A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Lisbon vs. Funchal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Which city is cheaper, Funchal or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €105, while the average daily cost in Funchal is €75. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €47
    Funchal €41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €94
    Funchal €82
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.

Hotels in Lisbon


Hotels in Funchal


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Funchal €7.95
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer To or From Paris: $1,709
  • Private Lisbon route: Transfers, city tour and full day Sintra w/ driver & guide: $1,680
  • Transfer 3 legs: Lisbon - Algarve - Porto - Lisbon: $1,443
  • Transfer Lisboa - Barcelona: $1,354
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Madrid (And Vice Versa): $1,300
  • Private ONE WAY transfer from Lisbon to Seville with private pick up & drop off: $1,151
  • Transfer from Lisbon to Sevilha (And Vice Versa): $1,013
  • Transfer To or From Barcelona: $989
  • Seville PRIVATE Transfer from Lisbon with 1 Optional stop in Évora: $886
  • Chauffeur LISBON Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $886
  • Lisbon to Sevile Transfer: $832
  • Full Day Transfer from Lisbon to Oporto: $809

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Service Airport Transfer: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Funchal to Madeira Airport (FNC): $19
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Madeira Airport to Funchal or Monte: $14
  • Madeira: Private Transfer to or from Palheiro Golf or Choupana: $15
  • Madeira: Private Transfer to or from Camara de Lobos: $15
  • Madeira: Funchal Shared Transfer to or from Airport: $11
  • Madeira Private Transfer: To/From Funchal Airport: $18
  • Madeira Private Arrival Transfer: $32
  • Madeira Funchal Airport FNC Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car: $34
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $19
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services: $34
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $21

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lisbon €34
    Funchal €25
Typical Food prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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:

  • Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson: $31
  • Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa: $39
  • Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast: $42
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $51
  • The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon: $53
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon: $54
  • Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour: $56
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker: $57
  • Private Groups: Pastel de Nata cooking class and tasting in Lisbon's pastry shop: $57
  • Authentic Portuguese dinner with a local chef: $58
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $62
  • Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: $63

Typical Food prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • 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 Evening Tour with Dinner and Performance: $44
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $45
  • “Petiscos” cooking experience & Market Tour: $70
  • Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon €19
    Funchal €12

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Évora and Arraiolos - 8 Hour Private Tour: $183
  • Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Tour from Lisbon: $82
  • 10 Days Private Tour in Portugal from Lisbon: $2,476
  • 10 Hour Private Tour: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Highlights: $213
  • 2 Day Street Art Private Tour from Lisbon: $933
  • 2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $682
  • 3 Days Private Tour In Lisbon: $639
  • 3 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon: $886
  • 3 Days Private Tour. Wines and Gastronomy: $980
  • 3 days Escape in Upper Alentejo, away from the crowds , experience authenticy of POrtugal: $2,053
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Sesimbra and Arrábida: $1,086
  • 3-Night Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Óbidos, Nazaré and Fátima: $954

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • 3-Hour Madeira Scenic Island Tour (Price per Sidecar - 1 or 2 passengers): $143
  • 3d Fun Art Museum Ticket: $11
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $51
  • Amazing Skywalk and more... Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching: $81
  • Arieiro Peak and Nun´s Valley Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Ariero Peak, Santana "Biosphere Reserve" & more...Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $49
  • Best of Funchal Private Tour: $243
  • Best of Funchal private walking tour with local specialities tasting: $467
  • Best of Madeira Private Tour Half Day: $54
  • Boat and Open Roof 4x4 Tour: $1,595
  • Botanic Garden Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €14
    Funchal €13

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • 3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour: $30
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $56
  • Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $58
  • Craft Beer, Port & Wine Tour: $68
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $75
  • Santuário Cristo Rei-Sesimbra-Castle Palmela-Bacalhoa Winery with wine tasting: $81
  • Full-Day Évora Wine Tour: $84
  • Wine Tasting in Lisbon: $87
  • Private Van Tour Arrabida and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Wine tasting Private Day Tour ARRABIDA: $92
  • Van Private Tour Arrábida Wine Tour: $96

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Funchal City Tour with Madeira Wine Tasting: $15
  • Half Day Traditions and Enchanting Valleys - Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras, Monte, Madeira Wine Tasting: $49
  • Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $60
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Cabo Girão Skywalk+Vineyards+Wine Tasting Tour in Open Roof 4x4+Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $166
  • Madeira wine tasting and sightseeing private tour from Funchal: $534

About these numbers

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.


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 city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Funchal stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 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 temperature in Lisbon is usually 19°C (66°F) in October, and Funchal stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 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 are around 12°C (53°F), and Funchal is 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Funchal stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 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)


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