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

Should you visit Turku or Rotterdam?

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

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

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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is €191. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Rotterdam 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Rotterdam 164
Compare Hotels in Turku and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Turku or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam


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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Rotterdam 26

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: $95
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Brussels: $288
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $282
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $265
  • Private transfer: Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in The Hague: $263
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Hoorn: $227
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Arnhem: $218
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $208
  • Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport(AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $200
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport: $186
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $186
  • Private direct transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam: $183
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $181

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam 89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza Cruise: $46
  • Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
  • Iconic Rotterdam Food Tour: 7 Local Dishes with a Guide: $100
  • Food Tour by Bike: $104
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
  • Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with Delicious Tastings: $105
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $129
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Rotterdam 31

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Experience Turku with a local guide: $283
  • Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $19

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $195
  • All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $223
  • Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
  • Best of City Highlights walking tour: $94
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $23
  • Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $58
  • Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.87
  • Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $346
  • Cultural Walking Tour in Rotterdam: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Rotterdam 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
  • Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
  • The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
  • Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576


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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Rotterdam?

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

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Turku is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Turku in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Turku. Turku usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Turku usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Turku or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Turku during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Turku is generally much colder than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 6°C (43°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Turku often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotterdam. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Turku or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Rotterdam. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Turku can be very cold during winter. Turku is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Turku averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Turku usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Turku usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Turku or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Turku as well as Rotterdam. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

The weather in Turku can be very cold. In the spring, Turku is much colder than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Turku in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Turku often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Turku

Turku Rotterdam
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)