Funchal

PortugalGMT+0

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

67.4/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

1,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,512/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

50Mbps

About Funchal

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, Portugal, is a picturesque city that blends natural beauty with modern amenities, making it an emerging hotspot for digital nomads and expats. Nestled on the southern coast of the island, it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, appealing to those who value scenic surroundings alongside urban convenience.

The city is equipped with reliable high-speed internet and coworking spaces like Cowork Funchal, catering to remote workers seeking a productive environment. Its warm subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C in winter to 24°C in summer, supports a lifestyle that balances work and outdoor activities year-round.

Funchal boasts a vibrant culture, highlighted by events like the Flower Festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks, one of the largest displays globally. This cultural richness, combined with a growing expat community of around 1,000 digital nomads, fosters a welcoming atmosphere with regular meetups and networking opportunities organized by initiatives like the Digital Nomad Village.

With a cost of living around $1,512 per month, including affordable housing and utilities, Funchal offers a compelling alternative to pricier European cities like Lisbon. Its safety, walkability, and English-speaking locals further enhance its appeal, making it a practical and enjoyable base for location-independent professionals.

Demographics

Population150,000
LanguagesPortuguese, English

Location

CountryPortugal
TimezoneGMT+0
Airport to City20 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Rental Car, Ride-sharing

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$91
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,512
/mo
14.9% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Funchal, Portugal is $1,512, which is 14.9% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$756
50.0% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$227
15.0% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$297
19.6% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$65
4.3% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$108
7.1% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$59
3.9% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Funchal offers robust internet infrastructure with a median download speed of 50 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces like libraries and coworking cafes, based on recent data. Three major providers (MEO, NOS, Vodafone) ensure widespread 4G coverage and reliable connectivity, with minimal disruptions reported, making it ideal for remote work.

Funchal’s digital nomad community, estimated at 1,000, thrives with five coworking spaces like Cowork Funchal and Sangha Cowork. Regular meetups and events, supported by the Digital Nomad Village initiative, create a vibrant social and professional network, easing integration for newcomers.

50Mbps
4G
3providers
1,000
Nomads
5+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Subtropical
Funchal enjoys a subtropical climate with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are warm, peaking at 24°C in August with minimal rain, while winters are cool and wetter, averaging 15°C in January with 100 mm of rainfall. This stability supports year-round outdoor activities.
Temperature Range
15°C - 24°C
Avg: 19°C
Annual Rainfall
595mm
Monthly Avg: 50mm
Jan
01
15°C
☀️
100 mm
💧
Feb
02
15°C
☀️
80 mm
Mar
03
16°C
☀️
70 mm
Apr
04
17°C
☀️
50 mm
May
05
19°C
☀️
30 mm
Jun
06
21°C
☀️
10 mm
Jul
07
23°C
☀️
5 mm
Aug
08
24°C
☀️
10 mm
Sep
09
23°C
☀️
30 mm
Oct
10
21°C
☀️
50 mm
Nov
11
18°C
☀️
70 mm
Dec
12
16°C
☀️
90 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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