Is it expensive to live in Madeira? How much does it cost to live in Madeira? Is Madeira expensive for tourists? How expensive is Madeira for digital nomads? Why are flights to Madeira so expensive?
If you’re wondering about the answers to these and other questions, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve put together a guide to the cost of living in Madeira for you, including average transportation costs and Madeira food prices. Let’s dive in.
- Visiting Madeira
- Cost of living
- Average salary
- Madeira vs Europe
- Madeira vs UK
- Madeira vs USA
- Rent in Madeira
Is Madeira expensive to visit?
Let’s take a look at whether Madeira is cheap to visit as a tourist and if it is expensive for digital nomads.
For tourists
Madeira is considered relatively affordable for tourists compared to other European destinations. Accommodation for rent ranges from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels, and local restaurants offer reasonably priced meals.
Public transportation and entry fees for attractions are generally inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many travelers.
For digital nomads
For digital nomads, Madeira offers a good balance between cost and quality of life. While the cost of living might be higher than in some Eastern European or Southeast Asian countries, it is still affordable compared to major Western European cities.
Coworking spaces, reliable internet, and a supportive community make it an attractive destination for remote workers. However, housing costs, particularly in popular areas, can be higher, so budgeting for accommodation is essential.
Accommodation tip: If you’re a tourist or digital nomad looking for cheap accommodation for rent in Madeira, check out the flexible accommodations on Flatio, many of which are deposit-free and remote work-friendly.
Cost of living in Madeira
The cost of living in Madeira is relatively moderate compared to many Western European destinations. Everyday expenses like groceries, dining out, and transportation are generally affordable. Accommodation costs can vary, with options ranging from budget apartments to more luxurious properties.
Average Madeira prices
Here you will find a breakdown of the average prices in Madeira, based on data from Numbeo:
- Liquor price: Prices for a bottle of wine average around €4.50 for mid-range options. The average cost of Madeira wine is higher and, according to several sources, starts at around €8.
- Beer prices: Domestic beer costs approximately €1.70 for a 0.5-liter draught, and imported beer is around €2.33 for a 0.33-liter bottle.
- Food prices in Madeira: Grocery items like milk (€1.01 per liter), bread (€2.39 per loaf), and eggs (€3.42 per dozen) are reasonably priced. Fresh produce such as apples (€1.68 per kg) and tomatoes (€2.37 per kg) are also affordable. For comparison, food cost in Lisbon Portugal, i.e. groceries, is 1.2% lower than in Funchal.
- Restaurant meal prices: Dining out costs around €7.00 for an inexpensive meal, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages €50.00. For comparison, restaurant prices in Funchal are 25.8% lower than in Lisbon.
- Tobacco prices in Madeira: A pack of 20 Marlboro cigarettes costs about €5.10.
- Transportation costs: A one-way local transport ticket is €1.95, and a monthly pass is €30.00. Taxi fares start at €2.75, with additional charges per kilometer (€1.24) and per hour of waiting (€17.00).
- Entertainment costs: Monthly gym memberships are around €40.20, tennis court rentals cost €10.00 per hour, and a cinema ticket is about €7.50.
- Accommodation prices: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately €1162.50 per month, while outside the center, it is around €908.33. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €1975.00 per month, and outside the center, it is €1300.00.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Madeira
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 7.00 € |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 2.50 € |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 1.93 € |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.48 € |
| Milk (regular) (1 liter) | 1.01 € |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2.39 € |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 6.27 € |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 4.50 € |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.95 € |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 30.00 € |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 2.75 € |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.24 € |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.64 € |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 103.33 € |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 17.78 € |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 40.20 € |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 7.50 € |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | 360.00 € |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 63.33 € |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 1,162.50 € |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 1,300.00 € |
Average salary in Madeira
According to Times of Madeira, the average salary in Madeira per month rose by 6.6% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, reaching €1,375. The minimum wage in Madeira is €723.
Interested in learning more about other destinations in Portugal?
On our website you will find travel guides and information about destinations in Portugal beyond Madeira, including:
Cost of living in Madeira vs Europe (mainland)
The cost of living in Madeira is generally lower than in many parts of mainland Europe. Here's a comparison of some key expenses:
Housing
Rent and property prices in Madeira are significantly cheaper. You can find affordable apartments and houses, especially outside the main tourist areas, whereas in major European cities, housing can be quite expensive.
Groceries and dining
Everyday grocery items and dining out are more affordable in Madeira. Local produce, fish, and other foodstuffs tend to be cheaper due to lower transportation costs within the island.
Utilities and services
Utility costs, such as electricity, water, and internet, are comparable or slightly lower in Madeira compared to mainland Europe. Additionally, services like healthcare and public transportation are reasonably priced and often of high quality.
Transportation
Flights to and from Madeira might be more expensive than within mainland Europe due to its remote location. However, you can still find good deals online.
While owning a car might be necessary for exploring the island, public transportation and bus in Madeira is affordable.
If you’re wondering why is car hire in Madeira so expensive, the answer is that it primarily boils down to the island's popularity as a tourist destination, resulting in high demand for rental vehicles coupled with a limited supply.
Additionally, logistical challenges, such as importing vehicles and higher insurance and maintenance costs due to the island's unique terrain and climate, contribute to the elevated prices. These factors, along with seasonal fluctuations, collectively drive up the cost of renting a car in Madeira compared to mainland locations.
Leisure and entertainment
Activities like dining out, cinema, and other leisure activities are more budget-friendly in Madeira. The island also offers numerous free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking and beach visits.
Are you curious to find out more about Portugal?
On our website you can explore a range of topics related to Portugal, including:
- Portugal weather
- Portugal education system
- Portugal accommodation
- Portugal renting tips
- Portugal tax
- Portugal things to do
- Portugal best places
- Portugal cost of living
- Portugal advice
- Portugal FAQs
- Portugal visas
- Portugal residency
Cost of living in Madeira vs UK
Here's how living expenses in Funchal stack up against those in London:
- Without rent, the cost of living in Funchal is 42.4% lower compared to London.
- When including rent, the cost of living in Funchal becomes 49.8% lower than in London.
- Rent prices in Funchal are 59.0% lower than in London.
- Restaurant prices in Funchal are 56.6% lower compared to London.
- Grocery prices in Funchal are 29.1% lower than in London.
- Local purchasing power in Funchal is 53.9% lower than in London.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Funchal
Cost of living in Madeira vs USA
Here's a comparison of living expenses between Funchal and New York, NY:
- Without rent, the cost of living in Funchal is 53.4% lower compared to New York, NY.
- When including rent, the cost of living in Funchal becomes 62.0% lower than in New York, NY.
- Rent prices in Funchal are 71.4% lower than in New York, NY.
- Restaurant prices in Funchal are 64.2% lower compared to New York, NY.
- Grocery prices in Funchal are 52.4% lower than in New York, NY.
- Local purchasing power in Funchal is 49.9% lower than in New York, NY.
Flatio: Deposit-free accommodation in Madeira
Discover deposit-free apartments for rent in Portugal and also Madeira with Flatio. Offering flexible, affordable stays from just 5 days, our housing platform stands out with its wide range of accommodation options, including rooms, flats, houses, and villas, all with utilities and Wi-Fi included.
With no deposit required for stays under 180 days and a balanced lease agreement available in multiple languages, Flatio ensures a hassle-free experience.
