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

Should you visit Rovaniemi or Tihany?

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 Tihany. 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 Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is €41. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rovaniemi 93
    Tihany 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rovaniemi 186
    Tihany 36
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rovaniemi 31
    Tihany 10

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rovaniemi 48
    Tihany 4.52

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

Tours and Activities in Tihany

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

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rovaniemi 21
    Tihany 6.17

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

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

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Tihany?

Rovaniemi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Tihany.

In July, Rovaniemi is generally cooler than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 15°C (60°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rovaniemi this time of the year. In the summer, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Tihany. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tihany. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Tihany in the Autumn?

Both Tihany and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is much colder than Tihany in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during autumn. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rovaniemi usually receives more rain than Tihany. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Tihany in the Winter?

Both Tihany and Rovaniemi during the winter are popular places to visit.

Tihany can be very cold during winter. Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rovaniemi is much colder than Tihany. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rovaniemi in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Tihany averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Tihany in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Tihany.

Rovaniemi can be very cold during spring. In April, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around -1°C (31°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Tihany during spring. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Tihany. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)