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

Should you visit Aqaba or Helsinki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba 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.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Helsinki?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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


Which place is cheaper, Helsinki or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $193. 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 Aqaba and Helsinki in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Helsinki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Helsinki $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Wadi Rum: Private Transfer to Aqaba through Hotel Pickup: $69
  • Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
  • Wadi Rum to Aqaba Port Private Transfer – Comfortable & Reliable: $80
  • Wadi Araba Border Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
  • Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
  • Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
  • Private Transfers To Petra: $200
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $79
  • Airport Transfer Helsinki Center: $108
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $108
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Business Car: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfer Helsinki airport HEL to Helsinki by Car: $76
  • Arrival Transfer from Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Minivan: $86
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $108
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer : $69
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Helsinki?

Prices for flights to both Helsinki and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Helsinki $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • 4h Jeep Tour + Bedouin Night (Dinner & Breakfast): $61
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $84
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

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 Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $118
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $203
  • Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Helsinki $32

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate Dive Experience: $55
  • Private Lawrence of Arabia Wadi Rum Overnight Bedouin Experience from Aqaba : $248
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
  • Wadi Rum 5-Hour Jeep Tour with Camel Ride and Stargazing: $120
  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
  • 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
  • 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $264
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour : $11
  • Tove Jansson's Helsinki Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
  • Helsinki Essentials Walking Tour: Sights, History and Culture: $23
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $32
  • Helsinki Canal Cruise: $33
  • Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $42
  • Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio-Guided Bus Tour: $43
  • Adventure Day: $48
  • Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki: $49
  • Helsinki Walking Tour With a Sociologist: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Helsinki $18


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Helsinki?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Helsinki?

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

Should I visit Aqaba or Helsinki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Helsinki. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is much warmer than Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Helsinki. Aqaba 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
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Helsinki in the Autumn?

Both Helsinki and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Helsinki in the Winter?

Both Helsinki and Aqaba during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Helsinki can be very cold during winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Helsinki. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Helsinki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Aqaba is much warmer than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F)

Typical Weather for Helsinki and Aqaba

Aqaba Helsinki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 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 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)