Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rovaniemi or Potsdam?
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 Potsdam. 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 Potsdam?
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.
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €174Potsdam €111
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is €111. 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 Potsdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Potsdam €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Potsdam €120
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Potsdam
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Potsdam €28
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 Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Potsdam?
Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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 €47Potsdam €31
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rovaniemi €48Potsdam €25
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 Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
- Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
- Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
- Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
- Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
- Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
- In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Potsdam €6.70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Potsdam, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Potsdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Potsdam?
Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?
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 Potsdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Potsdam. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Rovaniemi is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 15°C (60°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Rovaniemi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rovaniemi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Potsdam 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Potsdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Potsdam. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the autumn. Rovaniemi is much colder than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Potsdam 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Potsdam in the Winter?
Both Potsdam and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Rovaniemi can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rovaniemi is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rovaniemi in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rovaniemi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Potsdam -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Potsdam in the Spring?
Both Potsdam and Rovaniemi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.
The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. In April, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around -1°C (31°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Potsdam. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Potsdam 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Potsdam and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Potsdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°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.