A Travel Price Comparison for Finland Turku vs. Kemi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Turku or Kemi?

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

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

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.

Kemi

Kemi is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe. Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year with a different design). The SnowCastle is usually located at the inner harbor of Kemi.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Turku and Kemi, we can see that Turku is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Turku or Kemi?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Turku and Kemi, 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 Kemi?

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 Turku or Kemi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Kemi.

Turku is around the same temperature as Kemi in the summer. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Kemi fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kemi this time of the year. In Turku, it's very sunny this time of the year. Turku usually receives less sunshine than Kemi during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kemi receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Turku usually receives more rain than Kemi. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Turku or Kemi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Turku as well as Kemi.

Kemi can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Turku is much warmer than Kemi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Turku in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Kemi averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the autumn, Turku often gets more sunshine than Kemi. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kemi receives 82 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kemi. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Turku or Kemi in the Winter?

Both Kemi and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Kemi can be very cold. Turku can be very cold during winter. In January, Turku is generally much warmer than Kemi. Daily temperatures in Turku average around -6°C (20°F), and Kemi fluctuates around -12°C (10°F).

Turku usually receives more sunshine than Kemi during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Kemi receives 19 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Turku usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kemi. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Turku or Kemi in the Spring?

Both Kemi and Turku during the spring are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Kemi in the spring. The weather in Turku can be very cold. Turku is much warmer than Kemi in the spring. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Kemi fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the spring, Turku often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kemi. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kemi receives 194 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets more rain in April than Kemi. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kemi and Turku