Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Montpellier?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier?
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.
Montpellier
Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.
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 France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Montpellier €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Montpellier in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Montpellier €69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Montpellier €138
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Montpellier
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Montpellier €26
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:
- Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
- Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
- Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
- Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
- Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Montpellier?
Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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 €31Montpellier €31
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 Montpellier
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.
- Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
- Montpellier Food Tour: $93
- From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
- Cooking workshop: $106
- Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
- Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Montpellier €12
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 Montpellier
Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
- From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
- From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
- Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
- Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
- Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
- Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
- Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
- Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
- Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
- Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
- Photoshoot Experience: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Montpellier €15
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 Montpellier
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:
- The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
- Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
- Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
- Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
- Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
- Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
- Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Montpellier?
Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?
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 Montpellier in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Montpellier. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Montpellier 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Montpellier in the Autumn?
Both Montpellier and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Montpellier 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Montpellier in the Winter?
Both Montpellier and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Funchal is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Montpellier 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Montpellier in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Montpellier. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Montpellier 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Montpellier and Funchal
| Funchal | Montpellier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°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.