Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Reykjavik €228
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €228. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Reykjavik €129
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Reykjavik €258
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Reykjavik €42
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 Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavík: South Coast Guided Day Trip by Jeep with Transfer: $1,765
- From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $473
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $306
- From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $287
- Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos: $283
- Lava Tunnel Caving with Transfer | Small Group: $283
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $278
- Private transfer: Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport (KEF): $277
- Private Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport : $273
- Private Airport Transfer: $271
- Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik: $270
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 €31Reykjavik €28
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 Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)€165
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Icelandic Food Tour: $123
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $144
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Reykjavik €67
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum€9.97
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Wine and Spa€27
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- WWII History Tour with a 1940's British Officer in Reykjavik: $148
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $58
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $435
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
- ATV - QUAD Adventure: $174
- Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $174
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Reykjavik €26
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 Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer€8.15
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Reykjavik. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Reykjavik. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Funchal is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Funchal
| Funchal | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.