Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Porvoo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Porvoo or Bologna?
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 Bologna. 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 Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPorvoo €132Bologna €159
The average daily cost (per person) in Porvoo is €132, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. 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 Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorvoo €69Bologna €87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorvoo €138Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Porvoo and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Porvoo or Bologna? 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.
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 Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porvoo €56Bologna €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
- Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
- Ravenna/Cruise Port to Torcello (water taxi) - Arrival Transfer: $178
- Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Ravenna or Cruise Port to Venice,Piazzale Roma Roundtrip Transfer: $240
- Ravenna or Cruise Port to Venice + water taxi - Arrival Transfer: $159
- Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300
- Ravenna or Cruise Port to Burano + water taxi - Arrival Transfer: $163
- Ravenna city or Cruise Port to Bologna Airport(BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $113
- Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Ravenna Cruise Port to Venice + water taxi- Round Trip Transfer: $290
- Ravenna Cruise Port to Rome Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $288
Is it cheaper to fly into Porvoo or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna 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 dayPorvoo €30Bologna €39
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 Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Porvoo €21Bologna €38
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: $604
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
-
Food Tour (for 2)€31
-
Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
-
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
-
National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
-
Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
- 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
- 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
- 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
- 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
- 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
- Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
- BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
- Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
- Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
- Bike Tour Bologna: $142
- Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPorvoo €9.93Bologna €28
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porvoo and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Porvoo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Porvoo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Porvoo 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna than you might in Porvoo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Porvoo Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porvoo or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Porvoo. When comparing the sizes of Porvoo and Bologna, 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 Bologna?
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 Bologna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Porvoo as well as Bologna. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Porvoo is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around 17°C (62°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porvoo this time of the year. In the summer, Porvoo often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Porvoo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.
Porvoo usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Porvoo gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPorvoo 17°C (62°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Porvoo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Porvoo is much colder than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Porvoo usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Porvoo gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Bologna. Porvoo gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPorvoo 6°C (42°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Bologna in the Winter?
Both Bologna and Porvoo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bologna can be very cold. Porvoo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Porvoo is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porvoo in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Porvoo often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Porvoo gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.
Porvoo usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Porvoo gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPorvoo -6°C (21°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porvoo and Bologna. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
The weather in Porvoo can be very cold. In April, Porvoo is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Porvoo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Porvoo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Bologna. Porvoo gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPorvoo 3°C (37°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Porvoo
| Porvoo | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.