Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki or San Juan?
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 San Juan 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 San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki $149San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is $149, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki $78San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki $156San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki $24San Juan $14
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 San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- San Juan One-way Transfer: $30
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $37San Juan $36
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 San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki $29San Juan $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki $17San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Helsinki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Helsinki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Helsinki 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Helsinki.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or San Juan?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and San Juan, 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 San Juan?
Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Helsinki or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and San Juan. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Helsinki is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than San Juan. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Helsinki is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than San Juan. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Helsinki
| Helsinki | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.