Which place is cheaper, Malaga or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Malaga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Malaga? 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 Malaga?
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.
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Malaga €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Malaga is €140. 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 Malaga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Malaga €75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Malaga €150
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Malaga
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Malaga? 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 Malaga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Malaga €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.82
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Córdoba: $294
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ubrique: $291
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $288
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $267
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Adra: $261
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Lanjarón: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada: $242
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $222
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algodonales: $222
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Benaoján: $213
- Private Transfer from Ronda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $213
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Malaga?
Prices for flights to both Malaga 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 €31Malaga €35
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:
- 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 Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
- Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $76
- Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Malaga €31
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
- 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
- São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
- Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Majestic West Tour : $31
- Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
- Exorbitant West Tour: $33
- Full Day Tour of Madeira West: $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $152
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $239
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
- 1 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
- 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 1h buggy tour: $114
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $163
- 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $141
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
- 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Malaga €22
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 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: $55
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $101
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $103
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
- Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $171
- Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $87
- Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
- Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $118
- Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Malaga, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Malaga?
Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Malaga, 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 Malaga?
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 Malaga in the Summer?
Both Malaga and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is cooler than Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Malaga 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Malaga in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Malaga. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 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 Malaga. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Malaga 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Malaga in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Malaga. Additionally, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Malaga. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Malaga 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Malaga in the Spring?
Both Malaga and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Malaga. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Malaga. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Malaga 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Malaga and Funchal
| Funchal | Malaga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.