A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Salzburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Salzburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Funchal or Salzburg? 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 Salzburg?

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.

Salzburg

Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.

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 Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Salzburg or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is €155. 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 Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Salzburg 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Salzburg 182
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Salzburg? 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.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Salzburg


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 Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Salzburg 19

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Vienna: $738
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Prague: $695
  • Cesky Krumlov: Private One-Way Transfer to Salzburg: $629
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Vienna with 2h of sightseeing: $300
  • Private transfer from Salzburg to Prague: $298
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Vienna with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $291
  • Kitzbuhel, Flachau, Transfer From Salzburg & Airport SZG: $288
  • Private transfer Salzburg → Vienna with stop in Mauthausen Concentration Camp: $284
  • From Salzburg to Prague, Private Transfer with 2h of Sightseeing: $283
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Salzburg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $278
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Prague with local English-speaking driver: $278
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg City to Vienna City: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 31
    Salzburg 41
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • 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 Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $106
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Salzburg 30

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

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Private Salzburg City Highlights Tour: $272
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Salzburg: $176
  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $240
  • 3D Exclusive VR-Tour: $321
  • 3D Unique VR-Tour: $29
  • A day in the life of Salzburg - Private tour with a local: $230
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Amphibious Splash Tour on the Water and on the Land in Salzburg: $45
  • Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna: $1,123
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with Amphibious Splash Tour: $94
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with River Cruise: $71
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Salzburg 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 Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $185


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?

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 Salzburg in the Summer?

Both Salzburg and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Salzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Salzburg. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Salzburg. Furthermore, most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 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 Salzburg. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Salzburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Salzburg. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Salzburg can be very cold. Funchal is much warmer than Salzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Salzburg. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Funchal

Funchal Salzburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)