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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Helsinki?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Helsinki, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Helsinki?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $149. 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 Jerusalem and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Helsinki $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Helsinki $156
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Helsinki

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Helsinki? 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 Jerusalem


Hotels in Helsinki


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Helsinki $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.17
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $32
    Helsinki $37
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.69
  • Watermelon
    $4.04
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.69
  • Bagels
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Helsinki $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $34

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
  • (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
  • 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $505
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $102
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Helsinki $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Helsinki is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Helsinki?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Helsinki, 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 Jerusalem or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Helsinki in the Summer?

Both Helsinki and Jerusalem during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Helsinki averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Helsinki. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Helsinki in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Helsinki in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Helsinki. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Helsinki in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Helsinki. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Helsinki in the Spring?

Both Helsinki and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Jerusalem is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Helsinki averages at about 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Helsinki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)