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

Should you visit Helsinki or Uppsala?

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 Uppsala 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 Uppsala?

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.

Uppsala

Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.

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 Tours for Seniors to Sweden, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Stockholm.


Which place is cheaper, Uppsala or Helsinki?

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 Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Uppsala is €155. 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 Uppsala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Uppsala 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Uppsala 174
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Uppsala

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki or Uppsala? 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 Helsinki


Hotels in Uppsala


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 Uppsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Uppsala 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Helsinki Private Departure Airport Transfer: $211
  • Helsinki Private Arrival Airport Transfer: $211
  • VIP Transfer Helsinki : $209
  • PRIVATE Helsinki VIP Transfer: $197
  • Private Luxury Transfer in Helsinki : $195
  • Private Transfer from Helsinki City Hotels to Kotka Cruise Port: $168
  • Private Airport Transfer by VIP car in Helsinki region: $160
  • VIP Airport transfers in Helsinki region: $160
  • VIP Airport Transfer by new cars in Helsinki: $158
  • Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $149
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $139
  • Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala

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

  • Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Uppsala?

Prices for flights to both Uppsala 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Helsinki 59
    Uppsala 54

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.
    Helsinki 27
    Uppsala 18

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: $155
  • Helsinki and Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide: $101
  • 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $107
  • 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $96
  • A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
  • A Private Walking Tour Through Helsinki: $239
  • Adventure Day: $48
  • CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $190
  • Capital of Contrasts: A Self Guided Audio Tour in Helsinki: $15
  • Day to Porvoo from Medieval Old Town Guided Tour: $94
  • Deluxe Helsinki Shore Excursion from Cruise Ship Port: $130
  • Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki: $49

Tours and Activities in Uppsala

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

  • 3h Uppsala city walking tour, Cathedral, university buildings etc: $213
  • Adventure parc: $54
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $109
  • Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $101
  • Private 1h tour of famous Old Uppsala mounds and mediveal church: $151
  • Stockholm Viking History Full Day Tour to Sigtuna + Uppsala: $281
  • Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $140
  • The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Uppsala Must See 2h city walk - 2h tour of all big attractions!: $108
  • Uppsala Private Guided Walking Tour: $280
  • Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Helsinki 16
    Uppsala 17


When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Uppsala, 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 Uppsala Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Uppsala?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Uppsala. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Uppsala, 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 Uppsala?

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 Helsinki or Uppsala in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Uppsala. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Helsinki is generally around the same temperature as Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Uppsala this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Uppsala. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Uppsala 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Uppsala in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Uppsala. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Helsinki is cooler than Uppsala in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Uppsala fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Uppsala. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 99 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in October than Uppsala. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Uppsala 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Uppsala in the Winter?

Both Uppsala and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Uppsala. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Uppsala. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Uppsala averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Uppsala. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Uppsala -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Uppsala in the Spring?

Both Uppsala and Helsinki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the spring, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 185 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in April than Uppsala. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Uppsala 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Uppsala and Helsinki

Helsinki Uppsala
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -3°C (27°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -3°C (27°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)