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 in Helsinki as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Helsinki travel costs.

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 Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches. See Singapore travel costs.

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 with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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.

Dining out in Helsinki is an experience not to be missed. 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 beach. 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 More Beautiful?

Helsinki
Singapore

Helsinki is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Helsinki as well. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

Singapore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

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 nature-focused 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 nature-focused 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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in 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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Singapore is €155. 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 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Singapore 176
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 and Singapore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Singapore 9.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Hotels to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $68
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal Private Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $68
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $68
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Helsinki West Terminal to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port: $68
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $83
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki (HEL) Airport to City centre: $83
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $83
  • Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $88

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 Private Two Way Transfer Service: $64
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer service in Singapore HTL-APT (SIN): $48
  • Transfer to Zoo/Night Safari/Bird Paradise/Rainforest Asia: $233
  • Transfer City Hotel to Cruise Terminal ( SCC OR MBCC ): $64
  • Small Group Full Day Singapore City Tour with Roundtrip Transfers: $280
  • SIN Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $49
  • Cruise Terminal to City Private Transfer: $40
  • Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $29
  • Changi Airport (SIN) Private One-Way Transfer: $23
  • Attractions Shared Transfers from Hotel: $12
  • Airport/Seaport Transfer with Arrival Meet&Greet: $85
  • Airport Transfer Within Your Budget: $58

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 59
    Singapore 44

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: $120
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $170
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $187
  • Authentic Lake Sauna, Swim and Dinner with Locals near Helsinki: $287

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    4.12
  • Sugarcane Juice
    1.35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

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

  • 8-hr guided tour : Food Tour, 40-min River cruise & 2 light Shows: $52
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $53
  • Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $54
  • Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings (Self-Guided Hunt): $56
  • Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
  • Breakfast Food Tour in Singapore: $60
  • Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour: $60
  • Chinatown History and Food Tour in Singapore: $60
  • Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide: $61
  • Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide: $68
  • Flavors of Singapore Food Tour at Chinatown: $72
  • Flavours of Singapore Food Tour at Joo Chiat: $72

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:

  • Helsinki Self Guided City Tour: $1.15
  • The 1st Helsinki Free Tour - Since 2016: $3.52
  • Porvoo Self Guided Audio Walking Tour Painted Stories and Quiz: $8.21
  • Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Helsinki Christmas Lights Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Helsinki's Oodi Central Library: $12
  • Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $23
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $23
  • Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $30
  • Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $30
  • Helsinki Canal Cruise: $34

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • #16Hrs Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $149
  • °17or19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $194
  • (Small Group) Starry Night Singapore Sentosa Tour: $119
  • 2 Hour Cycling Adventure Through Singapore River and Marina Bay: $38
  • 2-Park Combo Night Safari + Singapore Zoo Tickets: $129
  • 3 Pax Bundle Singapore River Cruise and Stunning Light Shows: $68
  • 3 or 4 Hour Private Singapore City Tour with Driver: $140
  • 3H Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street Walking Tour in SPANISH: $136
  • 3h Chinatown, Little India,Arab Street SPANISH Walking Tour: $81
  • 3h Historical Civic District & Marina Bay Walking Tour: $68
  • 3hrs Singapore Walking Tour: Chinatown-Kampong Glam: $62
  • 4 Hour Walking Tour to Chinatown Little India and Arab Streets: $212

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:

  • Little India Pub Crawl: $24
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $30
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $31
  • Singapore Pub Crawl: $38
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $39
  • Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $41
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $77
  • LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge Package: $192


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Singapore, 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. 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.