A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Funchal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Funchal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint Petersburg 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: Saint Petersburg or Funchal?

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, 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 Saint Petersburg and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Funchal $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Funchal $110
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg


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: Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Funchal $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
  • 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: $69
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Funchal?

Prices for flights to both Funchal and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Funchal $34
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

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.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Funchal $16

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
  • “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
  • Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
  • Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
  • Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
  • Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
  • Around the island - Two days tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Funchal $17

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 Saint Petersburg and Funchal, we can see that Funchal is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Funchal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Funchal than you might in Saint Petersburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Funchal?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Funchal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Funchal.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Funchal in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Funchal. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Funchal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Funchal.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Funchal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Funchal averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Funchal. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Funchal. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Funchal in the Winter?

Both Funchal and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Funchal during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 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. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Funchal. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Funchal in the Spring?

Both Funchal and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Funchal in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Funchal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)