A Travel Price Comparison for Finland Helsinki vs. Porvoo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Helsinki or Porvoo?

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 Porvoo 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 Porvoo?

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.

Porvoo

Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the southern coast of Finland approximately 50 kilometers east of Helsinki. Porvoo is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, first mentioned as a city in texts from 14th century. Even though Porvoo is not exactly a coastal town, it is connected to the Gulf of Finland via the Porvoo River. The river flows through the city, passing Porvoo's most well-known landmarks: the red shore houses. Historically, Porvoo has been an important center of trade. Founded nearly 800 years ago, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and evidence of its long history can still be seen and felt as you walk its charming streets. For centuries, the city has served as both a home and a source of inspiration for many Finnish artists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Helsinki, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Helsinki.


Which place is cheaper, Porvoo 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 Porvoo is €132. 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 Porvoo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Porvoo 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Porvoo 138
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Porvoo

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Porvoo? 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 Porvoo


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 Porvoo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Porvoo 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
  • VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
  • Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $128
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL in Luxury Van: $104
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki in Luxury Van: $104
  • Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer in Helsinki: $76
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Porvoo?

Prices for flights to both Porvoo 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
    Porvoo 30

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: $105
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164

Typical Food Prices in Porvoo

For Porvoo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Porvoo 21

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $234
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
  • Adventure Day: $44
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,039
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $105
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
  • Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
  • E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $330
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139

Tours and Activities in Porvoo

For Porvoo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Tour: Porvoo Exclusive Journey: $602

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Porvoo 9.93


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Porvoo, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Porvoo?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Porvoo. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Porvoo, 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 Porvoo?

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 Porvoo in the Summer?

Both Porvoo 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.

In July, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as Porvoo. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Porvoo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Porvoo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porvoo during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Porvoo receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Porvoo. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Porvoo receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Porvoo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Porvoo in the Autumn?

Both Porvoo 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.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Porvoo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Porvoo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porvoo. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porvoo receives 90 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Porvoo. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porvoo receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Porvoo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Porvoo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Porvoo. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Porvoo can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is around the same temperature as Porvoo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Porvoo averages at about -6°C (21°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porvoo during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Porvoo receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Porvoo. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porvoo receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Porvoo -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Porvoo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Porvoo. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Porvoo can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In April, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as Porvoo. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Porvoo fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porvoo. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porvoo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Porvoo. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porvoo receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Porvoo 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Porvoo and Helsinki

Helsinki Porvoo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)