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

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Should you visit Turku or Helsinki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Helsinki, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

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 Turku?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €109, 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 Turku and Helsinki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku €61
    Helsinki €59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku €122
    Helsinki €118

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku €35
    Helsinki €18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

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

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $83
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $83
  • Turku (TKU) to City Center to Airport - Private Transfer: $68

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 Turku or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Turku 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
    Turku €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.
    Turku €18
    Helsinki €22

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Romantic tour in Turku: $496
  • The best of Turku walking tour: $496
  • 2-Hour Romantic Guided Walking Tour: $544
  • Christmas Magic Walking Tour: $797
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $544

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
    Turku €9.35
    Helsinki €13

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Turku and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki 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.

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Turku vs. Helsinki Travel Comparison

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