Which place is cheaper, Tromso or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rovaniemi or Tromso?
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 Tromso. 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
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 Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €174Tromso €104
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, while the average daily cost in Tromso is €104. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Tromso €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Tromso €104
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Tromso €27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:
- Transfer from Rovaniemi to Helsinki: $1,918
- Transfer Rovaniemi - Ivalo by private van: $863
- Transfer Rovaniemi - Kakslautanen by private van: $766
- Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi by private van: $576
- From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $384
- VIP Private Transfer in Rovaniemi : $163
- Airport Rovaniemi Transfer by Private Van: $114
- Private Transfer Kiruna - Tromso: $107
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna: $107
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $96
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kirkenes: $96
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Helsinki: $96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $93
- Tromso Private Transfer from Tromso city centre to Tromso airport: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 €47Tromso €36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $167
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $172
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $185
- Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso: $205
- Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub and Dinner: $233
- Aurora Borealis Cruise with Dinner in Tromso: $298
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rovaniemi €48Tromso €16
Tours and Activities in Rovaniemi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rovaniemi are as follows:
- 1-Hour Snowmobile Safari Adventure in Rovaniemi: $106
- 1-Hour Snowmobile Safari Experience : $97
- 5-Hour Tour to Ranua Zoo: $119
- All Day Canoe Adventure to Rovaniemi: $206
- Arctic Animals Combo Safari, Reindeer and Husky Adventure: $190
- Arctic Polar Bear Adventure with Lunch in Rovaniemi!: $140
- Arctic Reindeer Farm & Husky Safari + Aurora BBQ Tour!: $216
- Aurora Hunting Guarantee Tour with Photography: $270
- Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi with Pickup: $110
- Aurora Hunting Pro Tour: $205
- Aurora Hunting Pro Tour With Photography: $212
- Aurora Magic Cabin Overnight Experience: $959
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- Touring-Trekking Bicycle Rental in Tromso - 1 to 2 Days: $46
- Experience the Full Steam Storytelling Package: $46
- Tromso Embrace the Spirits of the North Tasting Experience: $63
- Experience Cross-Country Adventure in Tromsø: $92
- Electric Northern Lights Cruise: $101
- Northern Lights Walking Tour: $111
- Fjord & History Cruise: $111
- Tromso Sightseeing with E-Bike: $112
- Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso: $116
- Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $130
- Exclusive Reindeers Experience in small groups, Tromso: $130
- Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $130
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Tromso €7.84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Tromso, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Tromso?
Tromso has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
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 Tromso in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Tromso. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Rovaniemi is a little warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rovaniemi this time of the year. In the summer, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in July than Tromso. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Tromso in the Autumn?
Both Tromso and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. In the autumn, Rovaniemi is cooler than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rovaniemi in October average around 2°C (36°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Tromso. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Tromso in the Winter?
Both Tromso and Rovaniemi during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the winter. In January, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around -12°C (10°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Tromso in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Tromso. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is much colder than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -1°C (31°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during spring. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Tromso. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.