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

Should you visit Turku or Geneva?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Geneva, 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 Geneva?

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.

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Turku?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €136, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €196. 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 Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Geneva 136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Geneva 272
Compare Hotels in Turku and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Turku or Geneva? 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 Geneva


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 Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Geneva 8.79

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: $73
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $73
  • One-Way Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $2,112

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Meribel (FR): $1,129
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Courchevel (FR): $1,038
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere: $826
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez: $794
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Leukerbad: $730
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Chamonix (FR): $699
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Montreux: $690
  • Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Saas-Fee: $689
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Adelboden: $678

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 32
    Geneva 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Geneva 28

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $131
  • Turku Archipelago: Sea Kayaking Day Tour: $133
  • Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $310
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $523
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $659
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $766

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
  • (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
  • 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
  • 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
  • Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
  • Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
  • Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Geneva 21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turku and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Turku or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Turku. When comparing the sizes of Turku and Geneva, 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 Geneva?

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 Geneva in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Turku as well as Geneva. Additionally, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Turku is generally cooler than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Turku this time of the year. In the summer, Turku often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets more rain in July than Geneva. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Turku or Geneva in the Autumn?

Both Geneva and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Turku is much colder than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Turku usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Turku usually receives less rain than Geneva. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Turku or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Turku during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Turku can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Turku often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in January than Geneva. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Turku or Geneva in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Geneva. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

The weather in Turku can be very cold. In April, Turku is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Turku usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during spring. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Geneva. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Turku

Turku Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)