Which place is cheaper, Zermatt or Rovaniemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rovaniemi or Zermatt?
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 Zermatt. 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 Zermatt?
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.
Zermatt
Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €174Zermatt €209
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €174, while the average daily cost in Zermatt is €209. 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 Zermatt in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Zermatt €118
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Zermatt €236
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Zermatt
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Zermatt? 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 Zermatt Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Zermatt €50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:
- From Return Transfer to Ranua Zoo by Private Van: $29
- From Rovaniemi Private Transfer To Polar Explorer Icebreaker: $48
- Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $56
- Private Transfer from Rovaniemi airport-city centre: $75
- Santa Claus Village Guided Tour with Transfer: $77
- Rovaniemi Private City Transfer by Luxury Vehicule : $83
- From Helsinki: Private Transfer to Rovaniemi: $86
- Santa Claus Village Tour with Transfer: $87
- Trip to Santa Claus Village with Hotel Transfer: $87
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi (RVN) Airport to City centre: $87
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi city centre to Rovaniemi airport: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Zermatt?
Prices for flights to both Zermatt 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 €47Zermatt €53
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
- Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rovaniemi €48Zermatt €53
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 Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $51
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket: $104
- Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket: $108
- Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
- Alpine Village Tour 2 hours: $126
- Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
- Ticket for Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $154
- Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
- Mount Gornergrat Spectacular Summit Train Ticket: $183
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Zermatt €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
- Wine Tasting in Valais: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Rovaniemi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rovaniemi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rovaniemi 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt than you might in Rovaniemi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Zermatt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Zermatt?
Rovaniemi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Zermatt, 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 Zermatt?
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 Zermatt in the Summer?
Both Zermatt and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Zermatt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi usually receives more sunshine than Zermatt during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Zermatt 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Zermatt in the Autumn?
Both Zermatt and Rovaniemi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, 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. In October, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun.
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in October than Zermatt. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Zermatt 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Zermatt in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Zermatt. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. Rovaniemi can be very cold during winter. Rovaniemi is much colder than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Zermatt 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Zermatt in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Zermatt. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.
The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Zermatt. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Zermatt. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Zermatt 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Zermatt and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Zermatt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.