A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Turku vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Turku or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Amsterdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Turku or Amsterdam?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. While it is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Turku?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €159, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €211. 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 Turku and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku €76
    Amsterdam €102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku €152
    Amsterdam €204
Compare Hotels in Turku and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Turku or Amsterdam? 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 Turku


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Turku Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku €44
    Amsterdam €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

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

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $83
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $83

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    €3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    €15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    €10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    €2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    €3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $465
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $337
  • 1-23 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $286
  • Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $267
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $264
  • Private Car Round-trip Transfer Amsterdam to Keukenhof Tulips: $257
  • Round-Trip Transfer: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City by Luxury Car: $257
  • Private transfer Amsterdam to Rotterdam with 2h Stop in Gouda: $256
  • Amsterdam to Rotterdam Private Sightseeing Transfer via Delft: $255
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Leiden: $251
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS): Transfer to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $251
  • Amsterdam & Schiphol Airport to Eindhoven Private Transfer: $236

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Turku 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
    Turku €56
    Amsterdam €80

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    €6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Romantic Dinner or Lunch in the Dark Amsterdam: $48
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $58
  • Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Amsterdam Walking Food Tour with 6 Tastings and Drink: $73
  • Amsterdam : Guided Cultural Food Tour: $80
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $86
  • Amsterdam Food Tour: Authentic Dutch Tastings, Canals & Culture: $99
  • 10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour: Small Group, Full Meal & Drinks: $107
  • Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour: $117
  • Eating Jordaan Food Tour with Dutch Tastings: $125
  • Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Amsterdam with Italian Chef: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku €22
    Amsterdam €36

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $18
  • Experience Turku with a local guide: $274

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    €6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    €17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $114
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $174
  • 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $103
  • 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $206
  • 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $29
  • 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $274
  • 75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum: $46
  • 90-min Amsterdam Light Festival Tour: $160
  • ANGLE - Experience Amsterdam With a Local Photographer: $299
  • ARTIS Royal Zoo Ticket with Amsterdam Canal Cruise: $55
  • Almere Outdoor Escape Game: Self-Guided City Adventure: $23
  • Amsterdam (Open Boat) Cruise in Old City Center with Live Guide: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku €12
    Amsterdam €24

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Halloween Leidseplein Bar Crawl & Nightclub Entry: $29
  • Red Light District Halloween Pub Crawl & Nightclub: $29
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl in Amsterdam with 4 Shots: $34
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140


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

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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Turku. When comparing the sizes of Turku and Amsterdam, 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 Turku or Amsterdam?

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 Turku or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Turku as well as Amsterdam. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Turku is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Turku this time of the year. In the summer, Turku often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Turku or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Turku is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Turku in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Turku usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Turku usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Turku or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Turku during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. In January, Turku is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Turku average around -6°C (20°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Turku often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Turku or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Amsterdam. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Turku can get quite cold in the spring. Turku is much colder than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Turku usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Turku

Turku Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)