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

Should you visit Rovaniemi or Uppsala?

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 Uppsala. 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 Uppsala?

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.

Uppsala

Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.

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 Luxury Tours to Sweden, and The Best Budget Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Uppsala 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 Uppsala is €126. 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 Uppsala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rovaniemi 93
    Uppsala 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rovaniemi 186
    Uppsala 166
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Uppsala

Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Uppsala? 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 Uppsala


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 Uppsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rovaniemi 31
    Uppsala 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:

  • Transfer from Rovaniemi to Helsinki: $1,915
  • Transfer Rovaniemi - Ivalo by private van: $862
  • Transfer Rovaniemi - Kakslautanen by private van: $765
  • Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi by private van: $576
  • From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $383
  • VIP Private Transfer in Rovaniemi : $163
  • Airport Rovaniemi Transfer by Private Van: $114
  • Private Transfer Kiruna - Tromso: $106
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna: $106
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Tromso: $96
  • Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Helsinki: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala

Also for Uppsala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Uppsala?

Prices for flights to both Uppsala 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
    Uppsala 30

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: $146
  • Private Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner: $176
  • Northern Lights dinner in a Glass Igloo: $222
  • PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights : $222
  • Dinner with Northern Light hunt : $234
  • PRIVATE Party dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights : $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rovaniemi 48
    Uppsala 17

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
  • 10KM Self Driven Husky Sled Adventure in Rovaniemi: $282
  • ATV Quad Bike Experience : $129
  • All Day Canoe Adventure to Rovaniemi: $206
  • Arctic Animals Combo Safari, Reindeer and Husky Adventure: $190
  • 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: $958
  • Aurora hunting & photography tour: $97

Tours and Activities in Uppsala

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

  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Vasatid at Uppsala Castle 1h - a guided tour in Uppsala: $27
  • Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $31
  • Guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $55
  • Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $75
  • Private 1h tour of famous Old Uppsala mounds and mediveal church: $84
  • Private guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $99
  • Private tour, A Dark perspective, the dark Uppsala city walk, about a dark past!: $114
  • Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $121
  • From Stockholm: Viking History Tour to Sigtuna and Uppsala: $183

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rovaniemi 21
    Uppsala 16


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

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


Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Uppsala?

Uppsala has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Uppsala, 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 Uppsala?

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 Uppsala in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Uppsala. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Uppsala averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Uppsala. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rovaniemi this time of the year. In the summer, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Uppsala. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 260 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in July than Uppsala. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Uppsala in the Autumn?

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

Rovaniemi can be very cold during autumn. In October, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Uppsala during autumn. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rovaniemi usually receives more rain than Uppsala. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Uppsala in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Uppsala in the winter. The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. Rovaniemi is much colder than Uppsala in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Uppsala fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Uppsala. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 40 hours of full sun.

Rovaniemi usually gets more rain in January than Uppsala. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Rovaniemi or Uppsala in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the spring. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Uppsala. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Uppsala averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Rovaniemi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala during spring. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rovaniemi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Uppsala. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Uppsala and Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi Uppsala
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -3°C (27°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -3°C (27°F) 27 mm (1.1 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) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 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) 46 mm (1.8 in)