A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Savonlinna vs. Sarajevo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Savonlinna or Sarajevo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Savonlinna or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Savonlinna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Savonlinna is €104, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is €66. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savonlinna 53
    Sarajevo 26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savonlinna 106
    Sarajevo 52
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Sarajevo? 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 Savonlinna


Hotels in Sarajevo


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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savonlinna 39
    Sarajevo 6.58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    1.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

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

  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Savonlinna 27
    Sarajevo 29

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savonlinna 20
    Sarajevo 11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    7.16

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savonlinna 9.27
    Sarajevo 6.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Savonlinna and Sarajevo, we can see that Savonlinna is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Savonlinna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Savonlinna than you might in Sarajevo.

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


Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Savonlinna or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Savonlinna during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 17°C (62°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savonlinna. In the summer, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savonlinna 17°C (62°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Sarajevo. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

The weather in Savonlinna can be very cold. Savonlinna is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savonlinna 4°C (40°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Sarajevo. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the winter. In the winter, Savonlinna is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savonlinna in January average around -11°C (13°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Savonlinna usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savonlinna -11°C (13°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In April, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 2°C (36°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Savonlinna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savonlinna 2°C (36°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Savonlinna

Savonlinna Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb -9°C (15°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar -4°C (24°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov -1°C (30°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)