A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (usually shortened to Chamonix) is a resort area near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. At the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, it's renowned for its skiing. Year-round, cable cars take visitors up to several nearby peaks with panoramic views, including Aiguille du Midi above town, and Pointe Helbronner, across vast glacier fields on the Italian border. Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the "gateway to the European Cascades." With the sheer white heights of the Mont Blanc ridge as its sensational backdrop, the Chamonix Valley shows the Alps at their most dramatic. First discovered as a tourist destination by Brits William Windham and Richard Pococke in 1741, it has become a wintertime playground of epic proportions, more than satisfying the most demanding skiers as well as those who pack themselves into its boot-stomping bars. In summer, lift-accessible highland trails offer thrilling panoramas to hikers, mountain bikers and other high-altitude thrill seekers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Funchal Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Prices
    France Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Funchal 116
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 270

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €270. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 180
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? 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 Funchal


Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc


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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hike (Morning slot): $36
  • Transfer to Caldeirão Verde Levada Self-Guided Hike Queimadas: $39
  • Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro : $39
  • Transfer Rabacal 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided: $40
  • Transfer Privado e Confiável: Aeroporto → Funchal (ou vice-versa): $21
  • Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve: $36
  • Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $73
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $75
  • Private Transfer Madeira Airport: $30
  • Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $52
  • Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chamonix to Turin Airport (TRN) - Departure Private Transfer: $234

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Prices for flights to both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 54
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 83
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:

  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $33
  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $488

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 80

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Low Cost Wheelchair Santana Half Day Tour : $179
  • Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $208
  • Wheelchair Porto Moniz Handicap Tour: $179
  • 25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6): $55
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $69
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $77
  • 8-Hour Luxury Cruise from Funchal to Ponta de São Lourenço: $2,173
  • Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo in Madeira (PR1.2) - Hiking Tour: $55
  • Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $173
  • Agriculture Green Tour : $102
  • Amazing East Tour : $36
  • Amazing Sunset (Private tour): $262

Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Chamonix Self Guided Walking Tour with an App: $9.99
  • Chamonix: Guided Tour to the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers: $270
  • Chamonix: highlight tour Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace: $511
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $202
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $780
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $258
  • Luxury Private Concierge - Chamonix Bespoke Experience: $60
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $169
  • Multi-Activity Family Adventure - French Alps: $2,291
  • Private Walking Tour At Chamonix Alpine Heritage: $221
  • Semi Private Tour to Chamonix Mont-Blanc from Geneva: $229
  • eBike Tour around Chamonix Mont-Blanc : $241

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 9.64

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Chamonix: Snowshoeing with Local Cheese & Wine Tasting: $276
  • Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $999


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.