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

Should you visit Kemi or Basel?

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 Basel. 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 Basel?

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.

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Basel 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 Basel is €221. 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 Basel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kemi 74
    Basel 134
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kemi 148
    Basel 268
Compare Hotels in Kemi and Basel

Looking for a hotel in Kemi or Basel? 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 Basel


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: Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kemi 39
    Basel 43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer From Basel EuroAirport to Feldberg: $87
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Kemi or Basel?

Prices for flights to both Basel 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
    Basel 57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kemi 29
    Basel 35

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 Basel

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

  • Alpine Majesty: Basel to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Basel: $650
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel : Old Town Walking Tour: $107
  • Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $82
  • Basel Adventure Tour - The city quiz: $37
  • Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Basel City: Private guided Segway Tour: $196
  • Basel Family Adventure: Exploring Historic & Artistic Gems: $543
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel History Tour for Groups: $328
  • Basel Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kemi 12
    Basel 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kemi or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Kemi and Basel, 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 Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kemi as well as Basel. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kemi is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kemi this time of the year. In the summer, Kemi often gets more sunshine than Basel. Kemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Kemi usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Kemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Basel 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Kemi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Kemi can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Kemi is much colder than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kemi in October average around 2°C (36°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Kemi usually receives less sunshine than Basel during autumn. Kemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kemi usually receives less rain than Basel. Kemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Basel 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Kemi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. The weather in Kemi can be very cold. In January, Kemi is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around -12°C (10°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Kemi often gets less sunshine than Basel. Kemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Kemi usually gets less rain in January than Basel. Kemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Kemi or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kemi and Basel. Furthermore, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Kemi in the spring. Kemi is much colder than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around -1°C (31°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Kemi usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Kemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kemi usually receives less rain than Basel. Kemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Basel 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Basel and Kemi

Kemi Basel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)