Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Annecy 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.
Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Helsinki is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.
Many visitors head to Helsinki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
Annecy is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.
The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Annecy.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.
Annecy has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.
Annecy is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Annecy is revered around the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.
Helsinki does not have a historic old town.
Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.
Helsinki is not a hiking destination.
Helsinki is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.
Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.
Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.
Both Helsinki and Annecy are superb to visit with kids.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.
Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.
Annecy is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.
Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.
Helsinki and Annecy are both notable destinations for backpackers.
Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.
Plenty of backpackers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.
Helsinki is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.
Helsinki is very popular with students. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.
Annecy is not popular with students.
Helsinki is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.
Helsinki has some very good public transit options. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.
Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.
Annecy is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.
Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.
For even more information, also check out Is Helsinki Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Helsinki. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Annecy than Helsinki. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Helsinki. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Helsinki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Helsinki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-focused destination of Helsinki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Annecy is €178. 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 Helsinki and Annecy in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Annecy? 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.
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Annecy, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Annecy and Helsinki 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.
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Annecy.
Also in Annecy, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Helsinki.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Annecy, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Annecy. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Helsinki is cooler than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Annecy and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.
It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Annecy. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Annecy and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Helsinki | Annecy | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |