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

Should you visit Helsinki or Montevideo?

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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo?

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.

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Helsinki?

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 Montevideo is €59. 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 Montevideo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Montevideo 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Montevideo 74
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Montevideo

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo


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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Montevideo 6.80

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 Montevideo

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $19
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Montevideo?

Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 34
    Montevideo 13

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Montevideo 19

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 Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $120
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $120
  • Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • City tour Montevideo: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Montevideo -

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Montevideo?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Helsinki has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Helsinki or Montevideo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Montevideo. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo 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 Montevideo during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Montevideoin January. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Montevideo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Montevideo. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Montevideoin April. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Montevideoin April. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Montevideoin April. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Montevideo in the Winter?

Both Montevideo 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. Helsinki is much colder than Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Montevideoin July. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Montevideo in the Spring?

Both Montevideo 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 the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Montevideoin October. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Montevideoin October. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Helsinki

Helsinki Montevideo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)