Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi 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: Rovaniemi or Bergen?
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it's a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It's home to Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €174Bergen €102
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, 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 Rovaniemi and Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Bergen €63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Bergen €126
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi 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.
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: Rovaniemi Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Bergen €9.05
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:
- From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $29
- From Rovaniemi Private Transfer To Polar Explorer Icebreaker: $48
- Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $54
- Private Transfer in Rovaniemi City by Minivan: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $55
- Private Transfer from Rovaniemi airport-city centre: $75
- Airport & City Transfers in Rovaniemi : $76
- Santa Claus Village Guided Tour with Transfer: $77
- Rovaniemi Private City Transfer by Luxury Vehicule : $83
- From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $85
- Rovaniemi Northern Light Hunt with Campfire and BBQ with Transfer: $86
- Santa Claus Village Tour with Transfer: $86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
- Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Sedan: $80
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $92
- Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
- Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $94
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen to Bergen Airport BGO by business sedan: $98
- Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen and Rovaniemi 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 dayRovaniemi €47Bergen €29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rovaniemi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rovaniemi.
- Snow Restaurant Dinner Tour: $115
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $133
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $147
- From SnowHotel Aurora Experience with Dinner: $148
- Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights : $168
- Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
- Northern Lights dinner in a Glass Igloo: $234
- Aurora Borealis Dinner in a Glass Igloo: $234
- PRIVATE Party dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights : $239
- PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $239
- Private Glass Igloo Dinner on the Shore of Frozen Lake: $244
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.Rovaniemi €48Bergen €15
Tours and Activities in Rovaniemi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rovaniemi are as follows:
- Essential A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- SnowGlow Winterpark Entry Ticket: $26
- Snowman World Entrance Ticket: $31
- Guided Supermarket Tour: $37
- Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses: $38
- From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $67
- Rovaniemi photography tour: $71
- Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Barbeque: $73
- Northen Light Hunting Tour: $73
- From Northern Lights Van Tour with Photos: $73
- Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Hot Drinks: $73
- From Northern Lights Van Tour with Photos: $73
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour Bergen NORDIC FREEDOM TOURS: $1.37
- Explore Bergen with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.20
- Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
- Walk with a witch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Off the Beaten Track in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $6.99
- Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Pocket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio tour in Bergen: $8.99
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
- Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Bergen €6.44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Bergen, we can see that Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Bergen?
Bergen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi or Bergen?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Bergen in the Summer?
Both Bergen and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Rovaniemi is around the same temperature as Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Bergen. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Bergen in the Autumn?
Both Bergen and Rovaniemi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. In the autumn, Rovaniemi is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rovaniemi in October average around 2°C (36°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Bergen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Bergen. 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. Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around -12°C (10°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Bergen. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Bergen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Bergen. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.
Rovaniemi can be very cold during spring. Rovaniemi is much colder than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -1°C (31°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.