Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Santiago de Compostela?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela?
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.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Santiago de Compostela €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is €91. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Santiago de Compostela €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Santiago de Compostela €74
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Santiago de Compostela
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Santiago de Compostela €38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:
- Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
- Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
- Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Santiago de Compostela?
Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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 €31Santiago de Compostela €19
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 Santiago de Compostela
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:
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Raspberries€3.50
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Ice Cream€2.00
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Cookie€1.00
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Kebab€7.25
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Dinner & Tapas (for 2)€28
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Tuna Empanada€3.50
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Fruit Shake€3.50
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Crepe€4.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Santiago de Compostela €39
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 Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
- Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
- Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
- Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
- Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
- Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
- Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
- From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
- From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
- From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
- From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
- Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Santiago de Compostela €23
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 Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:
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1 Pint Beer€2.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela
Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
- Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Santiago de Compostela?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?
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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiago de Compostela. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.
Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Santiago de Compostela. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Funchal
| Funchal | Santiago de Compostela | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 128 mm (5 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.