Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Tampere?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tampere or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Tampere and Osaka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tampere or Osaka?
Tampere
Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Tampere Prices
Finland PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTampere €172Osaka €88
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €172, while the average daily cost in Osaka is €88. 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 Tampere and Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTampere €80Osaka €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTampere €160Osaka €76
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Tampere or Osaka? 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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tampere €59Osaka €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere
Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $119
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway€6.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $281
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $262
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $257
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $255
- Private Transfer from Osaka to Wakayama,Shirahama&Kushimoto Area: $255
- Private Transfer from Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX: $254
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $245
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private Transfer To/From Kyoto City Hotels: $230
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $223
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $223
- Private Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $221
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka and Tampere 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 dayTampere €57Osaka €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampere
For Tampere, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tampere Food Tour Local Tastings, Meal & Rooftop City Views: $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka Cooking Class 17 Tastes Takoyaki Making: $21
- Osaka Umeda: PICCADILLY DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $32
- Welcome to Osaka Matrix and Local food tour with Ninja Guide: $36
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon: $38
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $41
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $41
- (1 Group Only) Osaka Dotonbori Food Tour Wagyu & Ramen Takoyaki: $45
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $48
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $48
- Deep Osaka Night Walking Tour with Optional Dinner: $51
- Osaka 2 Hour Local Street Food Tour in Dotonbori and Namba: $57
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $57
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tampere €24Osaka €17
Tours and Activities in Tampere
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.
- Tampere Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Tampere Scenic Bike Tour with Sauna and Local Flavors: $94
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)€25
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $59
- 1-Day Kimono/Yukata Experience in Osaka – Enjoy Day & Night: $35
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Osaka - Chartered Tour: $174
- 2 Hours Private Guided Walking Tour in Osaka: $26
- 2-Day Bus Tour to Shirakawago & Hida No Sato Winter Illumination: $223
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable: $205
- 30-Minute Osaka Micro Pig Interaction Experience at Buta Goya: $16
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $70
- 4/5/6 Hours Private Osaka Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $153
- 5-Hour Osaka Bike Tour to the Neighborhood of Osaka Castle: $84
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTampere €10Osaka €9.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Osaka Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting: $41
- 3Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Bar Hopping Nightlife Guided Tour in Namba: $46
- Off The Beaten Path Osaka Local Bar Crawl: $51
- Osaka Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Vineyard Walk: $83
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampere and Osaka, we can see that Tampere is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tampere is in Europe and Osaka is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Tampere would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampere than you might in Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tampere Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tampere or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere and Osaka, 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 Tampere or Osaka?
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 Tampere or Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tampere is much colder than Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampere in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Tampere, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampere usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tampere usually receives less rain than Osaka. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTampere 16°C (61°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Tampere is generally much colder than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 5°C (42°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Tampere usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTampere 5°C (42°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Tampere can get quite cold in the winter. Tampere is much colder than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Osaka during winter. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tampere usually receives less rain than Osaka. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTampere -7°C (19°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Tampere during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.
Tampere can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tampere is much colder than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampere in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In the spring, Tampere often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampere usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTampere 3°C (38°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Tampere
| Tampere | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -7°C (19°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (24°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.