Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Sintra?
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 Sintra 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 Sintra?
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.
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
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 Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Sintra €115
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Sintra is €115. 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 Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Sintra €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Sintra €114
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Sintra? 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 Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Sintra €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $40
- Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $41
- Helsinki City hotels to Helsinki Airport (HEL) Departure 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
- Private Transfer in Helsinki: $76
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
- Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
- Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL in Business Car: $97
- Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
- Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra 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 €34Sintra €42
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: $106
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Sintra €23
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: $2.14
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Tip-based Free Walking Tour Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS: $5.13
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
- Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
- Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.56
- From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.64
- Suomenlinna: Museum Ticket: $9.62
- Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- 4D Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Tickets: $14
- Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $14
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
- Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
- 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
- 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
- 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
- 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
- Amazing Sintra tour: $91
- Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Sintra €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
- Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tasting Tour: $82
- Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
- Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
- Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Sintra, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Sintra?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Sintra, 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 Sintra?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Sintra. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Autumn?
Both Sintra and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Helsinki is much colder than Sintra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Sintra. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Winter?
Both Sintra and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Sintra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Sintra averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Sintra. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Sintra. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.