Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Ottawa €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is €114. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Ottawa €17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Ottawa €34
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Ottawa €6.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vantaa Airport(HEL) to Helsinki hotels-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $137
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $129
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
- Private Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki in Luxury Van: $104
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki in Business Car: $92
- Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $32
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $743
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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
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Food Meals for one dayHelsinki €34Ottawa €16
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 Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Ottawa €37
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 Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Ottawa €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Ottawa, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Ottawa 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 Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Helsinki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Helsinki is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.