A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kemi vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kemi or Alesund?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kemi and Alesund. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Kemi or Alesund?

Kemi

Kemi is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe. Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year with a different design). The SnowCastle is usually located at the inner harbor of Kemi.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Kemi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kemi is €134, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Kemi and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kemi 74
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kemi 148
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Kemi and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Kemi or Alesund? 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 Kemi


Hotels in Alesund


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kemi 39
    Alesund 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Tour from Alesund to Trollstigen Land of Trolls with Transfer: $149
  • Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund hotels to Geiranger Cruise Port: $185
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Kemi or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Kemi 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
    Kemi 34
    Alesund 28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kemi 29
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Kemi

For Kemi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • SnowExperience365 Kemi entrance: $19

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $101
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $139
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kemi 12
    Alesund 11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kemi or Alesund?

Alesund has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Kemi and Alesund, 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 Kemi or Alesund?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kemi or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kemi as well as Alesund. Additionally, many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kemi is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around 15°C (60°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kemi usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Kemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Kemi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kemi. Kemi is much colder than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In October, Kemi usually receives less rain than Alesund. Kemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Kemi during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. Kemi can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kemi is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kemi in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kemi usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Kemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kemi -12°C (10°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kemi and Alesund. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Kemi can be very cold during spring. In April, Kemi is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around -1°C (31°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In April, Kemi usually receives less rain than Alesund. Kemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Kemi

Kemi Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)