A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lulea vs. Tromso for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lulea or Tromso?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lulea and Tromso 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: Lulea or Tromso?

Lulea

Lulea is in northern Sweden, in Norrbotten. It's a mid sized city with about 70,000 residents. It also has a technical university, the Lulea University of Technology, which was created in 1971. The city of Lulea is located at the mouth of Lule River on the Gulf of Bothnia. The city's economy is focused on research, education, trade and services. The university's educational programs appeal to new businesses that range from local companies to multinational corporations. There is also a prominant IT sector in the city.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso or Lulea?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lulea is $105, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $112. 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 Lulea and Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lulea $55
    Tromso $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lulea $110
    Tromso $110
Compare Hotels in Lulea and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Lulea or Tromso? 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 Lulea


Hotels in Tromso


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: Lulea Hotel Prices and Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lulea $21
    Tromso $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93
  • Private Airport and City Transfer in Tromso: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Lulea or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso and Lulea 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
    Lulea $35
    Tromso $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $173
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $186
  • Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $206
  • Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $250
  • Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lulea $16
    Tromso $17

Tours and Activities in Tromso

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.

  • Touring-Trekking Bicycle Rental in Tromso - 1 to 2 Days: $46
  • Experience the Full Steam Storytelling Package: $46
  • Tromso Embrace the Spirits of the North Tasting Experience: $63
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $74
  • Experience Cross-Country Adventure in Tromsø: $93
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $111
  • Fjord & History Cruise: $111
  • Tromso Sightseeing with E-Bike: $112
  • Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso: $117
  • History Fjordcruise Around The Isle Of Tromso - Luxury Catamaran: $121
  • From Tromso all- inclusive Midnight sun cruise by Boat: $126
  • Puppy Training Experience at a Husky Farm in Tromso: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lulea $18
    Tromso $8.36


When comparing the travel costs between Lulea and Tromso, we can see that Tromso is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Lulea or Tromso?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Lulea. When comparing the sizes of Lulea and Tromso, 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 Lulea or Tromso?

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 Lulea or Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Lulea during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

Lulea is a little warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Tromso, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lulea. In the summer, Lulea often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Lulea gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Lulea usually gets less rain in July than Tromso. Lulea gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lulea 15°C (60°F) 
    Tromso 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lulea and Tromso. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Lulea in the autumn. In the autumn, Lulea is cooler than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lulea in October average around 2°C (36°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Lulea usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Lulea gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tromso receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lulea usually receives less rain than Tromso. Lulea gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lulea 2°C (36°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lulea as well as Tromso. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lulea. In January, Lulea is generally much colder than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around -12°C (10°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Lulea often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Lulea gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Lulea usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Lulea gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lulea -12°C (10°F) 
    Tromso -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Lulea are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. Lulea can get quite cold in the spring. Lulea is much colder than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around -1°C (31°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Lulea usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during spring. Lulea gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lulea usually receives less rain than Tromso. Lulea gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lulea -1°C (31°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Lulea

Lulea Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)