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

Should you visit Funchal or Como?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Como? 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 Como?

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.

Como

At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Como or Funchal?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Como is €258. 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 Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Como 146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Como 292
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Como

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Como? 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 Como


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 Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Como 14

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 Como

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

  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP by Luxury Van: $272
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $250
  • Luxury private transfer from Bellagio to Malpensa airport: $238
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $212
  • From Como to Milan hotels - Private Transfer: $209
  • Private Transfer up to 8 pax from Como to Milano: $203
  • Cernobbio to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $155
  • Como to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como 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
    Como 104
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 Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lecco with Show Cooking: $101
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernobbio with Show Cooking: $131
  • Cesarine: Como Show Cooking & Dining Experience at Local's Home: $131
  • Experience Cooking Class in Como: $143
  • Neapolitan DOC Pizza Class And Cooking in a Wood Oven at a Local's house: $161
  • Cooking lessons in a nineteenth-century restaurant in the heart of Como: $179
  • Private Cooking Class in Bologna: $180
  • Cesarine: Pizza & Tiramisu Feast in Como: $214
  • Traditional Cooking Class with Views of Lake Como and the Alps : $221
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Cernobbio: $227
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $233
  • Lasagna Masterclass in Learn the Art of Traditional Cooking: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Como -

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 Como

For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Private Boat Tour of Lake Como With Skipper: $203
  • 1H Luxury Cruise Como Lake Tender Yacht Invictus 9 Pax: $107
  • 1H to 5H Tour on the Lake of Como by Lakeside Boat Tour: $239
  • 3 Hours Guided Cruise with stop and visit of Bellagio : $274
  • 4 Hours Shared Boat Tour in Lake Como: $293
  • 4-hour E-bike Tour of the Piccolo Mondo Antico in Lake Como: $155
  • 4h Catamaran Tour on Lake Como - Como Boat Rent & Cruise: $215
  • BELLAGIO E-Bike Tour + Villa Melzi + Lunch (Meet the locals): $245
  • Bellagio & Varenna Full-day Tour on Lake Como: $268
  • Bellagio Luxury Cruise & Villa del Balbianello - BE THE FIRST: $233
  • Bellagio Rowing Experience with a Vintage wooden boat: $251
  • Bellagio Varenna and Menaggio Vespa and Ferry Tour: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Como -

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 Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Wine Tasting with Food Pairing at Lake Como: $58
  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $66
  • Lecco Wine Tasting experience: $89
  • Panoramic Wine Tasting in Bellagio area: $143
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $147
  • Top Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $179


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Como?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Como, 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 Como?

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 Funchal or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Como. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Como. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Como. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Como. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Como. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Funchal is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Como during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Como. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Como. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Como 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Como and Funchal

Funchal Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)