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

Should you visit Funchal or Nice?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Nice? 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 Nice?

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.

Nice

Nice, in the French Riviera, is one of the most popular destinations in France. It's located on the southeast coast along the Mediterranean Sea and is the second largest French city on the Mediterranean. It is an energetic city that attracts all types of vacationers from every age group and demographic. It's the 5th largest city in the country and is the capital of the Alpes Maritimes departement. The metropolitan area has a population of about 1 million.

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


Which place is cheaper, Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Nice 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Nice 122
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Nice? 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 Nice


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 Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Nice 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Arrival and departure transfers to Funchal and Airport: $18
  • Transfer Privado e Confiável: Aeroporto → Funchal (ou vice-versa): $21
  • Private Transfer Madeira Airport: $30
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer: $33
  • Caniçal Transfer for PR8 Hike São Lourenco: $33
  • Airport Transfers Funchal Airport: $35
  • Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hike (Morning slot): $36
  • Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve: $36
  • Transfer to PR1 Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail: $38
  • Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer: $39
  • Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro : $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $567
  • Private Transfer to Isola: $411
  • From Nice Airport Private Transfer to Saint-Tropez: $352
  • Private Transfer Nice City or Nice Airport (NCE) to Draguignan: $299
  • Transfer - Nice Airport> Monaco: $299
  • Nice to Cannes one way Private Transfer: $268
  • Nice Cruise Port to Cannes city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
  • Private Transfer Nice Airport (NCE) to Saint-Aygulf: $239
  • Private Transfer From Monaco To Nice With a 2 Hour Stop: $227
  • Private Arrival Transfer Nice Airport to Mandelieu La Napoule 23: $224
  • Transfer from Antibes to Nice Airport : $215
  • Private Transfer from Nice Airport to Frejus: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice 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
    Nice 85
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 Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nice.

  • Food Tour in Local Flavors & Niçoise Specialties: $59
  • Exclusive Food Tour in Menton - 3 hours - small groups: $60
  • Nice Food Tour – A Full Taste of French Riviera by Do Eat Better: $91
  • Nice Food Tour: Food Tastings & Local Wine Experience in Nice: $96
  • Food Tour of Nice with a Passionate Guide: $105
  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $106
  • Secret Food Tour: Nice: $109
  • Sunset Food Tour with Full Meal and Wine: $112
  • Nice Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $114
  • 3-Course Organic Dinner in Garden with Views of French Riviera: $117
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $137
  • Half-Day Walking Food Tour in Nice with Lunch: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $18
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $20
  • Quick & Fun 30-Minute Tuk Tuk Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $29
  • Funchal Walking Tour: Tradition, History and Flavor: $29
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $29
  • Nun's Valley Tour: $32
  • SUP Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $34
  • Nun's Valley & Pico dos Barcelos Madeira Island Tour: $35
  • Tour to Nun's Valley, Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado: $36
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $36
  • Amazing East Tour : $36

Tours and Activities in Nice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nice are as follows:

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $78
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $82
  • Èze Medieval Village Tour with your Certified Guide: $44
  • Èze: Private Village Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • 1/2 day tour; Monaco and Eze guided tour, sightseeing: $84
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in the Old Town of Antibes: $30
  • 2 Hours Shared Nice City Walking Tour: $5.97
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Monaco with a certified guide: $55
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Discover Nice and its Heights: $298
  • 7 Hills of Nice E-bike Tour with Local Guide: $118
  • A Self-Guided Tour Of Nice The UNESCO Heritage City: $9.99
  • All-Inclusive Culinary and History Tour of Old Nice with a Local: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Nice 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 Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Distillery Day Tour: $11
  • 4 Bars Party Pub Crawl + VIP Club Entry & 5 Free Shots: $23
  • 4 Bars & 1 Club Fun Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots: $24
  • Bar Crawl in Nice the Ultimate Experience with night club: $24
  • Private Pub / Bar Crawl Group Size 6-20 people: $27
  • Spirits Tasting at the Distillery Le Vadrouilleur: $29
  • St. Patrick's Bar Crawl Party, Free Shots & Club Entry: $29
  • Halloween Party : Pub Crawl Nice with 5 free shots and Masks: $35
  • Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
  • Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting within Nice city borders: $39
  • Nice Visit DE Distillery and Tasting DE Local Spirits: $42
  • Discover our terroirs and enjoy a cheese and wine tasting: $47


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Nice, 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 Nice?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Funchal or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Funchal is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Funchal or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Nice. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Nice. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Nice. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Nice. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Funchal is a little warmer than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Nice. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Nice 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Nice and Funchal

Funchal Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)