Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Rovaniemi?
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 Rovaniemi or Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rovaniemi and Geneva. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rovaniemi or Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Rovaniemi Prices
Finland PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRovaniemi €208Geneva €245
The average daily cost (per person) in Rovaniemi is €208, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €245. 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 Rovaniemi and Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRovaniemi €93Geneva €143
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRovaniemi €186Geneva €286
Compare Hotels in Rovaniemi and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Rovaniemi or Geneva? 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: Rovaniemi Hotel Prices and Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rovaniemi €31Geneva €9.29
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 Between Rovaniemi Airport and City Centre: $102
- Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Levi: $117
- Private Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport RVN to Rovaniemi: $77
- Ranua Arctic Zoo Transfer in Lapland: $79
- Rovaniemi Northern Light Hunt with Campfire and BBQ with Transfer: $106
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi (RVN) Airport to City centre: $95
- Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi city centre to Rovaniemi airport: $95
- VIP Private Transfer in Rovaniemi : $256
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Transfer from Geneva to Chamonix: $18
- From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
- Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
- Transfer from Geneva airport to hotel or home: $50
- VIP Transfer: $82
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $104
- Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $106
- Geneva hotel to Geneva Gare Cornavinof Station CFF Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Rovaniemi or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva and Rovaniemi 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 dayRovaniemi €82Geneva €90
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rovaniemi €48Geneva €30
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
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $18
- Guided Tour of Capital of Peace ( Outside ): $20
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $30
- Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
- International & Panoramic Tours Geneva: $33
- Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine: $36
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
- Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & Scenic Mini-Train Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRovaniemi €21Geneva €22
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rovaniemi and Geneva, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Rovaniemi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rovaniemi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rovaniemi 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Rovaniemi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rovaniemi Expensive? and Is Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rovaniemi or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rovaniemi. When comparing the sizes of Rovaniemi and Geneva, 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 Rovaniemi or Geneva?
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 Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rovaniemi and Geneva. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In the summer, Rovaniemi is cooler than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rovaniemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Rovaniemi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rovaniemi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva during summer. Rovaniemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRovaniemi 15°C (60°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rovaniemi as well as Geneva. Additionally, many travelers come to Geneva for 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, Rovaniemi is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Rovaniemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Rovaniemi often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRovaniemi 2°C (36°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva and Rovaniemi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is much colder than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Rovaniemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Rovaniemi usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during winter. Rovaniemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rovaniemi usually receives less rain than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRovaniemi -12°C (10°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Rovaniemi or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Rovaniemi during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Rovaniemi can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Rovaniemi is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rovaniemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Rovaniemi often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Rovaniemi usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Rovaniemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRovaniemi -1°C (31°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Rovaniemi
| Rovaniemi | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.