A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampere vs. Sapporo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tampere or Sapporo?

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 Tampere and Sapporo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Tampere?

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 Tampere is €172, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is €112. 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 Tampere and Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Sapporo 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Sapporo 110
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Tampere or Sapporo? 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 Tampere


Hotels in Sapporo


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Sapporo 13

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

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

  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
  • Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
  • Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo and Tampere 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
    Tampere 57
    Sapporo 46

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

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

  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
  • Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
  • Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
  • Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampere 24
    Sapporo 14

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

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

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

  • Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
  • 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
  • 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
  • 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
  • 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
  • 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
  • Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
  • Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
  • Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
  • Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
  • Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere 10
    Sapporo 6.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:

  • Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampere and Sapporo, we can see that Tampere is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tampere is in Europe and Sapporo is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tampere Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere and Sapporo, 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 Tampere or Sapporo?

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 Tampere or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tampere is cooler than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampere in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampere. Tampere usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tampere usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Tampere during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tampere is generally much colder than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 5°C (42°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampere usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Sapporo. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. Tampere can be very cold during winter. Tampere is much colder than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tampere usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Sapporo. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

The weather in Tampere can be very cold. In the spring, Tampere is much colder than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampere in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Tampere often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Tampere

Tampere Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)