Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Lisbon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lisbon or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lisbon or Gran Canaria? 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 Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisbon €131Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisbon €58Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisbon €116Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Gran Canaria? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisbon €24Gran Canaria €46
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: $738
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Porto from Lisbon with Stops: $722
- Full Day Tour - Transfer to Algarve from Lisbon with Stops: $668
- From Private Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley: $642
- Lisboa - Porto Private Transfer, with 2 visits on the way: $631
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Lagos: $588
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Faro: $588
- From the Algarve to Lisbon; Guided transfer with extra Wow!: $556
- To/From the Lisbon Airport: Faro Private Transfer: $535
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport - Albufeira: $535
- One-way Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport and Portimão: $535
- Private Transfer Porto > Lisbon with stop Nazaré & Óbidos: $535
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) : $53
- Private Transfer: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: $53
- Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
- Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
- Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Taurito to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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 €42Gran Canaria €34
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: $42
- 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
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
- Original Morning Food Tour: $63
- Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
- Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisbon €24Gran Canaria €20
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: $164
- Lisbon Full Day Small Group City Tour: $71
- Lisbon by Heart Private Walking Tour: $65
- Saint George Castle Guided Tour from Lisbon: $34
- Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $120
- Street Art Walking Tour in Lisbon - Parque das Nações: $16
- Évora Private Tour - Cork Factory and Wine Estate Included: $245
- Évora Tour - Évora Town and Surroundings Private Tour: $243
- Évora Tour - The heart of Alentejo region: $104
- Évora Unveiled: A Half-Day Discovery| Premium Private Experience : $109
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Firgas, Tejeda, Guayadeque - VIP Tour Gran Canaria: $52
- Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $71
- Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. : $153
- 1 Day Vespa | Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $49
- 2-Hours Sunset Segway experience near by Sand Dunes: $85
- 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $70
- 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $82
- 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán: $38
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Agaete: Gran Canaria Coasteering Tour with Snorkeling: $70
- Airsoft Park Ticket: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLisbon €18Gran Canaria €7.14
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
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
- 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
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Gran Canaria, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lisbon Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Gran Canaria. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Lisbon is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Gran Canaria during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLisbon 23°C (73°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Gran Canaria. 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.
In the autumn, Lisbon is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun.
Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Gran Canaria. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLisbon 19°C (66°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria 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 January, Lisbon is generally much colder than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Lisbon usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLisbon 12°C (53°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Lisbon or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
Both Gran Canaria 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.
Lisbon is cooler than Gran Canaria in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun.
Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Gran Canaria. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLisbon 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Lisbon
| Lisbon | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.