Should you visit Helsinki or Gothenburg?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Helsinki and Gothenburg can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
Which city is cheaper, Gothenburg or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €112, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is €79. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Helsinki and Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around €118 for a double occupancy room in Helsinki If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €66 in Gothenburg For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The average traveler spends about €27 per day in Helsinki for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
Gothenburg food costs typically run travelers around €32 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Helsinki €27
Gothenburg €32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings:
$137
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Helsinki than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend €18 on transportation in Helsinki on average per day.
Gothenburg's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €16 per person, per day on transportation in Gothenburg.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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VIP car Airport Transfer Helsinki:
$56
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VIP Transfer in Helsinki:
$71
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VIP Transfer Helsinki Airport:
$53
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VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region:
$102
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VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki:
$102
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Ultra - Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Port to City Centre:
$8.71
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Ultra - Helsinki Private Transfer from City Centre to Helsinki Cruise Port:
$8.71
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Private arrival OR departure transfer in Helsinki (airport or hotel pick up):
$185
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Private Transfer: Helsinki-Malmi Airpor (HEM) to Helsinki:
$622
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Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL):
$622
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Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki-Malmi Airpor (HEM):
$622
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Private Departure Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Vantaa Airport:
$40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private transfer: Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport (GOT):
$622
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Private Departure Transfer from Gothenburg City Center to Gothenburg Airport:
$79
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Private Airport Transfer: from Gothenburg to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT):
$45
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Private Airport Transfer: Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Gothenburg:
$45
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Limousine Transfer from Gothenburg City To Landvetter Airport 1-3 passengers:
$183
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Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport:
$108
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Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Luxury Van:
$165
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Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Business Car:
$130
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Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer:
$65
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Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT:
$137
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Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT:
$174
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Departure Private Transfer Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport GOT by Minibus:
$295
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Helsinki, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of €22 per day, per person.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Gothenburg can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €4.01 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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2 Days tour to Moominworld and Turku Castle from Helsinki:
$955
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2-Hour Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Helsinki:
$274
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2-Hours Helsinki Professional Photography Walking Tour:
$70
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2-Hours Photogenic Helsinki Walking Tour with a Local:
$67
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3.5 Hour Helsinki Highlights Private Tour:
$350
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5-hour sightseeing in Helsinki and Winterworld:
$199
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Architecture Tour of Helsinki with a city planner:
$68
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Artificial Intelligence City Tour of Helsinki:
$37
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City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop On Hop Off Tour:
$37
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City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour:
$37
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Classic style boating & Island experience with BBQ:
$187
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Daily Small Group Porvoo Tour:
$153
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour:
$29
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Segway City Tour of Gothenburg:
$54
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Helsinki spend on average €13 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Typically, people visiting Gothenburg spend on average €17 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Gothenburg, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.
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