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

Should you visit Funchal or Oxford?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Oxford? 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford

Oxford is a city in England best known as the home of the 12-century Oxford University, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. The city also features landmarks such as Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, and a number of world-class museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Oxford 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
    Oxford Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Funchal 116
    Oxford 183

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Oxford is €183. 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 Oxford in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Oxford 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Oxford 164
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Oxford

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Oxford? 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 Oxford


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 Oxford Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

  • Oxford To Stansted Airport Private Transfer: $290
  • Oxford To Gatwick Airport Private Transfer: $280
  • Portsmouth Cruise Terminals to London Private Transfer: $273
  • London and Oxford Private Transfer Service: $257
  • Portsmouth Port to Heathrow Airport Transfer: $255
  • Gatwick Airport Transfer To & From London Hotel Meet & Greet: $245
  • Oxford To Luton Airport Private Transfer: $240
  • Oxford To London Heathrow Airport (LHR ) - Departure Private Transfer: $221
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $210
  • Oxford to Birmingham Airport Private Transfer: $210
  • Oxford to Heathrow Airport private transfers: $164
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Oxford?

Prices for flights to both Oxford 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
    Oxford 81
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Oxford 22

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 Oxford

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

  • 2 Hour Shared Family Walking Tour in Whitefield Moor: $14
  • Cotswolds Hidden Gems Tour by Coach from Oxford: $121
  • London to Oxford Day Tour incl Christ Church and Bodleian: $170
  • Oxford : University Tour: $89
  • Tunbridge Wells Axe Throwing Experience: $29
  • 1.5-hour Oxford City and University Walking Tour: $38
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $170
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $35
  • A Guide to the City of Dreaming Spires: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oxford: $15
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $74
  • Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™: $27
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Oxford 24

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 Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Private Wine Tour of Margate: $130
  • Chilterns Blue Line Wine Tour Explore Boutique Vineyards: $136
  • Wine Tours of Kent Private group booking: $259


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Oxford?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Oxford. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Oxford 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Oxford in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Oxford. Additionally, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Funchal is much warmer than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Oxford 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Oxford in the Winter?

Both Oxford and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Oxford. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Oxford 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Oxford in the Spring?

Both Oxford and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Oxford and Funchal

Funchal Oxford
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°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) 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°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 (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)