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

Should you visit Funchal or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is €152. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt


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.
    Funchal 9.94
    Frankfurt 25

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Vienna: Private transfer Frankfurt to Vienna: $636
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $435
  • Frankfurt Highlights Private Car Tour with Airport Transfers: $420
  • Private transfer b/w Frankfurt to Heidelberg: $233
  • Private Transfer from Frankfurt City to Stuttgart City: $223
  • Private Transfer from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg.: $199
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $124
  • Private Airport Transfer : Frankfurt Airport to City Center: $93
  • Arrival Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Van: $88
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Van: $88
  • Airport Transfer: Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Van: $88
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 70
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

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

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


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

  • VEGAN FOOD TOUR TO 3-4 LOCAL FOODSPOTS: $88
  • Food Tour to 3-4 Local Food Spots: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Frankfurt 36

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 Frankfurt

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

  • Limburg an der Lahn Private Walking Tour: $36
  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $41
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $227
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $1,565
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $118
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $22
  • Frankfurt - Mainz Premium Day Trip by Boat with Sightseeing & Wildlife, F&B: $118
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $435
  • Frankfurt - Private Shopping tour: $435
  • Frankfurt : Highlights & hidden Gems Private Walking Tour: $106
  • Frankfurt : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $56
  • Frankfurt Airport Pickup and 1 Hour City Sightseeing Tour: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Frankfurt 30

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

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

  • Frankfurt am Main: Night Pub Crawl Shots and Party: $29
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $308
  • Private pub crawl with insider-guide & free shots: $317
  • Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $429
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $915


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Frankfurt. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Frankfurt. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Funchal is much warmer than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Frankfurt. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Funchal

Funchal Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)