Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Funchal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Funchal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Helsinki or Funchal?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Funchal €93
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Funchal is €93. 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 Helsinki and Funchal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Funchal €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Funchal €104
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Funchal
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Funchal? 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Funchal €9.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $738
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
- Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
- VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
- Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Funchal?
Prices for flights to both Funchal and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €34Funchal €31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $106
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Funchal €15
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
- 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
- Adventure Day: $44
- All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
- Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
- E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
- First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
- From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Funchal €16
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Funchal, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Funchal?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Funchal, 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 Helsinki or Funchal?
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 Helsinki or Funchal in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Funchal. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.
Helsinki is cooler than Funchal in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Funchal. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Funchal 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Funchal in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Funchal. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Funchal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Funchal averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Funchal. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Funchal. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Funchal 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Funchal in the Winter?
Both Funchal and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Funchal during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Funchal. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Funchal 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Funchal in the Spring?
Both Funchal and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Funchal in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Funchal 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Funchal and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Funchal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.