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

Should you visit Kemi or Bergen?

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 Bergen. 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 Bergen?

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.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen 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 Bergen is €102. 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 Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kemi 74
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kemi 148
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Kemi and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Kemi or Bergen? 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 Bergen


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: Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kemi 39
    Bergen 9.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $297
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Panorama Hotel & Resort transfer: $293
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $143
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $198
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $239
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $176
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $95
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $105
  • Private Bergen Airport Transfer to or from Bergen City: $257
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Kemi or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen 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
    Bergen 29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

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

  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kemi 29
    Bergen 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: $20
  • From Icebreaker Sampo Cruise & Pickup: $367
  • From Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating: $418

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $124
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $146
  • Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $88
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Bergen City 2-Hour Private Tour by Electric Car: $76
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $42
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $86
  • Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $62
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $299
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $296
  • Bergen Shore Excursion: Bergen Walking Tour: $149
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kemi 12
    Bergen 6.43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kemi and Bergen, we can see that Kemi is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.

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


Which is Bigger, Kemi or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Kemi and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kemi as well as Bergen. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kemi is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Kemi usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Kemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Kemi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kemi. In October, Kemi is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Kemi usually receives less rain than Bergen. Kemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Kemi or Bergen in the Winter?

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

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Kemi can get quite cold in the winter. Kemi is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kemi usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Kemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kemi -12°C (10°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kemi and Bergen. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

Kemi can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Kemi is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kemi usually receives less rain than Bergen. Kemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Kemi

Kemi Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)