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

Should you visit Helsinki or Singapore?

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 Singapore 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 environmentally conscious, waterfront, and active city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Helsinki and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Helsinki or Singapore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Helsinki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki is known for its impressive beauty. Singapore is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Helsinki
Singapore

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

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 Singapore. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.


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

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Singapore have been singled out for their culinary prowess. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. 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.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Singapore

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Singapore.

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.

Singapore has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Music?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Singapore. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.


Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is not a good area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a city with good options for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Singapore?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Singapore draws large crowds to its stores. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Families?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Singapore is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Singapore is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.


Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Singapore is extremely popular for backpackers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. 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.

Is Helsinki or Singapore Better for Students?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Singapore is a very popular city for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Many students visit Helsinki. 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.

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

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Singapore can get you around easily. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.


Is Helsinki or Singapore a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Singapore?

Both Helsinki and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Helsinki or Singapore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Singapore is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Singapore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Singapore 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Helsinki or Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the environmentally conscious city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Singapore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Singapore?

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. 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 Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore 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 Singapore is €142. 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 Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Singapore 92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Singapore 184
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Singapore? 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 Singapore


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Singapore 9.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $32
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki City hotels - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Helsinki airport HEL to Helsinki by luxury van: $76
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $82
  • Vantaa Airport(HEL) to Helsinki hotels-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki City hotel Round-Trip Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki in Business Car: $92
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $175
  • Starry Night Singapore Tour + Roundtrip Transfers: $92
  • Universal Studios 1-Day Pass with 1-Way Transfer: $96
  • Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $168
  • Night Safari Ticket, Tram Ride, & Return Transfer: $104
  • Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $143
  • Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Transfer: $35
  • City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $59
  • City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $60
  • Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $56
  • Airport/Seaport Arrival Transfer + Meet & Greet: $82
  • Singapore to Kuala Lumpur One Way Transfer: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore 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
    Singapore 26

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

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    4.21
  • Sugarcane Juice
    1.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Marina Bay Sands Yacht Cruise with Dinner: $67
  • Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour with Dinner: $71
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $71
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $72
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $74
  • Best Ever Katong Food Tour with Local Foodie - Eat till you drop!: $74
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $75
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Singapore 30

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $2.15
  • Free Evening Helsinki Tour - A Walk through Centuries: $2.61
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Tip-based Free Walking Tour Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS: $5.13
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.00
  • Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $7.00
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $7.99
  • Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.61
  • From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.70
  • Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Suomenlinna: Museum Ticket: $9.69
  • Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $122
  • *17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $185
  • *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $182
  • 1 Hour Admission Ticket for Singapore Cable Car: $26
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $149
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $241
  • 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $68
  • 5-Hour Peranakan Heritage Tour with Peranakan Tile Painting : $124
  • 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver: $233
  • ArtScience Museum Admission Ticket: $23
  • Asian Civilisations Museum Admission Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Singapore 25

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $21
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $25
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Singapore, we can see that Singapore 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 Singapore is in Asia, 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 Singapore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Singapore, 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.