Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
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Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesHeidelberg Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Heidelberg €169
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is €169. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Heidelberg €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Heidelberg €186
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Heidelberg €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Funchal, Madeira Cruise Port to Madeira Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $188
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- Madeira Airport (FNC) to Madeira - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $90
- Madeira Airport (FNC) to Funchal Cruise Port - Round Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $75
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $73
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $70
- Funchal Airport (FNC) to Funchal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $52
- Funchal Airport Transfers: Experience Hassle-Free Travel: $45
- Madeira: PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $248
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $167
- Badenweiler to Basel Airport (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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 €54Heidelberg €65
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 Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Frauenbad Magic Dinner with Chris Stark (DE & EN): $155
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $762
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Heidelberg €11
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 Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $51
- Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $82
- Beer and Old Town Tour: $215
- Best of Heidelberg Private Walk Tour with Professional Guide: $270
- Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $167
- Brunch buffet at the Frauenbad Heidelberg – enjoyment meets experience: $69
- Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $47
- E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $197
- EXPRESS TOUR of Historic Heidelberg - The Highlights in 1 h: $211
- Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $19
- Fairytale Heidelberg Castle Tour: $82
- Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour : $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Heidelberg €17
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 Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Pub crawl through the old town, drinks included: $41
- Private pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $334
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Heidelberg?
Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
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 Heidelberg in the Summer?
Both Heidelberg and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
Both Heidelberg and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Heidelberg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Heidelberg. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. Funchal is much warmer than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Heidelberg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Heidelberg. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Funchal
| Funchal | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.