Which place is cheaper, Rovaniemi or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Riga or Rovaniemi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Rovaniemi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Riga or Rovaniemi?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it's a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It's home to Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.
-
Riga Prices
Latvia PricesRovaniemi Prices
Finland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Rovaniemi €208
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Rovaniemi is €208. 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 Riga and Rovaniemi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Rovaniemi €93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Rovaniemi €186
Compare Hotels in Riga and Rovaniemi
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Rovaniemi? 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.
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: Riga Hotel Prices and Rovaniemi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Rovaniemi €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $43
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $45
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $51
- Transfer from Riga center to Airport: $53
- Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga Old city: $53
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $57
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $59
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rovaniemi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rovaniemi:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport or Train Station: $71
- Private Departure Transfer from Rovaniemi: $71
- Private Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport RVN to Rovaniemi: $77
- Ranua Arctic Zoo Transfer in Lapland: $79
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi city centre to Rovaniemi airport: $95
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi (RVN) Airport to City centre: $95
- Private Transfer Between Rovaniemi Airport and City Centre: $102
- Rovaniemi Northern Light Hunt with Campfire and BBQ with Transfer: $106
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $117
- VIP Private Transfer in Rovaniemi : $256
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Rovaniemi?
Prices for flights to both Rovaniemi and Riga 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 dayRiga €57Rovaniemi €82
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rovaniemi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rovaniemi.
- Traditional Northern Light Dinner in the Lappish Hut: $105
- Insider Guided Food Tour With 5 Tastings: $142
- Lappish Cooking Master Class: $161
- Traditional Lappish evening in the wilderness with dinner: $184
- Dinner with Northern Light hunt in Rovaniemi : $226
- Sauna, Jacuzzi, and 3 Course Dinner at Kota Restaurant Autumn: $231
- Ice Sculpting and Dinner at Kota Restaurant : $246
- Lapland Cooking Workshop: $262
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Rovaniemi €48
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
- Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
- Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
- Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55
- Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.56
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide: $9.56
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
- Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
- Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
Tours and Activities in Rovaniemi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rovaniemi are as follows:
- Autumn Aurora Tour in Rovaniemi with Local Guides: $90
- Arctic Lakeside Fishing Experience - Rovaniemi: $94
- Insider Summer Bird Watching Experience: $94
- Insider Summer Berry and Mushroom picking experience: $94
- Northern lights hunting photo tour with bbq; small groups: $101
- Regular Bus Tour with Northern Lights hunt in Lapland: $105
- Experience Finnish Flea Market Mystery Tour: $106
- Vaattunkiköngäs Nature Trail Hiking Tour: $106
- Ice Fishing Tour: $106
- Wild Forest Berries and Mushrooms Picking Tour: $107
- Arctic Wildlife Adventure Ranua Wildlife Park Trip: $113
- Traditional Ice fishing experience in Lapland: $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Rovaniemi €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Latvian Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting : $54
- Riga Brewery Tour: $59
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $76
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
- Shooting Range and Old Town Pub Crawl: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Rovaniemi, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Rovaniemi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rovaniemi than you might in Riga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Rovaniemi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Rovaniemi?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Rovaniemi, 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 Riga or Rovaniemi?
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 Riga or Rovaniemi in the Summer?
Both Rovaniemi and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Riga is around the same temperature as Rovaniemi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rovaniemi averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Rovaniemi. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Riga or Rovaniemi in the Autumn?
Both Rovaniemi and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the autumn. In October, Riga is generally much warmer than Rovaniemi. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Rovaniemi fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rovaniemi. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Riga or Rovaniemi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Rovaniemi. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. Riga is much warmer than Rovaniemi in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Rovaniemi fluctuates around -12°C (10°F).
In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Rovaniemi. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Rovaniemi -12°C (10°F)
Should I visit Riga or Rovaniemi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Rovaniemi. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Riga is much warmer than Rovaniemi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Rovaniemi averages at about -1°C (31°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in April than Rovaniemi. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F)
Typical Weather for Rovaniemi and Riga
| Riga | Rovaniemi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.