Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93San Sebastian €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €89. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Funchal and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94San Sebastian €14
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 San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 €31San Sebastian €31
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 San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15San Sebastian €33
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 San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
- Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
- Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
- Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
- Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
- Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
- Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16San Sebastian €20
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 San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Funchal or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and San Sebastian. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Funchal or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as San Sebastian. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Funchal or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Funchal
| Funchal | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.