Which place is cheaper, Oxford or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Oxford?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Oxford? 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 Oxford?
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.
Oxford
Oxford is a city in England best known as the home of the 12-century Oxford University, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. The city also features landmarks such as Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, and a number of world-class museums.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Oxford €153
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Oxford is €153. 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 Oxford in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Oxford €84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Oxford €168
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Oxford
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Oxford? 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 Oxford Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Oxford €32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford
Also for Oxford, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
- Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
- Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
- Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
- Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
- Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
- Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
- Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
- Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Oxford?
Prices for flights to both Oxford 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 €31Oxford €48
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 €15Oxford €22
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
Tours and Activities in Oxford
For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
- 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
- 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
- 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
- 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
- Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
- Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
- Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
- CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
- Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Oxford €24
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 Oxford
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:
- Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
- Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
- Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Oxford, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Oxford?
Oxford has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Oxford, 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 Oxford?
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 Oxford in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Oxford. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Oxford. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Oxford 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Oxford in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Oxford. Additionally, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Funchal is much warmer than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Oxford. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Oxford 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Oxford in the Winter?
Both Oxford and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Oxford. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Oxford 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Oxford in the Spring?
Both Oxford and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.
In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Oxford. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Oxford 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Oxford and Funchal
| Funchal | Oxford | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°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) | 12°C (53°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°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 (40°F) | 57 mm (2.2 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.