Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Rotterdam €152
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €152. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Rotterdam €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Rotterdam €154
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Rotterdam €26
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
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 €31Rotterdam €54
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 Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Rotterdam €32
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 Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
- Best of small-group walking tour: $96
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Rotterdam €19
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 Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Rotterdam. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. Funchal is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 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 Rotterdam. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Rotterdam. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Funchal
| Funchal | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.