Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Helsinki or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Islamabad 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: Helsinki or Islamabad?
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.
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Islamabad €39
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is €39. 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 Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Islamabad €19
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Islamabad €38
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Islamabad? 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Islamabad €7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $743
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
- Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $145
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $140
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $137
- Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $135
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $130
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad 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.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayHelsinki €34Islamabad €14
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Islamabad €8.84
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
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Islamabad €2.69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Islamabad, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Islamabad is in Asia, 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 Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Islamabad, 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 Helsinki or Islamabad?
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 Helsinki or Islamabad in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Islamabad. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Helsinki is generally much colder than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Islamabad in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Islamabad. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
Helsinki is much colder than Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Islamabad in the Winter?
Both Islamabad and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Islamabad in the Spring?
Both Islamabad and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.