Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Lisbon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lisbon or Funchal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lisbon or Funchal? 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: Lisbon or Funchal?
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisbon €131Funchal €93
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, 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 Lisbon and Funchal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisbon €58Funchal €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisbon €116Funchal €104
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Funchal
Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisbon €24Funchal €9.94
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride€6.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lisbon to Seville private transfer one way max 6 persons: $735
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Porto from Lisbon with Stops: $718
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $665
- From Private Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley: $638
- Lisboa - Porto Private Transfer, with 2 visits on the way: $629
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Lagos: $586
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Faro: $585
- Lisbon Private transfer to Porto 1-Way Transfer max 6 person: $566
- To/From the Lisbon Airport: Faro Private Transfer: $533
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Albufeira: $532
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport and Portimão: $532
- Porto: Private Transfer Between Porto City and Lisbon City: $531
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $87
- Transfer to Hiking Achada Teixeira - Pico Ruivo: $60
- Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $49
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Transfer Funchal - Madeira Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $88
- 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: $68
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Funchal?
Prices for flights to both Funchal and Lisbon 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 dayLisbon €42Funchal €31
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
- Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
- Lisbon Food Tour: $53
- Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
- 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
- Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $54
- Original Morning Food Tour: $63
- Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $69
- Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $69
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:
- Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
- Afternoon Taste of Traditions Drinks & Food Tour: $48
- Madeeira: Sunset dinner cruise: $59
- Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
- Funchal Walking Food Tour: $81
- Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $87
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisbon €24Funchal €15
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Óbidos - Nazaré - Mafra (National Palace of Mafra)Private tour from Lisbon: $217
- 2-Hour Night Sailing Tour in Lisbon with a Drink: $49
- Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $163
- Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $27
- Lisbon Full Day Small Group City Tour: $71
- Lisbon by Heart Private Walking Tour: $65
- Private 4X4 Jeep Tour to Arrábida, Sesimbra & Picnic - Lisbon: $93
- Private Walking Tour - Wandering Around Lisbon: $120
- Private Walking Tour in Belém: $85
- Private day tour Serra da Estrela cheese factory bread museum: $209
- Sintra & Cascais Private Tour from Lisbon + Dinosaur footprints on the beach!: $158
- Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120
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
- Low Cost Wheelchair Santana Half Day Tour : $108
- Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $190
- Wheelchair Porto Moniz Handicap Tour: $152
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $57
- 4 Days Tour Discovering Madeira: $278
- 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
- 4 hours Unique Classic Jeep Tour to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira: $62
- 4-Hour Private Outdoor Tour in Madeira: $173
- 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $70
- Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
- Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $157
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLisbon €18Funchal €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
- Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
- Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
- Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $52
- Lisbon Food and Wine Tastings (3 Restaurants): $53
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- H.M. Borges Winery Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $16
- Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
- Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $55
- Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: $76
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $96
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $101
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $108
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $157
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Funchal, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Funchal?
Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Funchal in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Funchal. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Funchal. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 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 JulyLisbon 23°C (73°F)Funchal 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Funchal in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Funchal. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.
Lisbon is around the same temperature as Funchal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Funchal. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 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 OctoberLisbon 19°C (66°F)Funchal 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Funchal in the Winter?
Both Funchal and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Lisbon is cooler than Funchal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Funchal averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal during winter. Lisbon gets 144 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. It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Funchal. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 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 JanuaryLisbon 12°C (53°F)Funchal 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Funchal in the Spring?
Both Funchal and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.
Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 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 AprilLisbon 16°C (60°F)Funchal 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Funchal and Lisbon
| Lisbon | Funchal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.