Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Helsinki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Helsinki or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Sintra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Helsinki or Sintra?
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.
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesSintra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Sintra €146
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Sintra is €146. 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 Helsinki and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Sintra €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Sintra €114
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Sintra? 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Sintra €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Hotels to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $69
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $69
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Helsinki Hotels to West Harbour Cruise Terminal - Deparure Private Transfer: $69
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer : $69
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port : $69
- Arrival Private Transfer Helsinki airport HEL to Helsinki by Car: $76
- Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $79
- Arrival Transfer from Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Minivan: $86
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port by Luxury Van: $102
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki City by Luxury Van: $102
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €59Sintra €73
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
- DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
- Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Sintra €23
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
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
- 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
- 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
- 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
- Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
- Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
- Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
- Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
- Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Sintra €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $84
- Wine Tasting Tour: $89
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
- From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316
When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Sintra, 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Sintra?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Sintra, 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 Helsinki or Sintra?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Sintra. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Autumn?
Both Sintra and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Helsinki is much colder than Sintra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Sintra. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Winter?
Both Sintra and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Sintra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Sintra averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Sintra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Sintra. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Sintra. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.