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

Should you visit Funchal or London?

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

Should I visit Funchal or London? 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

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 United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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
    London Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Funchal 116
    London 248

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in London is €248. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    London 143
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    London 286
Compare Hotels in Funchal and London

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or London? 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 London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    London 30

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    17
  • Heathrow Express
    21
  • Luggage Storage
    9.15
  • London Map
    1.48
  • Oyster Card
    41
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    25
  • Oyster Card
    31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

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

  • Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
  • Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $701
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $620
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
  • Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
  • Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
  • Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
  • London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $472
  • Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $472
  • Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $472

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
    London 68
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 London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    15
  • Tea
    6.86
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    45
  • Morning Tea
    7.26
  • Pastry
    5.72
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

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

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $7.00
  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $41
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
  • Pizza Express Dinner and Comedy Show Experience in Covent Garden: $75
  • International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
  • International Stand Up Show & Flesh & Buns Dinner, Covent Garden: $89
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home : $94
  • Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Small-Group Borough Market Walking Food Tour : $96
  • Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    London 37

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    95
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    39
  • London Pass
    54
  • Comedy Show
    9.15

Tours and Activities in London

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

  • Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London: $22
  • Courtauld Gallery London Private Guided Tour 2 Hour: $267
  • Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
  • London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
  • London Natural Marvels Museum Expedition Tour: $209
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
  • Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
  • The Kinks Private Walking Tour of North Finchley: $260
  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 1 Hour Guided AI Walking Tour from Big Ben London in Any Language: $31
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    London 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 London

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

  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
  • London Calling Pub Crawl Shots Pints Pubs & Good Times: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $35
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
  • Beer Babe Bar Crawl in London: $52
  • Historic London Pub Tour: $55
  • London Soho Rock and Roll Pub Tour with Guide: $65
  • East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

Both London and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than London. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and London averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than London. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or London in the Autumn?

Both London and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than London. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than London. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Funchal or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and London. Furthermore, most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

London can be very cold during winter. Funchal is much warmer than London in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 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 London. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Funchal or London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as London. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than London. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and London averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than London. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than London. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Funchal

Funchal London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)