Which place is cheaper, Palermo or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Palermo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo? 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 Palermo?
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.
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Palermo €92
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Palermo is €92. 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 Palermo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Palermo €56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Palermo €112
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Palermo
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Palermo? 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 Palermo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Palermo €5.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
- Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
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Bus to Monreale€3.00
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Bus From Airport€6.00
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90 Minute Bus Pass€1.30
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Short Taxi Ride€4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
- Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
- Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
- Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from Adler SPA Resort Sicily: $149
- Private Transfer Trapani or San Vito lo Capo to Palermo Airport by Car or Van: $146
- Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
- Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $124
- Private Transfer Palermo Airport to/from San Vito Lo Capo, Macari: $109
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
- Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Palermo?
Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 €31Palermo €29
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
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€32
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Fast Food Lunch€5.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Street Food Tour: $42
- Street Food Tour: $65
- Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
- Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
- Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
- Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
- Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
- Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
- Sicilian Cooking Class: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Palermo €17
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)€6.00
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Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)€12
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Theater Tickets (for Two)€49
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
- Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
- Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
- Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
- Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
- Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
- Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
- Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
- Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
- English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
- Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Palermo €11
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
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Beer€2.56
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Bottle of Quality Wine€11
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
- Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
- Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
- From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
- Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Palermo, we can see that Funchal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Palermo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Palermo?
Palermo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Palermo, 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo in the Summer?
Both Palermo and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Funchal is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Palermo averages at about 25°C (76°F).
In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Palermo. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo 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)Palermo 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Palermo. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Palermo. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 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 Palermo. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Palermo 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Palermo. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than Palermo in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Palermo. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Palermo 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo in the Spring?
Both Palermo and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Palermo averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Palermo. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Palermo. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Palermo 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Palermo and Funchal
| Funchal | Palermo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 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.