A Travel Price Comparison for Finland Kemi vs. Helsinki for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kemi or Helsinki?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kemi and Helsinki. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Kemi or Helsinki?

Kemi

Kemi is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe. Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year with a different design). The SnowCastle is usually located at the inner harbor of Kemi.

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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Kemi?

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 Kemi is €158, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is €164. 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 Kemi and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kemi 74
    Helsinki 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kemi 148
    Helsinki 146
Compare Hotels in Kemi and Helsinki

Looking for a hotel in Kemi 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 Kemi


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kemi 39
    Helsinki 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • VIP Transfer Helsinki : $262
  • VIP Helsinki Private Transfer : $241
  • VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $149
  • Transfers from/to Helsinki(HEL) Airport: $105
  • Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $126
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Helsinki (airport or hotel pick up): $109
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port by Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki by Business Car: $90
  • Private Transfer in Helsinki by Premium class car: $147
  • Private Transfer in Helsinki: $75
  • Private Transfer from or to Helsinki Airport: $75
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Kemi or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Kemi 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
    Kemi 58
    Helsinki 59

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: $104
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $106
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $160
  • PRIVATE Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar Visit and transfers: $314

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kemi 29
    Helsinki 27

Tours and Activities in Kemi

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

  • From Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating: $444
  • Icebreaker Sampo Cruise ice floating from Rovaniemi: $692
  • Kemi-Tornio: Nature tour with snowshoes: $105
  • Finnish Sight-Skiing Experience in Lapland: $51
  • Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating: $302
  • Icebreaker Sampo Cruise with Buffet and Ice Floating: $397

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki and Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide: $192
  • 2-Day Helsinki Comfort Tour: $231
  • 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $278
  • 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $64
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $20
  • All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,023
  • Baltic Bites Tour of Nature and Food on a Helsinki Summer Island: $106
  • Baltic Bites: A Culinary Nature Experience in Helsinki: $104
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $104
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $106
  • Discover Helsinki with Private Car Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kemi 12
    Helsinki 16


When comparing the travel costs between Kemi and Helsinki, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Kemi or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Kemi 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 Kemi or Helsinki?

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 Kemi or Helsinki in the Summer?

Both Helsinki and Kemi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences.

Kemi is around the same temperature as Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kemi. Kemi usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during summer. Kemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kemi usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Kemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kemi 15°C (60°F) 
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Helsinki in the Autumn?

Both Helsinki and Kemi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

The weather in Kemi can be very cold. In the autumn, Kemi is much colder than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kemi in October average around 2°C (36°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the autumn, Kemi often gets less sunshine than Helsinki. Kemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.

Kemi usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Kemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kemi 2°C (36°F) 
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Helsinki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kemi and Helsinki. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. It's quite cold in Kemi in the winter. In January, Kemi is generally much colder than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around -12°C (10°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

Kemi usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Kemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kemi usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Kemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kemi -12°C (10°F) 
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Kemi or Helsinki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kemi as well as Helsinki. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kemi. Kemi is much colder than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around -1°C (31°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the spring, Kemi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki. Kemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kemi usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Kemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kemi -1°C (31°F) 
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Kemi

Kemi Helsinki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)