Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Tampere?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Helsinki can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tampere or Helsinki?
Tampere
Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.
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 from Helsinki, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTampere €148Helsinki €139
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €148, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is €139. 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 Tampere and Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTampere €80Helsinki €73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTampere €160Helsinki €146
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Tampere 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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tampere €59Helsinki €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere
Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport: $1,572
- Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $735
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
- Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
- VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $151
- PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $147
- VIP Transfer HELSINKI: $147
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
- Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $138
- Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $133
- Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129
- Private transfer from Helsinki Airport with Meet & Greet: $128
- Helsinki West Harbour Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Helsinki: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Tampere 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 dayTampere €33Helsinki €34
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: $105
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
- Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $163
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tampere €24Helsinki €27
Tours and Activities in Tampere
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.
- Enchanting Tampere Romantic Walking Tour: $656
- Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $179
- Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $521
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Highlights Tour: the Top Sightseeing Spots: $141
- 2-Hours Private Modern Boat Tour in Helsinki Archipelago: $283
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $98
- 3-Hour Helsinki Private Walking Tour: $234
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $26
- Adventure Day: $44
- All-in-One Helsinki Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships: $1,039
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $105
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $147
- Cozy Guided City Tour: Helsinki & Porvoo: $96
- E-Bike rental / Self-Guided tour to Seurasaari: $52
- First Time in Helsinki Tour: $330
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTampere €10Helsinki €16
When comparing the travel costs between Tampere and Helsinki, we can see that Tampere 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 Tampere Expensive? and Is Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tampere or Helsinki?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere 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 Tampere or Helsinki in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Helsinki. Furthermore, many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Tampere is around the same temperature as Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In Tampere, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during summer. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tampere usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 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 JulyTampere 16°C (61°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Helsinki in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Helsinki. Additionally, most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Tampere is around the same temperature as Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampere in October average around 5°C (42°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the autumn, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Helsinki. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.
Tampere usually gets less rain in October than Helsinki. Tampere 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 OctoberTampere 5°C (42°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Helsinki in the Winter?
Both Helsinki and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. Tampere can be very cold during winter. In January, Tampere is generally cooler than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around -7°C (19°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).
Tampere usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki during winter. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tampere usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 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 JanuaryTampere -7°C (19°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Tampere or Helsinki in the Spring?
Both Helsinki and Tampere during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. The weather in Tampere can be very cold. Tampere is around the same temperature as Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the spring, Tampere often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Helsinki. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.
Tampere usually gets less rain in April than Helsinki. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 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 AprilTampere 3°C (38°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Tampere
| Tampere | Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -7°C (19°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (24°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.