Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Lucerne? 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 Lucerne?
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.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
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 Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Lucerne €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is €200. 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 Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Lucerne €128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Lucerne €256
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Lucerne? 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 Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Lucerne €12
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 Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne 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 €31Lucerne €58
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 Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
- Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
- From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Lucerne €32
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 Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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1 Day Bicycle Rental€32
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee€33
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $275
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $534
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Luzern: $563
- Alpine Majesty:Luzern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
- Basel: Swiss Alps Glacier Express Train Ride & Lucerne Tour: $760
- Best of Lucerne Walking Photography Tour: $179
- Burgenstock Private Tour: Mt. Rigis & Lake of Lucerne Cruise: $585
- City tour plus Lucerne: $95
- Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $174
- Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car: $200
- Early morning tour: $213
- Exploring Lucerne with Friends: A Local Experience ❤: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Lucerne €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
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Lucerne?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?
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 Lucerne in the Summer?
Both Lucerne and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Lucerne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Lucerne in the Autumn?
Both Lucerne and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Lucerne. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Lucerne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Lucerne. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. Funchal is much warmer than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 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 Lucerne. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Lucerne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Lucerne. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Funchal
| Funchal | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.