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

Should you visit Turku or Oslo?

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

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

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is €127. 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 Oslo in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Turku or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Oslo 22

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): $2,104

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    6.17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $484
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport to Kvitfjell Round Trip Private Transfer: $295
  • Private Transfer Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hemsedal: $295
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $254
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $228
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $213
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $204
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) to Trysil - Arrival Private Transfer: $187
  • Oslo Lufthavn Airport OSL to Hafjell- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $58
  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship : $61
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $112
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $117
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Oslo 18

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: $132
  • Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $309
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $521
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $656
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $763

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $94
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $197
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $91
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $214
  • 3- Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord: $108
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $48
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $148
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $91
  • Akerselva River Tour : $94
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Authentic Oslo bike tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Oslo 10


When comparing the travel costs between Turku and Oslo, 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 Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Turku or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Turku. When comparing the sizes of Turku and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Turku during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

In July, Turku is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Turku. In the summer, Turku often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Turku or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Oslo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Turku is cooler than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Turku usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during autumn. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Turku usually receives less rain than Oslo. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Turku or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Turku as well as Oslo. Additionally, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Turku often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Oslo. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Turku or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Turku can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Turku is generally much colder than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Turku usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Oslo. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Turku

Turku Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)