Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow 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 Moscow 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: Moscow or Helsinki?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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 Budget Tours to Finland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Helsinki $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, 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 Moscow and Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Helsinki $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Helsinki $156
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Helsinki $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Sukajadi to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Umban Sari: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Helsinki hotels-Arrival Private Transfer : $41
- VIP Transfer Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to city in a Porsche Taycan: $136
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $152
- VIP Airport transfers by new cars in Helsinki: $152
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $128
- Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL in Luxury Van: $104
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port in Luxury Van: $93
- Private Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki in Luxury Van: $104
- Private Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki in Business Car: $97
- Private Transfer in Helsinki: $76
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $14Helsinki $37
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
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.Moscow $16Helsinki $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Helsinki $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Helsinki?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow 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 Moscow or Helsinki in the Summer?
Both Helsinki and Moscow 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.
In the summer, Moscow is a little warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Helsinki averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Helsinki in the Autumn?
Both Helsinki and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
In October, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Helsinki in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Helsinki. Furthermore, 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 Moscow in the winter. Moscow is cooler than Helsinki in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Helsinki in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Helsinki. Additionally, many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Moscow is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Helsinki averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Moscow usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Helsinki. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Moscow
| Moscow | Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.