Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Riga or Funchal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga 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: Riga or Funchal?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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 Tours for Seniors to Portugal, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €104Funchal €93
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, 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 Riga and Funchal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €53Funchal €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €106Funchal €104
Compare Hotels in Riga and Funchal
Looking for a hotel in Riga 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: Riga Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €15Funchal €9.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga - Tallin: Transfer and Tour through beautiful landmarks: $487
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $459
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $427
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $342
- Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $267
- From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $230
- From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $182
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $150
- Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $138
- Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $131
- Riga Private Mercedes Benz Airport Transfer: $108
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $104
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 Riga or Funchal?
Prices for flights to both Funchal and Riga 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 dayRiga €33Funchal €31
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
- Unique Food Tour: $52
- Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $96
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
- Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
- Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $138
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $152
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.Riga €21Funchal €15
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- The best of Bauska walking tour: $75
- 1 Day Riga Sightseeing Red Bus Grand Tour: $27
- 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $41
- 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $86
- 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $82
- ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $142
- Beer Bike Experience : $36
- Best of Riga Walking Tour: $181
- Best of Riga Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems: $66
- City:canal:tour: $21
- Crafted Cocktails: A Masterclass Experience: $80
- Daily Bike Tour in Riga with Professional Guide: $44
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Funchal €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
- Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
- Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
- Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $96
- Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $523
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,320
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 comparing the travel costs between Riga and Funchal, we can see that Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Funchal?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga or Funchal in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Funchal. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Riga is cooler than Funchal in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in July than Funchal. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Funchal 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Riga or Funchal in the Autumn?
Both Funchal and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Funchal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Funchal averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Funchal. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Funchal 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Riga or Funchal in the Winter?
Both Funchal and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in January than Funchal. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Funchal 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Riga or Funchal in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Funchal. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Riga is much colder than Funchal in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Funchal. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Funchal 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Funchal and Riga
| Riga | Funchal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.