Which place is cheaper, Tampere or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Riga or Tampere?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Tampere? 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 Tampere?
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.
Tampere
Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Finland, and The Best Budget Tours to Finland.
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Riga Prices
Latvia PricesTampere Prices
Finland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Tampere €172
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Tampere is €172. 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 Tampere in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Tampere €80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Tampere €160
Compare Hotels in Riga and Tampere
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Tampere? 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 Tampere Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Tampere €59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
- 4x4 Off-Road Adventure with Hotel Transfers: $258
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
- Riga Gun Experience: Roundtrip Transfer and 4 Firearms: $163
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $137
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $90
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $78
- Riga City to Riga Airport (RIX) - Private Transfer.: $75
- Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City - Private Transfer.: $75
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere
Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Tampere?
Prices for flights to both Tampere 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
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Food Meals for one dayRiga €57Tampere €57
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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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 Tampere
For Tampere, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tampere Food Tour Local Tastings, Meal & Rooftop City Views: $106
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Tampere €24
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- Kid-Friendly Riga Private Guided Tour for Families : $265
- 2.5-Hour Riga Cruiser Bike Tour: $88
- 3-Hour Private Paintball Game Experience in Zīles: $94
- 5,5 Hour Small Group Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga: $90
- Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $13
- Aeroplane Flight Experience: $80
- Aeroplane Flight Experience: $81
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- Bachelorette Party Adventure's Organization: $46
- Beer Bike Experience : $45
- Best of Riga Private Walking Tour: $477
Tours and Activities in Tampere
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.
- Tampere Scenic Bike Tour with Sauna and Local Flavors: $106
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Tampere €10
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 Tampere, we can see that Tampere 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 Tampere would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampere 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 Tampere Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Tampere?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Tampere, 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 Tampere?
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 Riga or Tampere in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Tampere. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
Riga is around the same temperature as Tampere in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Tampere fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Riga usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tampere. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tampere receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Tampere 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Riga or Tampere in the Autumn?
Both Tampere and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Riga is a little warmer than Tampere. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Tampere averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In October, Riga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampere. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tampere receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Tampere 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Riga or Tampere in the Winter?
Both Tampere and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Tampere can be very cold during winter. Riga can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Riga is generally a little warmer than Tampere. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Tampere fluctuates around -7°C (19°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in January than Tampere. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tampere receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Tampere -7°C (19°F)
Should I visit Riga or Tampere in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Tampere. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
The weather in Tampere can be very cold. Riga is much warmer than Tampere in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Tampere fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In April, Riga usually receives more rain than Tampere. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tampere receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Tampere 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Tampere and Riga
| Riga | Tampere | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -4°C (24°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.