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

Should you visit Turku or Tromso?

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

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

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.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Turku or Tromso?

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

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Turku is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Turku in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Turku. Turku usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Turku usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tromso. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Turku or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Turku during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Turku is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 6°C (43°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Turku often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Turku usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Turku or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Tromso. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during winter. Turku can get quite cold in the winter. Turku is much colder than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Turku averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Turku usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Turku usually receives less rain than Tromso. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Turku or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Turku as well as Tromso. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Turku can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Turku is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Turku in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Turku often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Turku