Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?
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.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Mont-Saint-Michel €156
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Mont-Saint-Michel €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Mont-Saint-Michel €140
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Mont-Saint-Michel
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Mont-Saint-Michel €70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 €31Mont-Saint-Michel €44
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 €15Mont-Saint-Michel €30
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 Mont-Saint-Michel
Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
- Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
- Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
- Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
- Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
- Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
- Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
- Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
- Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Mont-Saint-Michel €7.86
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 1260 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?
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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?
Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?
Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.
Funchal is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Funchal
| Funchal | Mont-Saint-Michel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.