Which place is cheaper, Palermo or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Palermo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo? 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 Palermo?
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.
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
-
Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesPalermo Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Palermo €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Palermo is €114. 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 Palermo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Palermo €56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Palermo €112
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Palermo
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Palermo? 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 Palermo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Palermo €5.64
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
-
Bus to Monreale€3.00
-
Bus From Airport€6.00
-
90 Minute Bus Pass€1.30
-
Short Taxi Ride€4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Private transfer from Palermo Airport to Capo d'Orlando or vice versa: $299
- Private Transfer Catania Airport ⇄ Palermo Centre (Airport): $279
- Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $201
- Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $184
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Adler SPA Resort Siculiana: $175
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Golf Resort Sciacca: $148
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $132
- Transfer from Palermo Airport to Cefalu: $127
- Private Transfer from Palermo to the Airport: $126
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $120
- Private transfer from Palermo Airport to San Vito Lo Capo or vice versa: $120
- Mangias Pollina Resort private transfer to Palermo airport: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Palermo?
Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 dayFunchal €54Palermo €51
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 Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€32
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $65
- Taste the Tradition on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $70
- Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better: $78
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo with a Local -For real foodies!: $83
- Wanna be Sicilian: Palermo Cooking Class and Market Tour: $88
- Cooking class in Palermo city center: $114
- Sicilian Cooking Class: $117
- Cooking Class in Palermo - fresh pasta and tiramisù: $118
- Sicilian Dinner & Tarot – A Magical Night of Wine & Laughs: $118
- Palermo Sicilian Cooking Class with a Well-known Italian Chef: $118
- Sicilian Cooking Class : Homemade Pasta: $123
- Cooking class in a villa with Palermo view: $138
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Palermo €17
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
-
Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)€6.00
-
Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)€12
-
Theater Tickets (for Two)€49
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $146
- Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Tour – Small Group or Private: $44
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $166
- Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $36
- ERICE and SEGESTA Private Exclusive Tour starts from Palermo with Guide Driver: $299
- Exclusive Boat Tour Along the Palermo Coast Baia Mondello: $168
- From Palermo Sicilian Retreat Erice & Marsala Tour with Lunch: $166
- From the Vineyards to the Chalice: A Unique Tasting Experience: $251
- Full Day City Tour in Palermo , Monreale and Mondello, from Palermo: $299
- Guided tour of the historic center Palermo: $42
- Half day Monreale and Catacombs tour: $108
- Markets and Monuments: Walking Tour in the Center of Palermo: $42
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Palermo €11
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
-
Beer€2.56
-
Bottle of Quality Wine€11
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Wine Tasting Experience for Small Groups from Palermo: $269
- Private Tour to Segesta, Erice and Wine Tasting in Marsala: $275
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Palermo, we can see that Funchal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Palermo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Palermo?
Palermo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Palermo, 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo in the Summer?
Both Palermo and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Funchal is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Palermo averages at about 25°C (76°F).
In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Palermo. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Palermo 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Palermo. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Palermo. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Palermo. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Palermo 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Palermo. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than Palermo in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Palermo. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Palermo 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palermo in the Spring?
Both Palermo and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Palermo averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Palermo. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Palermo. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Palermo 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Palermo and Funchal
| Funchal | Palermo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 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.