Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi 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: Rovaniemi or Oslo?
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.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €174Oslo €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, 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 Rovaniemi and Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Oslo €76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Oslo €152
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Oslo
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi 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.
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 Oslo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Oslo €22
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 from Rovaniemi airport-city centre: $74
- Airport & City Transfers in Rovaniemi : $76
- Santa Claus Village Guided Tour with Transfer: $77
- Rovaniemi Private City Transfer by Luxury Vehicule : $82
- 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
- Trip to Santa Claus Village with Hotel Transfer: $86
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi (RVN) Airport to City centre: $87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
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Tram Ticket€6.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $40
- Private Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $70
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $80
- Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $83
- Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) to Hafjell - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Oslo Airport To/From Oslo): $89
- Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL): $90
- Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo Cruise Port: $90
- Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
- Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 €47Oslo €28
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: $146
- Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
- Northern Lights dinner in a Glass Igloo: $222
- PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $222
- Dinner with Northern Light hunt : $234
- PRIVATE Party dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights : $239
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: $59
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $75
- Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $114
- 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $118
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rovaniemi €48Oslo €18
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
- From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $67
- Rovaniemi photography tour: $70
- Northen Light Hunting Tour: $73
- From Northern Lights Van Tour with Photos: $73
- From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $73
- Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Barbeque: $73
- Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Hot Drinks: $73
- From Northern Lights Van Tour with Photos: $73
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- Free City Walking Tour: $0.92
- Free Walking Tour Oslo: $1.38
- Free Tour Oslo Spanish: $1.38
- Oslo Guided Walking Tour in Spanish: $2.62
- Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.19
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $7.98
- A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
- Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Oslo €10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Oslo, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Oslo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Oslo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Oslo?
Oslo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi 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 Rovaniemi or Oslo?
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 Oslo in the Summer?
Both Oslo and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Oslo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Oslo. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Oslo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Oslo in the Autumn?
Both Oslo and Rovaniemi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Rovaniemi can be very cold during autumn. In October, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Oslo 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Oslo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Oslo. 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 Rovaniemi can be very cold. Rovaniemi is much colder than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Oslo. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Oslo -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Oslo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Oslo. Additionally, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.
It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the spring. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Oslo. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Oslo 6°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Oslo and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Oslo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.