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

Should you visit Savonlinna or Tromso?

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

Should I visit Savonlinna or Tromso? 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: Savonlinna or Tromso?

Savonlinna

Savonlinna is a town and a municipality of 35,504 inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The Finnish name of the town means "Castle of Savonia" and the Swedish name means "New Castle". The city was founded in 1639, based on Olavinlinna castle. Savonlinna is a historical borderland where the cultures and traditions of East and West meet. As the oldest town in Eastern Finland, Savonlinna is famous for its world class opera festival in the medieval castle surrounded by blue waters of Lake Saimaa. With its 100 year old steamships and unparalleled selection of experiences and activities, Savonlinna is a the real gem of Lakeland Finland.

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 The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Tromso or Savonlinna?

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 Savonlinna is €124, while the average daily cost in Tromso is €70. 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 Savonlinna and Tromso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savonlinna 53
    Tromso 28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savonlinna 106
    Tromso 56
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Tromso

Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna or Tromso? 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 Savonlinna


Hotels in Tromso


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: Savonlinna Hotel Prices and Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savonlinna 39
    Tromso 9.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
  • Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
  • Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Tromso?

Prices for flights to both Tromso and Savonlinna 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
    Savonlinna 47
    Tromso 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savonlinna 20
    Tromso 5.61

Tours and Activities in Tromso

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

  • Cod Tasting experience, Norwegian history and Food culture: $61
  • Mid-Day Polar Expedition Cruise Tour: $82
  • Tromsø: Northern Lights Adventure with Free Photos: $86
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
  • 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
  • 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $123
  • Northern Lights Tour in Tromso : $123
  • Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $129
  • Tromsø: Kvaløya & Sommarøy Guided Fjord Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Aurora tour: $134
  • Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savonlinna 9.27
    Tromso 4.66


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


Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Tromso?

Tromso has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna or Tromso?

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 Savonlinna or Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Tromso. Also, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Savonlinna is a little warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savonlinna this time of the year. In the summer, Savonlinna often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in July than Tromso. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savonlinna 17°C (62°F) 
    Tromso 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Savonlinna can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Savonlinna is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savonlinna in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Savonlinna usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Tromso. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savonlinna 4°C (40°F) 
    Tromso 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Savonlinna during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. The weather in Savonlinna can be very cold. In January, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around -11°C (13°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Savonlinna often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Savonlinna usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savonlinna -11°C (13°F) 
    Tromso -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Savonlinna or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Tromso. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the spring. Savonlinna is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Savonlinna usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during spring. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Tromso. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savonlinna 2°C (36°F) 
    Tromso 1°C (33°F)

Typical Weather for Tromso and Savonlinna

Savonlinna Tromso
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -9°C (15°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar -4°C (24°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov -1°C (30°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)