Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Helsinki?
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 Beirut and Helsinki. 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: Beirut or Helsinki?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Helsinki $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $149. 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 Beirut and Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Helsinki $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Helsinki $156
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Helsinki? 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Helsinki $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vantaa Airport(HEL) to Helsinki hotels-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $137
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $129
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
- Private Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki in Luxury Van: $104
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki in Business Car: $92
- Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $32
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $743
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Helsinki $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $107
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Helsinki $29
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $142
- 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $21
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $7.99
- All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,049
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $107
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
- City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
- Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $97
- E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
- First Time in Helsinki Tour: $334
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Helsinki $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Helsinki is in Europe, 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Helsinki?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Helsinki, 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 Beirut or Helsinki?
Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Helsinki in the Summer?
Both Helsinki and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences.
Beirut is much warmer than Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Helsinki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Helsinki in the Autumn?
Both Helsinki and Beirut during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
In the autumn, Beirut is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Helsinki in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Beirut is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).
Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.
Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Helsinki in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Helsinki. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Beirut is much warmer than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in April than Helsinki. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Beirut
| Beirut | Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 58 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.