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

Should you visit Rovaniemi or Plzen?

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 Plzen. 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 Plzen?

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.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen is €95. 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 Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rovaniemi 93
    Plzen 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rovaniemi 186
    Plzen 114
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rovaniemi 31
    Plzen 7.75

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: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $56
  • Private Transfer from Rovaniemi airport-city centre: $75
  • Santa Claus Village Guided Tour with Transfer: $77
  • Rovaniemi Private City Transfer by Luxury Vehicule : $83
  • From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $86
  • Santa Claus Village Tour with Transfer: $87
  • Trip to Santa Claus Village with Hotel Transfer: $87
  • Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi (RVN) Airport to City centre: $87
  • Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi city centre to Rovaniemi airport: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $116
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen 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: $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rovaniemi 48
    Plzen 20

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 Plzen

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

  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.56
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.74
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $250
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rovaniemi 21
    Plzen 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.55
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $140
  • Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $207


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

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


Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Plzen?

Plzen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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 Plzen in the Summer?

Both Plzen and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Plzen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Plzen. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Plzen in the Autumn?

Both Plzen and Rovaniemi during the autumn are popular places to visit.

The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. In October, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Plzen. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Plzen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Plzen.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plzen. It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the winter. Rovaniemi is much colder than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Plzen during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rovaniemi usually receives more rain than Plzen. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rovaniemi -12°C (10°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Plzen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Plzen.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Plzen. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)