A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Helsinki or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles 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

Helsinki is a coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a multicultural, sprawling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Helsinki and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Los Angeles is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Los Angeles and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Los Angeles are world-renowned. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Helsinki. 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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Helsinki is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Helsinki or Los Angeles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Los Angeles just to party. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Los Angeles. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

In Los Angeles, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Around Los Angeles visitors will find world-class hiking trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Helsinki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Los Angeles draws large crowds to its stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Helsinki. 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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Los Angeles is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. 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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Many students visit Helsinki. 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.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Helsinki is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Helsinki or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Helsinki and Los Angeles are good when it comes to walkability.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable city. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Helsinki Worth Visiting? and Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Both Helsinki and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Helsinki. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Los Angeles than Helsinki. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Helsinki if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Los Angeles.

One day in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the environmentally conscious city of Helsinki. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Los Angeles is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Helsinki. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Los Angeles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

The environmentally conscious city of Helsinki offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Los Angeles, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Los Angeles has to offer. This city 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Los Angeles is in North America, 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 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Los Angeles. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Helsinki is much colder than Los Angeles in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Los Angeles. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Los Angeles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Helsinki usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Helsinki