Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi 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: Rovaniemi or Geneva?
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.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 dayRovaniemi €174Geneva €196
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, 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 Rovaniemi and Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Geneva €136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Geneva €272
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi 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: Rovaniemi Hotel Prices and Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Geneva €8.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:
- Airport Rovaniemi Transfer by Private Van: $115
- From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $86
- From Rovaniemi Private Transfer To Polar Explorer Icebreaker: $48
- From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $385
- From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $56
- Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $55
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Helsinki: $96
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kirkenes: $96
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna: $107
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $96
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Tromso: $96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to La Clusaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
- VIP Transfer: $72
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Verbier - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
- Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Business Car: $87
- Geneva Departure Private Transfers from Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA: $87
- Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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
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Food Meals for one dayRovaniemi €47Geneva €49
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: $116
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $134
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $147
- From SnowHotel Aurora Experience with Dinner: $149
- Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights : $169
- Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
- Romantic Glass Igloo Dinner under Northern Lights : $223
- 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 : $240
- PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $240
- Private Glass Igloo Dinner on the Shore of Frozen Lake: $245
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.Rovaniemi €48Geneva €28
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
- Guided Northern Lights Tour by Van: $74
- BBQ Picnic Experience under Northern Lights: $74
- Private Aurora Borealis Car Tour with Hot Drinks: $74
- Bus Tour with Hunting Northern Lights: $75
- Guided tour in Santa Claus village with hotel pick up: $80
- Lapland: Aurora Borealis BBQ Tour: $80
- From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $80
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
- Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Geneva €21
When comparing the travel costs between Rovaniemi and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi or Geneva?
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 Geneva in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Geneva. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Rovaniemi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rovaniemi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Geneva. Additionally, many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the autumn. In October, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, 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 Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is much colder than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Rovaniemi during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 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.