A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Rovaniemi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cesis or Rovaniemi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Rovaniemi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cesis or Rovaniemi?

Cesis

Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it's a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It's home to Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Rovaniemi or Cesis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €108, while the average daily cost in Rovaniemi is €174. 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 Cesis and Rovaniemi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Rovaniemi 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Rovaniemi 186
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Rovaniemi

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Rovaniemi? 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.

Hotels in Cesis


Hotels in Rovaniemi


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: Rovaniemi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Rovaniemi 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:

  • Airport Rovaniemi Transfer by Private Van: $115
  • From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $86
  • From Rovaniemi Private Transfer To Polar Explorer Icebreaker: $48
  • From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $385
  • From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $56
  • Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $55
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Helsinki: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kirkenes: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna: $107
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Tromso: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Rovaniemi?

Prices for flights to both Rovaniemi and Cesis 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 day
    Cesis 41
    Rovaniemi 47
Typical Food Prices in Cesis

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cesis:


  • Lunch in town for two
    6.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rovaniemi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rovaniemi.

  • Snow Restaurant Dinner Tour: $116
  • Lappish Cooking Master Class: $134
  • Lappish Cooking Master Class: $147
  • From SnowHotel Aurora Experience with Dinner: $149
  • Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights : $169
  • Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
  • Romantic Glass Igloo Dinner under Northern Lights : $223
  • Northern Lights dinner in a Glass Igloo: $234
  • Aurora Borealis Dinner in a Glass Igloo: $234
  • PRIVATE Party dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights : $240
  • PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $240
  • Private Glass Igloo Dinner on the Shore of Frozen Lake: $245

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Rovaniemi 48

Tours and Activities in Rovaniemi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rovaniemi are as follows:

  • Essential A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • SnowGlow Winterpark Entry Ticket: $26
  • Snowman World Entrance Ticket: $31
  • Guided Supermarket Tour: $37
  • Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses: $38
  • Guided Northern Lights Tour by Van: $74
  • BBQ Picnic Experience under Northern Lights: $74
  • Private Aurora Borealis Car Tour with Hot Drinks: $74
  • Bus Tour with Hunting Northern Lights: $75
  • Guided tour in Santa Claus village with hotel pick up: $80
  • Lapland: Aurora Borealis BBQ Tour: $80
  • From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Rovaniemi 21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Rovaniemi, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Cesis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cesis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesis 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 Rovaniemi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rovaniemi than you might in Cesis.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Rovaniemi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Rovaniemi, 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 Cesis or Rovaniemi?

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 Cesis or Rovaniemi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Rovaniemi. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year.

In the summer, Cesis is around the same temperature as Rovaniemi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rovaniemi averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In July, Cesis usually receives more rain than Rovaniemi. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Rovaniemi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Rovaniemi. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Cesis is generally much warmer than Rovaniemi. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Rovaniemi fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rovaniemi. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Rovaniemi in the Winter?

Both Rovaniemi and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine.

Rovaniemi can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. Cesis is much warmer than Rovaniemi in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rovaniemi fluctuates around -12°C (10°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Rovaniemi. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Rovaniemi -12°C (10°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Rovaniemi in the Spring?

Both Rovaniemi and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. In the spring, Cesis is much warmer than Rovaniemi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Rovaniemi averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in April than Rovaniemi. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F)

Typical Weather for Rovaniemi and Cesis

Cesis Rovaniemi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)