A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Perth for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Helsinki or Perth?

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 Perth 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 waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Helsinki and Perth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Perth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Perth than Helsinki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Perth is very popular for its beaches, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower.

How is Helsinki different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Perth 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 Perth?

Helsinki
Perth

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Perth.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.


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

Helsinki
Perth

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Perth both to be nice destinations.

Helsinki has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Perth area. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Helsinki or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Perth

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Perth.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. 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.

Perth has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Helsinki or Perth Better for Beaches?

Helsinki
Perth

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

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Perth?

Helsinki
Perth

Helsinki is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Helsinki or Perth Better for Families?

Helsinki
Perth

Both Helsinki and Perth are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. 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.

Perth is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Helsinki or Perth Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Perth

Helsinki is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Helsinki is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.


Is Helsinki or Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Perth

Helsinki and Perth are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Helsinki or Perth Better for Students?

Helsinki
Perth

Helsinki is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Helsinki is very popular with students. 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.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

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

Helsinki
Perth

Helsinki is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Helsinki. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.


Is Helsinki or Perth a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Perth

Helsinki and Perth are nice 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable city. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Helsinki or Perth. In our opinion, Helsinki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Helsinki than Perth. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Helsinki than Perth 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 Helsinki.


  • How many days in Helsinki or Perth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Perth 2-4

One day in Helsinki or Perth?

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this waterfront destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Perth offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Perth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Perth, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Helsinki or Perth?

Helsinki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Helsinki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Perth is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Perth?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Helsinki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Perth is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Perth 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 Perth is €123. 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 Perth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Perth 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Perth 140
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Perth

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Perth? 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 Perth


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 Perth Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Perth 23

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 Perth

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

  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $221
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $165
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $59
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Luxury Van: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Business Car: $77
  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth : $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Perth?

Prices for flights to both Perth 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
    Perth 34

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 Perth

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

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $79
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $79
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $112
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $114
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $116
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $117
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $142
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Perth 13

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 Perth

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

  • 1 Day Margaret River Sightseeing Tour from Perth: $132
  • 1/2 day Swan Valley Wine Cheese & Chocolate Tour Inc Afternoon Cruise to Perth: $87
  • 2 Hours Whale Watching Tour in Fremantle: $50
  • 2 hour whale watching experience departing Hillarys Boat Harbour: $50
  • Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise: $102
  • Best of Fremantle 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
  • Bickley Valley Wine & Cider Tour - Premium Small Group Tour: $134
  • Boom-and-Bust: self-guided historical walking tour of Perth: $17
  • City Tour Perth & Fremantle & Swan River: $126
  • Cliffs and Caves Kayak Tour in Swan River: $60
  • Coffee, Culture, and Art Tour of Perth: $33
  • Design Your Own Tour Experience: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Perth 6.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $63
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $63
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $63
  • Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: Half-Day Small Group Experience: $64
  • Mandoon Winery and Kayak Tour with wine tasting: $64
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $66
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $76
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $90
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $92
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $109


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Perth, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Helsinki is in Europe and Perth is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Perth, 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 Perth?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Perth. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Perthin January. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Perth during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Perthin January. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Perth 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Perth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Perth. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene.

Helsinki is much colder than Perth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Perthin April. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Perthin April. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Perth 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Perth in the Winter?

Both Perth and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Perth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Perth averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Perth during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Perth. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Perthin July. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Perth 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Perth in the Spring?

Both Perth and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Perth for the beaches.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Perthin October. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Perthin October. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Perthin October. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Perth 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Perth and Helsinki

Helsinki Perth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)