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

Should you visit Porvoo or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is €127. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porvoo 69
    Oslo 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porvoo 138
    Oslo 152
Compare Hotels in Porvoo and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Porvoo or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porvoo 56
    Oslo 22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    6.17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $80
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $213
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
  • Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL): $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $153
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $295
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $254
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $204

Is it cheaper to fly into Porvoo or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo 28
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 Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Porvoo 21
    Oslo 18

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 Oslo

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

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $94
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $197
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $108
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $148
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
  • Akerselva River Tour : $94
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Porvoo 9.93
    Oslo 10


When comparing the travel costs between Porvoo and Oslo, we can see that Porvoo 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 Porvoo Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Porvoo or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Porvoo. When comparing the sizes of Porvoo and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porvoo as well as Oslo. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Porvoo is around the same temperature as Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porvoo this time of the year. In the summer, Porvoo often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Porvoo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Porvoo usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Porvoo gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Porvoo 17°C (62°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Porvoo or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Porvoo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Porvoo is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porvoo in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Porvoo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during autumn. Porvoo gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Oslo. Porvoo gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Porvoo 6°C (42°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Porvoo or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Porvoo during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. The weather in Porvoo can be very cold. In January, Porvoo is generally much colder than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around -6°C (21°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Porvoo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Porvoo gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Porvoo usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Porvoo gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Porvoo -6°C (21°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Porvoo or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porvoo and Oslo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Porvoo in the spring. Porvoo is much colder than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Porvoo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Porvoo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Porvoo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oslo. Porvoo gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Porvoo 3°C (37°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Porvoo

Porvoo Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)