A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Kemi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tartu or Kemi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Kemi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tartu or Kemi?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

Kemi

Kemi is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe. Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year with a different design). The SnowCastle is usually located at the inner harbor of Kemi.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Kemi, we can see that Kemi is more expensive. And not only is Tartu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tartu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tartu 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 Kemi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kemi than you might in Tartu.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Kemi?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Kemi, 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 Tartu or Kemi?

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 Tartu or Kemi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Kemi. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

In July, Tartu is generally around the same temperature as Kemi. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 17°C (62°F), and Kemi fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kemi this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Kemi during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kemi receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Kemi. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Kemi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Kemi. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Kemi can get quite cold in the autumn. Tartu is much warmer than Kemi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Kemi fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kemi. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kemi receives 82 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Kemi. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Kemi in the Winter?

Both Kemi and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Kemi can be very cold during winter. Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much warmer than Kemi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Kemi averages at about -12°C (10°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Kemi during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Kemi receives 19 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Kemi. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Kemi in the Spring?

Both Kemi and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Kemi can be very cold. Tartu can be very cold during spring. In April, Tartu is generally much warmer than Kemi. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Kemi fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kemi. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kemi receives 194 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in April than Kemi. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kemi receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kemi and Tartu