Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Vancouver?
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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €139Vancouver €132
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €139, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is €132. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Vancouver €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Vancouver €162
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Vancouver €11
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport€5.94
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown€20
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15 min Taxi Ride€8.15
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SkyTrain DayPass€6.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yvr Airport to Whistler and Whistler to Yvr Airport transfers: $112
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver and Tofino: $248
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $108
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $88
- Vancouver to Canada Place Cruise Port Departure Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 €34Vancouver €29
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 Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch€8.23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $78
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $94
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $100
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Vancouver €34
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
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $220
- Private Vancouver Squamish EUC E-Scooter Bike Tour: $59
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
- Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $197
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $100
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3 Days Leavenworth & Portland X'mas Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $289
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,413
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Vancouver €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $89
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $139
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver is in North America, 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 Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Vancouver. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
In July, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver 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 Vancouver during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Helsinki is much colder than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.
Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.