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

Should you visit Rovaniemi or Stockholm?

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 Stockholm. 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 Stockholm?

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.

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.

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 Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Stockholm 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 Stockholm is €157. 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 Stockholm in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rovaniemi 93
    Stockholm 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rovaniemi 186
    Stockholm 180
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Stockholm

Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Stockholm? 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 Stockholm


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 Stockholm Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rovaniemi 31
    Stockholm 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:

  • Airport & City Transfers in Rovaniemi : $76
  • Airport Rovaniemi Transfer by Private Van: $114
  • From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $85
  • From Rovaniemi Private Transfer To Polar Explorer Icebreaker: $48
  • From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $384
  • From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $55
  • Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $54
  • Private Transfer Kiruna - Tromso: $107
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Helsinki: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kirkenes: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna: $107

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
  • Skavsta Airport Bus Transfer: $26
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Bromma Airport BMA: $37
  • Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Arlanda Airport (ARN): $39
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm hotels to Stockholm Cruise Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Port to Stockholm hotels: $41
  • Stockholm to Stockholm Airport (ARN) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private transfer: Stockholm City Center to Arlanda Airport (ARN): $67
  • Private transfer Arlanda Stockholm Airport(BMA) to Stockholm City: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Stockholm?

Prices for flights to both Stockholm 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
    Stockholm 33

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: $147
  • From SnowHotel Aurora Experience with Dinner: $148
  • Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights : $168
  • Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
  • 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 : $239
  • PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $239
  • Private Glass Igloo Dinner on the Shore of Frozen Lake: $244

Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    8.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.

  • Food Tour: $101
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $103
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $133
  • Stockholm Private Food Tour with a Local: Tastiest Treats 100% Personalized: $214

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rovaniemi 48
    Stockholm 23

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
  • From Northern Lights Photo Tour with Pickup: $67
  • Rovaniemi photography tour: $71
  • Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Barbeque: $73
  • Northen Light Hunting Tour: $73
  • From Northern Lights Van Tour with Photos: $73
  • Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Hot Drinks: $73
  • From Northern Lights Van Tour with Photos: $73

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.92
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Gamla Stan's Landmarks and legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Stockholm City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.53
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Highlights Tour: $6.93
  • Gamla Stan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Stockholm’s Old City: $6.99
  • Stockholm Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Witch Trials Self-guided Walking Tour Game: $9.06
  • Stupid Stockholm - self-guided walking tour game: $9.06

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rovaniemi 21
    Stockholm 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Stockholm Pub Crawl: $32
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $279
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $285


When comparing the travel costs between Rovaniemi and Stockholm, we can see that Rovaniemi 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 Stockholm Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Stockholm, 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 Stockholm?

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 Stockholm in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Stockholm. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rovaniemi is generally cooler than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 15°C (60°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In Rovaniemi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Stockholm. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Stockholm. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. Rovaniemi is much colder than Stockholm in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets more rain in October than Stockholm. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stockholm. It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the winter. In the winter, Rovaniemi is much colder than Stockholm. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rovaniemi in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Stockholm averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rovaniemi usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rovaniemi -12°C (10°F) 
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and Rovaniemi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Stockholm in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. In April, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around -1°C (31°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Stockholm. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi Stockholm
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)