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

Should you visit Petra or Helsinki?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Helsinki can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Helsinki?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Petra?

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 Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $191. 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 Petra and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Helsinki $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Helsinki $170
Compare Hotels in Petra and Helsinki

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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 Petra


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Helsinki $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki City Private Departure Transfer to Helsinki Airport HEL: $66
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki West Terminal to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $69
  • Private VIP Transfer from or to Helsinki Airport: $79
  • Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $83
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $84
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki (HEL) Airport to City centre: $84
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki by Business Car: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Helsinki $69
Typical Food Prices in Petra

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $172
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
  • Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $236
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $271

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Helsinki $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

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


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Exclusive Golden Hour Sunrise Tour in Petra: $150
  • From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
  • Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
  • Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Helsinki Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.62
  • Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.19
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Helsinki's Oodi Central Library: $9.99
  • Helsinki Christmas Lights Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
  • Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $31
  • Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $33
  • Helsinki City Highlights Cruise: $34
  • Helsinki Canal Cruise: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Helsinki $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Helsinki?

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

Should I visit Petra or Helsinki in the Summer?

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

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in July than Helsinki. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Petra or Helsinki in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Petra is much warmer than Helsinki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Petra or Helsinki in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Helsinki. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Helsinki averages at about -6°C (21°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets more rain in January than Helsinki. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Petra or Helsinki in the Spring?

Both Helsinki and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Petra

Petra Helsinki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)