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

Should you visit Helsinki or Kingston?

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 Kingston 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 Kingston?

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.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Helsinki?

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 Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Kingston is €108. 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 Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Kingston 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Kingston 108
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Kingston? 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 Helsinki


Hotels in Kingston


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 Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Kingston 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Airport Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
  • Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $112
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal Private Transfer: $68
  • Helsinki City Private Departure Transfer to Helsinki Airport HEL: $66
  • Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Transfer for Kingston Airport to or from Hotels in Falmouth Area: $173
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $25
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $45
  • Private Transfer to and from Kingston International Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Kingston hotel to Falmouth Cruise Port: $198
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $264
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast: $240
  • Private Kingston Airport (KIN) Transfer for Kingston Hotels: $20
  • Private Arrivals or Departures Transfer: Norman Manley Airport to Kingston: $150
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 day
    Helsinki 59
    Kingston 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $171
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
  • Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $235
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $270

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Kingston 11

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • The 1st Helsinki Free Tour - Since 2016: $3.54
  • Helsinki Free Walking Tour en Español Small Group: $5.88
  • Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.19
  • Helsinki Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.24
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
  • TAITO: The Helsinki Design, Industry & Architecture Walking Tour: $29
  • Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $31
  • Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $33
  • Helsinki Evening Cruise: $33

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Kingston: $282
  • Art Walk, Bob Marley Museum Kingston City Tour: $130
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios: $62
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Black River Safari Tour from Kingston: $272
  • Blue Mountain Craighton Estate Coffee Tasting Tour / Devon House: $155
  • Bluehole, Dunn's River Falls and Port Royal all in one tour: $690
  • Bob Marley City Guided Tours: $95
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
  • Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Kingston 9.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:

  • Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery Tour with Tasting: $144


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

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Kingston?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Kingston, 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 Kingston?

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

Should I visit Helsinki or Kingston in the Summer?

Both Kingston and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In the summer, Helsinki is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Kingston averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Kingston. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Kingston. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Kingston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Kingston. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Kingston. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Kingston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Kingston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Kingston in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in January than Kingston. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Kingston in the Spring?

Both Kingston and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Kingston. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Helsinki

Helsinki Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)