A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. London for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or London?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Funchal or London? 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

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 in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in London is €221. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    London 144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    London 288
Compare Hotels in Funchal and London

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or London? 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.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    London 30

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 London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    17
  • Heathrow Express
    21
  • Luggage Storage
    9.35
  • London Map
    1.51
  • Oyster Card
    42
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    25
  • Oyster Card
    32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton Cruise Terminals: Private Transfer to London: $1,300
  • London Luton Airport (LTN): Transfer to Southampton Port: $830
  • Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $755
  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Transfer to Bristol city: $680
  • London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Transfer to Southampton Port: $650
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $575
  • Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $562
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $562
  • Harry Potter Family Package Tickets with Transfer: $500
  • Harry Potter Family Package with Transfers from London: $500
  • London Stansted Airport (STN): Transfer to Southampton Port: $486
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Harwich Port: $439

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 31
    London 40
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • 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 London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    15
  • Tea
    7.01
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    46
  • Morning Tea
    7.42
  • Pastry
    5.84
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $6.47
  • Dinner and Live DJ at A Fancy Restaurant: $16
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour: $44
  • Pizza Making Cookery Class: $52
  • Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $66
  • Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $66
  • No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $67
  • African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $74
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Southwark: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    London 38

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 London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    97
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    40
  • London Pass
    55
  • Comedy Show
    9.35

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • Boogie Shoes Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tours London : $32
  • Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tour Camden: $63
  • Little Venice and Camden Walking Tour: $95
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Medieval Legends, ghosts and fire: $10
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $44
  • The London Dungeon Admission Ticket: $37
  • 'Downton Abbey' TV Locations and Blenheim Palace Tour from London: $220
  • "Luxury Tour: From London to Leeds Castle & Canterbury": $625
  • 1 Hour Unlimited Games and Rides Ticket in Babylon Park: $38
  • 2 Hour Belgravia Walking Tour and High Tea: $125
  • 2 Hours Rock and Roll Historical Walking Tour in London : $62
  • 2 Hours Unlimited Games and Rides Ticket in Babylon Park: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    London 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

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $13
  • 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • Shoreditch Bar Crawl of Five Venues with Drink Deals: $22
  • Central London Pub Crawl: $23
  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $23
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $29
  • Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31
  • Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and London, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

Both London and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than London. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and London averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than London. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or London in the Autumn?

Both London and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than London. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than London. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Funchal or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and London. Furthermore, most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

London can be very cold during winter. Funchal is much warmer than London in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 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 London. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Funchal or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as London. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than London. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and London averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than London. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than London. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Funchal

Funchal London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)