Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Istanbul or Funchal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Funchal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Funchal?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Funchal $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Funchal is $100. 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 Istanbul and Funchal in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Funchal $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Funchal $110
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Funchal
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Funchal $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry$0.09
-
Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $749
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $466
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $321
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $287
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $282
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $225
- Full-Day Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $210
- Layover Private Guided Istanbul City Tour with Transfers: $192
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Funchal?
Prices for flights to both Funchal and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Funchal $34
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice$0.06
-
Turkish Delight$0.02
-
Dessert$0.26
-
Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Typical Food Prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
-
Coffee$1.50
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Funchal $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
-
Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
-
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
-
Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
- 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $432
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Funchal $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844
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 Istanbul and Funchal, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Funchal?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Funchal?
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 Istanbul or Funchal in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Funchal. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Funchal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Funchal averages at about 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Funchal. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Funchal 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Funchal in the Autumn?
Both Funchal and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Funchal during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Funchal. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Funchal 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Funchal in the Winter?
Both Funchal and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Istanbul is much colder than Funchal in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Funchal fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Funchal. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Funchal. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Funchal 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Funchal in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Funchal. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Funchal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Funchal averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Funchal. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Funchal 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Funchal and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Funchal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.