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

Should you visit Porvoo 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 Porvoo 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: Porvoo or Bergen?

Porvoo

Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the southern coast of Finland approximately 50 kilometers east of Helsinki. Porvoo is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, first mentioned as a city in texts from 14th century. Even though Porvoo is not exactly a coastal town, it is connected to the Gulf of Finland via the Porvoo River. The river flows through the city, passing Porvoo's most well-known landmarks: the red shore houses. Historically, Porvoo has been an important center of trade. Founded nearly 800 years ago, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and evidence of its long history can still be seen and felt as you walk its charming streets. For centuries, the city has served as both a home and a source of inspiration for many Finnish artists.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Porvoo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Porvoo is €132, 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 Porvoo and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porvoo 69
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porvoo 138
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Porvoo and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Porvoo 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 Porvoo


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: Porvoo Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porvoo 56
    Bergen 9.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $285
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Panorama Hotel & Resort transfer: $285
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $139
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $191
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $177
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $141
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $171
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $94
  • Private Transfer - Bergen Hotels & Cruise Ports - Bergen Airport: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Porvoo or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Porvoo 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
    Porvoo 30
    Bergen 29
Typical Food Prices in Porvoo

For Porvoo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    42

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: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Porvoo 21
    Bergen 15

Tours and Activities in Porvoo

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

  • Private Tour: Porvoo Exclusive Journey: $602

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Bergen: $54
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $148
  • Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $96
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Bergen City 90-minute Private Tour by Electric Car: $84
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $205
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $55
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $84
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $65
  • Bergen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $293

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Porvoo 9.93
    Bergen 6.44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porvoo and Bergen, we can see that Porvoo 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 Porvoo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porvoo 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 Porvoo Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Porvoo or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Porvoo. When comparing the sizes of Porvoo 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 Porvoo 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 Porvoo or Bergen in the Summer?

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

In July, Porvoo is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around 17°C (62°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Porvoo usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Porvoo gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Porvoo 17°C (62°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Porvoo or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Porvoo 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.

Porvoo is much colder than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Bergen. Porvoo gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Porvoo 6°C (42°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Porvoo or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Porvoo 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. Porvoo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Porvoo is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porvoo in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Porvoo usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Porvoo gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Porvoo -6°C (21°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Porvoo or Bergen in the Spring?

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

Porvoo can be very cold during spring. In April, Porvoo is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Bergen. Porvoo gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Porvoo 3°C (37°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Porvoo

Porvoo Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)