Which place is cheaper, Pisa 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 Pisa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Pisa? 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 Pisa?
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.
Pisa
Located in Tuscany, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower. The city has a population of about 100,000 people and there are a surprising number of impressive sights that you might miss if you simply pass through to see the tower. There are many architectural and artistic sights that make the city noteworthy as well. The atmosphere of Pisa is also influenced by its university. Of the 100,000 person population, about 60,000 are students. The students bring the city to life with many parties, shows, and interesting cultural events. They stay active into the night and entertainment options are not limited. The student presence is most obvious once you're outside of the touristy Campo dei Miracoli.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.
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Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesPisa Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Pisa €239
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Pisa is €239. 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 Pisa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Pisa €104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Pisa €208
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Pisa
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Pisa? 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 Pisa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Pisa €44
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa
Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $432
- Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $270
- Private transfer from Pisa to Florence with 2h stop in Lucca: $269
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lido di Camaiore: $264
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lucca: $262
- Private Arrival Transfer: Pisa Airport to Florence Hotel: $241
- Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $229
- Pisa to Florence Airport (FLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $173
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Tirrenia: $158
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Marina di Pisa: $153
- Pisa Airport to Florence Private Transfer: $151
- Private Transfer from Marina di Pisa to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Pisa?
Prices for flights to both Pisa 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 €54Pisa €102
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 Pisa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:
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Dinner€75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa
For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $59
- Pisa’s Ultimate Food Tour: Full Tuscan Meal by Do Eat Better: $89
- Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $102
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Carrara with Show Cooking: $102
- Ultimate Food Tour with Full Tuscan Meal with a Local: $104
- Pisa Private Cooking Class: $106
- Authentic Full dinner & Wine Experience with a Sommelier in Pisa: $112
- Pisa Traditional Food Tour: $142
- Private Show Cooking and Social Dining Experience: $152
- Private Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $152
- Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $155
- Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $169
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Pisa €43
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 Pisa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.
- Pisa Leaning Tower and Complex Entry Tickets with Audio Guide: $54
- 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Pisa Off The Beaten Path: $31
- Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $59
- Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $299
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
- Best of Small Group Tour with Admission Tickets: $59
- Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $90
- Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $90
- Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $202
- Discover Tower Admission & Iconic Landmark Tour: $181
- E-bike guided tour. The surroundings of History, Nature, and Secret Glimpses: $87
- Excursions / Van Tours / Sightseeing: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Pisa €21
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 Pisa
Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $41
- Wine Tasting with Local Bites in Pisa near the Tower: $46
- Wine Tasting with Local Bites in Pisa near the Tower: $47
- Soiana: Vineyard & Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting near Pisa: $52
- Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $85
- From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $98
- Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $106
- Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $108
- Tuscan Wine Tour by van from Pisa: $185
- Chianti Classico Wine Tour and San Gimignano Visit Half Day: $215
- "Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti" with lunch & Wine Tastings: $299
- PRIVATE TOUR: Full-Day in Volterra & San Gimignano with Wine Tasting Experience: $299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Pisa, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Pisa?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Pisa, 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 Pisa?
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 Pisa in the Summer?
Both Pisa and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Pisa. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Pisa 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pisa in the Autumn?
Both Pisa and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.
Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Pisa 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pisa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Pisa. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 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 Pisa. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Pisa 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pisa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Pisa. Additionally, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pisa. Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Pisa 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Pisa and Funchal
| Funchal | Pisa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.