Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Phnom Penh?
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 Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh?
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.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Phnom Penh €44
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is €44. 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 Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Phnom Penh €11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Phnom Penh €22
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Phnom Penh €6.83
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 Airport HEL by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $237
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $137
- Helsinki City Private Departure Transfer to Helsinki Airport HEL: $66
- Helsinki Private Airport transfer with 1-Hour City Highlights: $115
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Transfer with tour-sightseeing Phnom Penh to Battambang: $119
- Transfer Phnom Penh to Battambang, Private Taxi Driver: $125
- Techo Phnom Penh Airport KTI to Kampot Private Transfer: $75
- Techo International Airport Transfer to Hotel or vice versa: $30
- Techo International Airport Transfer by Car or Minivan: $22
- Techo International Airport (KTI) Transfer: $53
- Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh To Siem Reap, Friendly Taxi Driver: $135
- Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $90
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer to Phnom Penh: $115
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer From/to Siem Reap - Phnom Penh: $71
- Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh 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 €59Phnom Penh €20
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: $172
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
- Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $236
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $271
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two€8.82
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Breakfast for Two€4.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive 5 stops local Tastings: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Phnom Penh €6.63
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Helsinki Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.62
- Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.19
- A Self-Guided Tour of Helsinki's Oodi Central Library: $9.99
- Helsinki Christmas Lights Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- 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
- Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $31
- Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $33
- Helsinki City Highlights Cruise: $34
- Helsinki Canal Cruise: $34
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ( Free eSim) Phnom Penh Historical Full Day Tour: $40
- 10 Stop Phnom Penh Tour by Tuk-Tuk, includes S21 & Killing Fields: $33
- 2 Day Mt. Aural Hiking Adventure Cambodia's Peak Challenge: $249
- 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Siem Reap Private Tour, Cambodia Road Tour: $25
- 3 Day Cambodia Private Tours: $80
- 3 Days Local Life Experience, Nature view, Waterfall: $199
- 4 Hours Private Phnom Penh National Museum and Royal Palace Tour: $155
- 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
- A Day Hiking Adventure to Chonlos Waterfalls: $189
- A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields & More: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Phnom Penh €3.76
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Phnom Penh, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and Phnom Penh is in Asia, 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 Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Phnom Penh, 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.
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.