A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rovaniemi vs. Ljubljana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rovaniemi or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Rovaniemi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is €86. 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 Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rovaniemi 93
    Ljubljana 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rovaniemi 186
    Ljubljana 108
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Ljubljana? 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 Rovaniemi


Hotels in Ljubljana


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 Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rovaniemi 31
    Ljubljana 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:

  • Transfer from Rovaniemi to Helsinki: $1,925
  • Transfer Rovaniemi - Ivalo by private van: $866
  • Transfer Rovaniemi - Kakslautanen by private van: $769
  • Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi by private van: $578
  • From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $385
  • VIP Private Transfer in Rovaniemi : $163
  • Airport Rovaniemi Transfer by Private Van: $115
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna: $107
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Tromso: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kirkenes: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Helsinki: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

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

  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
  • Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Ljubljana City: $46
  • Private transfer Ljubljana Airport from & to Ljubljana City: $52
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $55
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $55
  • Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Koper Port: $68
  • Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Private transfer from Kamnik to airport Ljubljana: $74
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kamnik : $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana 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 day
    Rovaniemi 47
    Ljubljana 17

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

Typical Food Prices in Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $86
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
  • Dinner in the Dark: $106
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rovaniemi 48
    Ljubljana 14

Tours and Activities in Rovaniemi

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

  • Ice Waterfall Tour in Korouoma: $147
  • 1-Hour Snowmobile Safari Experience : $104
  • 2h Winter Bike Tour - Riversides of Rovaniemi: $104
  • 5-Hour Tour to Ranua Zoo: $120
  • 5km Self Driven Husky Sled Adventure in Rovaniemi: $240
  • ATV Quad Bike Experience : $130
  • All Day Canoe Adventure to Rovaniemi: $207
  • All in One Santa Claus Village with Dog Sledding Adventure: $271
  • Arctic Animals Combo Safari, Reindeer and Husky Adventure: $191
  • Arctic Polar Bear Adventure with Lunch in Rovaniemi!: $141
  • Arctic Reindeer Farm & Husky Safari + Aurora BBQ Tour!: $217
  • Aurora Dreamscape Tour in Lapland: $125

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.31
  • Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
  • Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rovaniemi 21
    Ljubljana 11

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $217
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Ljubljana, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Ljubljana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ljubljana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Rovaniemi or Ljubljana in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rovaniemi this time of the year. In the summer, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

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

Rovaniemi can be very cold during autumn. In October, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Rovaniemi during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. Rovaniemi is much colder than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rovaniemi -12°C (10°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Ljubljana. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the spring. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)