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
- Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
- Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
- From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
- From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Glasgow €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 Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine€14
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie€4.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Glasgow?
Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?
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 Glasgow in the Summer?
Both Glasgow and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Glasgow 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Glasgow in the Autumn?
Both Glasgow and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.
Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Glasgow 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Glasgow in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Glasgow. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. Funchal is much warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Glasgow 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Glasgow in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Glasgow. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow 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)Glasgow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Glasgow and Funchal
| Funchal | Glasgow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.