Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Porvoo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Porvoo or Geneva?
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 Geneva. 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPorvoo €132Geneva €196
The average daily cost (per person) in Porvoo is €132, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €196. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorvoo €69Geneva €136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorvoo €138Geneva €272
Compare Hotels in Porvoo and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Porvoo or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porvoo €56Geneva €8.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- VIP Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
- Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
- Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $108
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airpot to Geneva City: $108
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Verbier: $576
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Samoens: $291
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to City Centre: $157
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Annemasse: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Porvoo or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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
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Food Meals for one dayPorvoo €30Geneva €49
Typical Food Prices in Porvoo
For Porvoo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,406
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Porvoo €21Geneva €28
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
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
- (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
- 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
- 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
- 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
- Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPorvoo €9.93Geneva €21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porvoo and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porvoo or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Porvoo. When comparing the sizes of Porvoo and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva in the Summer?
Both Geneva and Porvoo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
Porvoo is cooler than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porvoo. In the summer, Porvoo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva. Porvoo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.
Porvoo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Geneva. Porvoo gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPorvoo 17°C (62°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porvoo and Geneva. Furthermore, many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Porvoo is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porvoo in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).
Porvoo usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Porvoo gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Geneva. Porvoo gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPorvoo 6°C (42°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Geneva in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Porvoo as well as Geneva. Additionally, many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Porvoo. In January, Porvoo is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around -6°C (21°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Porvoo often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Porvoo gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.
Porvoo usually gets less rain in January than Geneva. Porvoo gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPorvoo -6°C (21°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Porvoo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Porvoo can get quite cold in the spring. Porvoo is much colder than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
Porvoo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during spring. Porvoo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Geneva. Porvoo gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPorvoo 3°C (37°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Porvoo
| Porvoo | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.