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

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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.

Which city is cheaper, Helsinki or Tampere?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €118, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is €112. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampere and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere €64
    Helsinki €59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere €128
    Helsinki €118
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.

Hotels in Tampere


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere €47
    Helsinki €18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

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

  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $100
  • Tampere Hotel Transfer: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL): $622
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki-Malmi Airpor (HEM) to Helsinki: $622
  • Private Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki-Malmi Airpor (HEM): $622
  • Helsinki Private Panoramic Tour with Airport Transfer: $375
  • Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $203
  • Airport Private transfer via Marimekko & Iittala with Japanese Speaking Driver: $195
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Helsinki (airport or hotel pick up): $185
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $170
  • Helsinki airport transfer to all Helsinki area hotels: $166
  • Helsinki Airport Transfers: Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL in Luxury Van: $113
  • Helsinki Departure Private Transfer from Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $110
  • Helsinki Private Transfer : Port of Helsinki to Helsinki City in Luxury Van: $104

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tampere €26
    Helsinki €27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $137

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampere €19
    Helsinki €22

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Lapland Tour: $305
  • Romantic tour in Tampere: $496
  • The best of Tampere walking tour: $496

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • 2 Days tour to Moominworld and Turku Castle from Helsinki: $955
  • 2-Hour Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Helsinki: $274
  • 2-Hours Helsinki Professional Photography Walking Tour: $70
  • 2-Hours Photogenic Helsinki Walking Tour with a Local: $67
  • 3.5 Hour Helsinki Highlights Private Tour: $350
  • 5-hour sightseeing in Helsinki and Winterworld: $199
  • 90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route: $28
  • Architecture Tour of Helsinki with a city planner: $68
  • Artificial Intelligence City Tour of Helsinki: $37
  • Central Helsinki Tour: $84
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop On Hop Off Tour: $37
  • City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere €8.34
    Helsinki €13

About these numbers

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.


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 temperature in Tampere is usually 16°C (61°F) in July, and Helsinki stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 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 are around 5°C (42°F), and Helsinki is 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 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. Temperatures in Tampere average around -7°C (19°F), and Helsinki stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -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 temperature in Tampere is usually 3°C (38°F) in April, and Helsinki stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 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)


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Tampere vs. Helsinki Travel Comparison

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