Which place is cheaper, Rovaniemi or Sigulda?
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 Sigulda or Rovaniemi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Rovaniemi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sigulda or Rovaniemi?
Sigulda
Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.
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.
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Sigulda Prices
Latvia PricesRovaniemi Prices
Finland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySigulda €29Rovaniemi €208
The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €29, 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 Sigulda and Rovaniemi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSigulda €16Rovaniemi €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSigulda €32Rovaniemi €186
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Rovaniemi
Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Rovaniemi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sigulda -Rovaniemi €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sigulda
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sigulda:
- Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure & Round Transfer: $95
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Rovaniemi?
Prices for flights to both Rovaniemi and Sigulda 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 daySigulda €14Rovaniemi €82
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:
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Pastry€1.85
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sigulda -Rovaniemi €48
Tours and Activities in Sigulda
Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $129
- FreeFall Flight: Aerodium Wind Tunnel Experience Latvia: $198
- Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $281
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySigulda -Rovaniemi €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:
- Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $211
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Rovaniemi, we can see that Rovaniemi is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Sigulda.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Rovaniemi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Rovaniemi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Rovaniemi.
In July, Sigulda is generally around the same temperature as Rovaniemi. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 17°C (63°F), and Rovaniemi fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In July, Sigulda usually receives more rain than Rovaniemi. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySigulda 17°C (63°F)Rovaniemi 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Rovaniemi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Rovaniemi.
The weather in Rovaniemi can be very cold. Sigulda is much warmer than Rovaniemi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Rovaniemi fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Sigulda usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rovaniemi. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSigulda 7°C (45°F)Rovaniemi 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Rovaniemi in the Winter?
Both Rovaniemi and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
It's quite cold in Rovaniemi in the winter. The weather in Sigulda can be very cold. In the winter, Sigulda is much warmer than Rovaniemi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sigulda in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Rovaniemi averages at about -12°C (10°F).
In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Rovaniemi. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySigulda -5°C (23°F)Rovaniemi -12°C (10°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Rovaniemi in the Spring?
Both Rovaniemi and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rovaniemi. In April, Sigulda is generally much warmer than Rovaniemi. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 5°C (42°F), and Rovaniemi fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
Sigulda usually gets more rain in April than Rovaniemi. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rovaniemi receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSigulda 5°C (42°F)Rovaniemi -1°C (31°F)
Typical Weather for Rovaniemi and Sigulda
| Sigulda | 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.