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

Should you visit Helsinki or Rabat?

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 Rabat 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 Rabat?

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.

Rabat

While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat 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 Rabat is €40. 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 Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Rabat? 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 Rabat


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 Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Rabat 1.95

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Transfer Rabat to Tangier: $145
  • Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
  • Transfer Rabat to Fes: $116
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $264
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $231
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $207
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $207
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $176
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from Casablanca: $139
  • Guided City Tour with Transfers: $118
  • 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
  • Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat 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
    Rabat 11

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 Rabat

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

  • Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
  • Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
  • Walking Food Tour: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
  • Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Rabat 2.63

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 Rabat

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

  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $132
  • From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,924
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $720
  • From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $105
  • Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
  • Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,397
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Rabat -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Rabat?

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

Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Rabat in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Rabat. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Helsinki is cooler than Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Rabat. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Rabat in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Rabat. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Rabat. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Rabat in the Winter?

Both Rabat 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. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Rabat. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Rabat in the Spring?

Both Rabat and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Helsinki

Helsinki Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)