Should you visit Finland or Lithuania?
Finland and Lithuania are both countries in northern Europe. Finland is a large northern European country that is quite expensive to visit. Lithuania is a smaller more affordable country that is part of the Baltics. Each country has a lot to offer tourists, so consider your budget and the length of your trip when deciding where to go.
Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, and it is a fun place to spend some time. In general, Finland is relatively flat with many beautiful lakes that provide excellent fishing and outdoor opportunities. Finland is also known for its outdoor sports year around. Skiing, snowmobiling, and ice diving are all popular activities.
Lithuania is in the Baltics, which is a fascinating and affordable part of Europe. The top tourist destination is the capital city of Vilnius, which is a beautiful place to visit. Vilnius is not very touristy, so it offers a very genuine experience for visitors. The food and beer is delicious and it's not hard to find affordable places to eat and sleep. Lithuania has a lot of natural beauty and there are many lakes and villages worth exploring. Famous sights include the Hill of Crosses and the Curonian Spit.
Which country is cheaper, Lithuania or Finland?
Should I visit Finland or Lithuania? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Lithuania can cost you about €809 (per person), while a week in Finland may cost you around €1,267. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Lithuania or Finland can really add to your travel budget.
Accommodation is often cheaper in Lithuania compared to Finland (€42 vs. €73). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.
Compare hotel prices here: Finland Hotel Prices and Lithuania Hotel Prices.
Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Lithuania and Finland to find the cheapest accommodation here: Lithuania hostels and Finland hostels.
When comparing food in Finland vs. Lithuania they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Finland (€61) are often cheaper than Lithuania (€60).
When is the best time to visit Finland and Lithuania?
Porvoo, Finland
The best time to visit Finland is during the summer months between June and August. This is when the temperatures are at their warmest and the tourist facilities are open and operating at full capacity. Do note that many residents take a holiday during the month of August and head to the countryside. Prices can be a bit higher during this time and some places get a bit more crowded.
Fall is a nice time to visit the country as well, although temperatures start to drop as early as the beginning of September. Lapland is a beautiful area during these months as the colors turn to gold and orange. Many attractions do reduce their hours starting in September.
Winters are actually a bit milder in Finland than in other parts of northern Europe, but temperatures are still very cold. This is an interesting time to visit the country because there are plenty of winter sports that you can enjoy including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice diving.
Lithuania is best visited during the warmer months from late spring through summer. This is when the weather is most pleasant and it's a nice time to be outside. The summers are short though, with temperatures starting to cool off as early as the beginning of September. Fall can be a beautiful time of year but expect colder temperatures. Snow can fall as early as mid November and as winter progresses it can become quite frigid. Many tourist facilities close in the fall months and don't reopen again until April or sometimes May.
Why is Finland more expensive than Lithuania?
Finland, like much of northern Europe, is an expensive country to visit. It has a high cost of living and visitors are often surprised at how expensive things can be. Depending on what you want to see and do, transportation and organized activities can be quite expensive. Food, accommodation, and entertainment are all expensive throughout Finland, regardless of the season you visit.
The cost of living in Lithuania is more affordable than many places in Europe. There are many budget restaurants where you can get a filling meal for a very reasonable price. There is decent transportation to many of the most popular places and the prices are very affordable. Hotels and hostels are also quite cheap. If you're on a tight budget, Lithuania is a very affordable place to visit.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Finland and Lithuania?
Vilnius, Lithuania
Finland is an expensive country to visit. Helsinki is an expensive city, but it is possible to find some reasonably priced hostels and budget hotels. Also in Finland, Lapland is an expensive area, in part because visitors often book organized activities and excursions before they arrive. These activities and excursions can be very expensive and raise your overall daily budget. If you're hoping to save some money, do some research and figure out what you can do independently, which is often the cheaper way to go.
Vilnius is probably the most expensive part of Lithuania to visit. It is the most popular destination and prices generally reflect that. Some smaller towns might also be more expensive than you expect because they have limited options and few budget hotels or hostels. During the low season the availability is even less, so you may find yourself paying more than you would in the larger cities.
How you can save money when visiting Finland and Lithuania?
Look into discount cards for specific cities to see if they'll save you any money.
Make reservations well in advance, particularly for trains. Prices tend to climb as the date approaches.
Research all of your rental car options. There are often some local places that offer more affordable rental cars.
Eat at local eateries, particularly near universities. Restaurants that cater to students are usually quite cheap and fast. They offer a local flavor for a fraction of the price you would pay in more touristy areas.
Buy locally. Whether you're renting a car or looking for accommodation, find a locally owned place. The prices are usually better and then your money stays in the local economy.