Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Funchal or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna? 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: Funchal or Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesBologna Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Bologna €188
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €188. 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 Funchal and Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Bologna €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bologna? 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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Bologna €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival and departure transfers to Funchal and Airport: $18
- Transfer Privado e Confiável: Aeroporto → Funchal (ou vice-versa): $21
- Private Transfer Madeira Airport: $30
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer: $33
- Caniçal Transfer for PR8 Hike São Lourenco: $33
- Airport Transfers Funchal Airport: $35
- Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hike (Morning slot): $36
- Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve: $36
- Transfer to PR1 Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail: $38
- Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer: $39
- Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro : $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Private Transfer from Bologna (BLQ) Airport to Módena: $267
- Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $243
- Private Transfer from Faenza to Bologna (BLQ) Airport: $241
- Private Transfer from Bologna (BLQ) Airport to Faenza: $241
- Private Transfer from Bologna (BLQ) Airport to Ferrara: $235
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer from Bologna to Grotta Giusti and Montecatini T.: $224
- Private transfer from Bologna to Florence: $224
- Private Transfer from Bologna (BLQ) Airport to Baggiovara: $218
- Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Private Transfer: $203
- Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer: $203
- Private Transfer from Bologna Airport to Florence: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Funchal 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 dayFunchal €54Bologna €68
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: $33
- Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Sfoglini Cooking class in Bologna: $22
- Pizza Workshop in Bologna: $30
- Bologna Private Food Tour Eating around the Centre: $72
- Authentic Bologna Home Cooking Class: Tagliatelle & Tortellini: $78
- Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine: $82
- Bologna Walking Food Tour and Highlights with a Local Guide: $82
- Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class: Ragu, Spritz & Mr. Gelato: $88
- Dinner, Wine & Tastings Walking Tour: $89
- Tagliatelle & Ragù Home Cooking Class with wine: $90
- Dining experience at a local's home in Predappio with cooking demo: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Forlimpopoli with Show Cooking: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lama Mocogno with Show Cooking: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Bologna €38
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $18
- Old Funchal Walking Tour: $20
- Quick & Fun 30-Minute Tuk Tuk Tour with Local Guide: $23
- KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $29
- Funchal Walking Tour: Tradition, History and Flavor: $29
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $29
- Nun's Valley Tour: $32
- SUP Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $34
- Nun's Valley & Pico dos Barcelos Madeira Island Tour: $35
- Tour to Nun's Valley, Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado: $36
- Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $36
- Amazing East Tour : $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)€31
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- 2 Hours walking tour with food stops: $78
- Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $229
- BOLOGNA PRIVATE FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening): $227
- Best walking tour of Bologna: $204
- Bike Tour Bologna: $155
- Bologna : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $54
- Bologna Audio Tour: Bologna Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Bologna Bites & Stories: A Tasty City Adventure with a Local: $78
- Bologna By Night Walking Tour: $149
- Bologna City Center Kids Tour with a Local Guide: $205
- Bologna City Highlights Private Guided Tour at Night: $205
- Bologna City Red Bus skip the line and Food tasting: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Bologna €28
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $40
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $62
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $63
- Half-Day Wine Tour- Shared: $89
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $93
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $107
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $112
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $119
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $208
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Bologna Pub Crawl to meet people: $19
- Private wine tasting of Palazzo di Varignana: $21
- Wine tasting on the hills of Bologna in Dozza: $36
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $42
- Parma Hills and Wine Tasting with Food Platter: $58
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $58
- Montevecchio Isolani wine tasting experience: $60
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $75
- Eating Bologna Food and Wine Tour: $113
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with Local Guide : $130
- Cook Fresh Pasta + Wine Tasting (Includes 4-Course Meal): $147
- Bologna Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting in the centre: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Funchal Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Bologna, 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 Funchal or Bologna?
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 Funchal or Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bologna. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bologna. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bologna. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bologna can be very cold during winter. Funchal is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bologna in the Spring?
Both Bologna and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bologna. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Funchal
| Funchal | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.