Which place is cheaper, Marseille 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 Marseille?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Marseille? 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 Marseille?
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.
Marseille
Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.
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.
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Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesMarseille Prices
France Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Marseille €179
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €179. 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 Marseille in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Marseille €71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Marseille €142
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Marseille
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Marseille? 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 Marseille Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Marseille €28
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 Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
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Metro Pass€3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Marseille Airport and Nice Airport: $1,292
- TRANSFER ROUNDTRIP PORT TO CASSIS: $349
- Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Avignon: $293
- Private Transfer from Marseille city hotels to Toulon Cruise Port: $293
- Private Transfer from Marseille Airport (MRS) to Toulon Port: $293
- Marseille Airport: VIP transfer to Baumaniere: $276
- Transfer (MRS) Marseille ⟺ Arles Cruise Port: $275
- Private Transfer from Marseille Airport to the Village of Gordes: $275
- Transfer Marseille Airport to Gordes or L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: $274
- Private Transfer from Marseille to Provence Designer Outlet: $272
- Marseille Private Transfer ⟺ Arles (Port Quai Lamartine): $266
- Marseille Provence Airport transfer ↔ Arles: $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Marseille?
Prices for flights to both Marseille 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 €54Marseille €73
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
Typical Food Prices in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orangina€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $38
- Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $114
- Marseille Food Tour – Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better: $118
- Aix-en-Provence 3-Hour Walking Food Tour: $129
- Great Marseille Ebike and Food Tour: $131
- Private Food Tour in Marseille 3 Hours with a local expert.: $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Marseille €38
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 Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Marseille Tour Especially Designed for Cruise Travelers: $82
- Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in the Calanques: $90
- A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $197
- A Perfect Day of Discovery from the Cruise Port of Marseille: $80
- Adventure route in Cassis - Via Corda Philémon: $90
- Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $646
- Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $102
- Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $130
- Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $72
- Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $81
- Cassis : Two Calanques Tour by Electric Mountain Bike: $48
- Cassis National Park E-Mountain Bike Experience with Virtual Guide: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Marseille €27
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 Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $24
- Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting : $130
- Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $179
- From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting: $187
- Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $190
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $197
- Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour: $211
- From Marseille : Sidecar Wine Tour to Cassis and Bandol: $287
- Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards: $411
- Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $1,116
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Marseille?
Marseille has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Marseille, 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 Marseille?
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 Marseille in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Marseille. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Marseille. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Marseille 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Marseille in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Marseille. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Marseille. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Marseille 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Marseille in the Winter?
Both Marseille and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Funchal is much warmer than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Marseille. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Marseille 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Marseille in the Spring?
Both Marseille and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).
In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Marseille. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Marseille 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Marseille and Funchal
| Funchal | Marseille | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.