A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Turku for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Riga or Turku?

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

Should I visit Riga or Turku? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Riga or Turku?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

Which place is cheaper, Turku or Riga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €103, while the average daily cost in Turku is €136. 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 Riga and Turku in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga €53
    Turku €76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga €106
    Turku €152
Compare Hotels in Riga and Turku

Looking for a hotel in Riga or Turku? 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 Riga


Hotels in Turku


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: Riga Hotel Prices and Turku Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga €15
    Turku €44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Vilnius Day Trip or Airport Transfer: $609
  • Tallinn Day Trip or Airport Transfer: $608
  • Mercedes-Benz V-Class Transfer from RIGA to Vilnius/Tallinn/Any Baltic Location: $520
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $456
  • Private Minivan Transfer: Riga to Tallinn: $442
  • Riga to Tallinn - Sightseeing transfer: $431
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $413
  • Riga to Vilnius - Sightseeing transfer : $387
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $348
  • Riga Party Bus Airport Transfer: $340
  • Transfer from Riga International Airport to Downtown: $272
  • Private Transfer: Ryga to Klaipeda via Hill of Crosses & Rundale Palace: $263

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

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

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $74
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $74
  • One-Way Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $2,150
  • Private Helicopter Airport Transfers from Turku to Helsinki: $2,188

Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Turku?

Prices for flights to both Turku and Riga 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
    Riga €32
    Turku €32
Typical Food prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    €5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

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

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $98
  • Flavors of Riga - Private Walking Food Tour: $108
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $110
  • Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga €21
    Turku €22

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • The best of Bauska walking tour: $76
  • 1 Day Riga Sightseeing Red Bus Hop On Hop Off: $28
  • 2 Day Gastronomy Tour In Latgale : $244
  • 2 Day Kurzeme Winery Tour: $205
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Legends and Secret of Riga's Old Town : $66
  • 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $88
  • 5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $83
  • ATV Quad Off Road or City Tour in Riga: $144
  • Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $12
  • All Inclusive Honest History Tour - Āraiši, Cēsis, Līgatne, Sigulda: $360
  • An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $5.20
  • Authentic Husky sledding adventure - Private tour from Riga: $166

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $133
  • Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $316
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $341
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $397
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $532
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $670
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $779

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga €19
    Turku €12

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide! : $39
  • Riga Public Pub Crawl : $54
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $59
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $71
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $99
  • Exclusive Latvian Wine Tasting In Riga: $338
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,379

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Turku, we can see that Turku is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Turku would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turku than you might in Riga.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Turku?

Riga is bigger, and its population is about 4.2 times larger than the population of Turku. When comparing the population of Riga vs. Turku, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Riga or Turku?

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 Riga or Turku in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Turku. Many travelers come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is around the same temperature as Turku in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Turku fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Turku. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Turku receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Turku 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Riga or Turku in the Autumn?

Both Turku and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Riga in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Riga is a little warmer than Turku. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Turku averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Turku. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Turku receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Turku 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Riga or Turku in the Winter?

Both Turku and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Turku can be very cold. Riga can be very cold during winter. In January, Riga is generally a little warmer than Turku. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Turku fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in January than Turku. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Turku receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Turku -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Riga or Turku in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Turku. The spring months attract visitors to Riga because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Turku in the spring. Riga is much warmer than Turku in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Turku fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In April, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Turku. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Turku receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Turku 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Turku and Riga

Riga Turku
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -4°C (25°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.
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Riga vs. Turku Travel Comparison

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