Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Savonlinna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Savonlinna or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Savonlinna or Bologna?
Savonlinna
Savonlinna is a town and a municipality of 35,504 inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The Finnish name of the town means "Castle of Savonia" and the Swedish name means "New Castle". The city was founded in 1639, based on Olavinlinna castle. Savonlinna is a historical borderland where the cultures and traditions of East and West meet. As the oldest town in Eastern Finland, Savonlinna is famous for its world class opera festival in the medieval castle surrounded by blue waters of Lake Saimaa. With its 100 year old steamships and unparalleled selection of experiences and activities, Savonlinna is a the real gem of Lakeland Finland.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySavonlinna €104Bologna €159
The average daily cost (per person) in Savonlinna is €104, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. 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 Savonlinna and Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSavonlinna €53Bologna €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSavonlinna €106Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Bologna? 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: Savonlinna Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Savonlinna €39Bologna €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $21
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $21
- Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $43
- Bologna Airport transfer: $46
- Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
- Private Transfer from Bologna City Hotels to Ancona Cruise Port: $76
- Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Savonlinna 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 daySavonlinna €27Bologna €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Savonlinna €20Bologna €38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)€31
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
- Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySavonlinna €9.27Bologna €28
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Savonlinna and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Savonlinna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savonlinna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savonlinna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna than you might in Savonlinna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savonlinna Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna and Bologna, 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 Savonlinna or Bologna?
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 Savonlinna or Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.
Savonlinna is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savonlinna. Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Savonlinna usually receives more rain than Bologna. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySavonlinna 17°C (62°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Savonlinna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In the autumn, Savonlinna is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savonlinna in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Savonlinna usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSavonlinna 4°C (40°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Bologna. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bologna can be very cold during winter. Savonlinna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around -11°C (13°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Bologna. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySavonlinna -11°C (13°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Bologna. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.
Savonlinna can be very cold during spring. Savonlinna is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Savonlinna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSavonlinna 2°C (36°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Savonlinna
| Savonlinna | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (15°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -4°C (24°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | -1°C (30°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.