Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Zurich? 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 Zurich?
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.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Zurich €251
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Zurich is €251. 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 Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Zurich €159
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Zurich €318
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Zurich? 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 Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Zurich €33
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)€27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,411
- SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,083
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,083
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $857
- Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $809
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $651
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $642
- TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $640
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $636
- Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $634
- Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $634
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $613
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 €31Zurich €58
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 Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2€13
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Zurich €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
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $627
- 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $224
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $101
- Adventure to Mount Pilatus Gold and Silver tour: $157
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $650
- Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $799
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
- Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $124
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
- Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $87
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Zurich €27
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 Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $31
- eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Zurich, 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 Zurich?
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 Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Zurich, 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 Zurich. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Zurich in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Zurich. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 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 Zurich. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Zurich. Additionally, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Zurich in the Spring?
Both Zurich and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.
Funchal is a little warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Zurich. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Funchal
| Funchal | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.