Townleap

Cost of Living: Bologna vs Funchal (2026)

Italy vs Portugal — relocation comparison

TL;DRBologna is 28% cheaper on rent ($1130/mo vs $1568/mo). Bologna summers average 31°C vs 24°C. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
68
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Bologna
Italy
Full profile
68
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Funchal
Portugal
Full profile
Bologna and Funchal are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin.
💰
Cost of Living
Bologna
$439/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Funchal
8.1/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
31°C vs 24°C summers
🗣️
English
Funchal
higher proficiency score
Bologna
Metric
Funchal
$1130/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1568/mo
$724/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$487/mo
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
31°C
☀️
Summer high
24°C
2°C
❄️
Winter low
13°C
15 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
4.9 μg/m³
7.6 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.1 / 10
29/100
🗣️
Street English
72/100
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$52k
1.0% · Practically frozen
📈
Inflation
2.4% · Boringly steady
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
68 / 100

The Short Version

  • Rent is 28% cheaper in Bologna ($1130/mo vs $1568/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Bologna (31°C vs 24°C).
  • Funchal scores higher on democracy (8.1 vs 7.6 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Funchal (72/100 vs 29/100).

Bologna vs Funchal — Common Questions

Is Bologna cheaper than Funchal?

Bologna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1130/month in Bologna vs $1568/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Bologna or Funchal?

Bologna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bologna has a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 and Funchal has 0.72 per 100,000.

Should I move to Bologna or Funchal?

Bologna and Funchal are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Which has better weather, Bologna or Funchal?

Bologna is warmer in summer (31°C vs 24°C). Funchal has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Bologna or Funchal without speaking the local language?

Funchal is easier for street-level English (72/100) than Bologna (29/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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