Which place is cheaper, Inverness or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Inverness?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Inverness? 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 Inverness?
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.
Inverness
Inverness is the northernmost city in Scotland, often referred to as the "gateway to the Highlands" as roads through Inverness lead to some of the most beautiful places in the Highlands. The city and surrounding area have a centuries old history, ranging from the battle of Culloden in the 1700's to Urquhart Castle that dates back to the 13th century. Inverness is the ideal place to explore Scotland's history and beauty, especially on a walk through the city or along the shore of the Firth. The warmest time of year is from June to September with temperatures usually in the 60's Fahrenheit and lighter rain. The rest of the year tends to be rainy and colder, with temperatures in the 40's Fahrenheit.
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 London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Inverness €196
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Inverness 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 Inverness in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Inverness €107
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Inverness €214
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Inverness
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Inverness? 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 Inverness Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Inverness €38
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:
- Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
- Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
- Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
- Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
- Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
- Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
- Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
- Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
- Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Inverness?
Prices for flights to both Inverness 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 €31Inverness €57
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Inverness €52
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 Inverness
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:
- 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
- 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
- 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
- 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
- Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
- Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
- Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
- Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
- Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
- Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
- From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
- From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Inverness €27
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 Inverness
Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
- Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Inverness, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Inverness?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Inverness, 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 Inverness?
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 Inverness in the Summer?
Both Inverness and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is much warmer than Inverness in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Inverness 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Inverness in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Inverness. Furthermore, many visitors come to Inverness in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Inverness averages at about 9°C (49°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Inverness. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Inverness 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Inverness in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Inverness. Additionally, most visitors come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Inverness can be very cold during winter. In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Inverness 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Inverness in the Spring?
Both Inverness and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm.
Funchal is much warmer than Inverness in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Inverness. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Inverness 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Inverness and Funchal
| Funchal | Inverness | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 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.