A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cairo vs. Helsinki for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cairo or Helsinki?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Helsinki 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: Cairo or Helsinki?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Cairo?

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 Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $193. 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 Cairo and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    Helsinki $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    Helsinki $170
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Helsinki

Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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.

Hotels in Cairo


Hotels in Helsinki


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.80
    Helsinki $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • private transfer from Cairo to Alexandria: $70
  • private Airport Transfer from any destination in Cairo or Giza : $35
  • one transfer from airport to Cairo Giza hotels or hotels to Cairo airport: $27
  • VIP Meet and Greet Private Hotel Transfer from Cairo Airport: $39
  • VIP Cairo and SPX International Airport Meet assist transfer: $15
  • Transfer within Cairo from Cairo Airport (Private): $35
  • Transfer to Cairo & Giza Hotels From Cairo Airport: $35
  • Transfer from Cairo Airport to the Hotels in Cairo or Giza: $20
  • Transfer from Cairo Airport to the Hotel: $13
  • Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel at Cairo or Giza: $15
  • Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel - Private Transfer: $25
  • The Nile: Felucca Ride with Meal and Transfers: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $79
  • Airport Transfer Helsinki Center: $108
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $108
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Business Car: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfer Helsinki airport HEL to Helsinki by Car: $76
  • Arrival Transfer from Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Minivan: $86
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $108
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer : $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Cairo 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
    Cairo $18
    Helsinki $70
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.

  • Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
  • Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
  • 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
  • Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $7.00
  • Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
  • Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
  • Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $9.00
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
  • Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
  • 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $9.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00

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 Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $118
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $203
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $9.09
    Helsinki $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.84
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.47

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
  • 2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Pyramids and Museums: $253
  • 2-Day Private Tour of Cairo with Accommodation and Entrance Fees: $165
  • 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
  • 3 Days Private Tour in Giza, Cairo, and Alexandria: $70
  • 3-Day Private Tour in Cairo : $196
  • 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $14
  • Alexandria day tour : $75
  • All Inclusive day tour to Giza pyramids, Egyptian museum and Felucca : $95
  • Ancient Wonders Unveiled: Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Adventure: $50
  • Antiquities in the Grande Egyptian Museum with Private Tour : $35
  • Best Day Tour Visit Giza Pyramids, and Sakkara&Memphis Pyramids : $70

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Helsinki Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour : $11
  • Tove Jansson's Helsinki Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
  • Helsinki Essentials Walking Tour: Sights, History and Culture: $23
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $32
  • Helsinki Canal Cruise: $33
  • Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $42
  • Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio-Guided Bus Tour: $43
  • Adventure Day: $48
  • Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki: $49
  • Helsinki Walking Tour With a Sociologist: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.48
    Helsinki $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.

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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Helsinki?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cairo or Helsinki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Helsinki. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

In the summer, Cairo is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Helsinki averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Helsinki. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Helsinki in the Autumn?

Both Helsinki and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cairo is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Helsinki in the Winter?

Both Helsinki and Cairo during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Cairo is much warmer than Helsinki in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the winter, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Helsinki. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Helsinki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Cairo is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Helsinki averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Cairo

Cairo Helsinki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)