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

Should you visit Helsinki or Tihany?

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 Tihany 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 Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is €41. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Tihany 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Tihany 36
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Tihany 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $738
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
  • Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
  • 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: $144
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany 17

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Helsinki 27
    Tihany 4.52

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $284
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
  • 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $235
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
  • Adventure Day: $44
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,043
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $163
  • Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
  • E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
  • First Time in Helsinki Tour: $332
  • From 3-Day Return Cruise to Stockholm & Breakfast: $139

Tours and Activities in Tihany

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

  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Tihany 6.17

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Tihany?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Helsinki or Tihany in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Tihany. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Tihany in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tihany 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 Tihany during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Tihany. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Tihany in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Tihany. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Tihany. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Tihany. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Tihany in the Winter?

Both Tihany 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.

The weather in Tihany can be very cold. Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Tihany. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Tihany in the Spring?

Both Tihany and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Tihany in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tihany. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Helsinki

Helsinki Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)