Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Lulea?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lulea or Helsinki?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lulea and Helsinki 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: Lulea or Helsinki?
Lulea
Lulea is in northern Sweden, in Norrbotten. It's a mid sized city with about 70,000 residents. It also has a technical university, the Lulea University of Technology, which was created in 1971. The city of Lulea is located at the mouth of Lule River on the Gulf of Bothnia. The city's economy is focused on research, education, trade and services. The university's educational programs appeal to new businesses that range from local companies to multinational corporations. There is also a prominant IT sector in the city.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLulea $105Helsinki $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Lulea is $105, 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 Lulea and Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLulea $55Helsinki $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLulea $110Helsinki $156
Compare Hotels in Lulea and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Lulea 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.
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: Lulea Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lulea $21Helsinki $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $64
- Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL in Business Car: $97
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129
- Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
- Helsinki City hotels to Helsinki Airport (HEL) Departure Transfer: $41
- Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $82
- Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
- Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $98
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139
Is it cheaper to fly into Lulea or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Lulea 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 dayLulea $35Helsinki $37
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lulea $16Helsinki $29
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLulea $18Helsinki $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lulea and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Lulea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lulea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lulea 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 Lulea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lulea Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lulea or Helsinki?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lulea. When comparing the sizes of Lulea 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 Lulea or Helsinki?
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 Lulea or Helsinki in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lulea as well as Helsinki. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
In July, Lulea is generally around the same temperature as Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around 15°C (60°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lulea this time of the year. In the summer, Lulea often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Lulea gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun.
Lulea usually gets less rain in July than Helsinki. Lulea gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLulea 15°C (60°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Lulea or Helsinki in the Autumn?
Both Helsinki and Lulea are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Lulea in the autumn. Lulea is much colder than Helsinki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Lulea usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during autumn. Lulea gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lulea usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Lulea gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLulea 2°C (36°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Lulea or Helsinki in the Winter?
Both Helsinki and Lulea during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lulea. In the winter, Lulea is much colder than Helsinki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lulea in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Helsinki averages at about -6°C (21°F).
In the winter, Lulea often gets less sunshine than Helsinki. Lulea gets 19 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun.
Lulea usually gets more rain in January than Helsinki. Lulea gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLulea -12°C (10°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Lulea or Helsinki in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lulea and Helsinki. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.
Helsinki can be very cold during spring. Lulea can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Lulea is generally much colder than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around -1°C (31°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Lulea usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki during spring. Lulea gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lulea usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Lulea gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLulea -1°C (31°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Lulea
| Lulea | 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) |
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.