Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Rabat? 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 Rabat?
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.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Rabat €41
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Rabat €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Rabat €50
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Rabat? 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 Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Rabat €1.97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $87
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Transfer to Hiking Achada Teixeira - Pico Ruivo: $60
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale€3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Tetouan: $290
- Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $282
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tangier: $267
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $261
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $253
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $229
- Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $220
- Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $205
- Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $205
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 €31Rabat €12
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $75
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Rabat €2.66
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $190
- Wheelchair Handicap Full Day East Tour Santana Tour : $190
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Days Tour Discovering Madeira: $279
- 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 : $157
- Agriculture Green Tour : $93
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
- From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,906
- From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $102
- From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $713
- From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $104
- Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
- Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,383
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $82
- Private Boat Exploration Tour in Rabat: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Rabat -
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Rabat, we can see that Funchal is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Funchal is in Europe and Rabat is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Funchal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Funchal than you might in Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Rabat, 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 Rabat?
Funchal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Funchal or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Rabat. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Rabat. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Rabat. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Rabat. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Rabat. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Funchal
| Funchal | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°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.