Cost of Living in Finland

The cost of living in Finland is undeniably high, even by European standards. If you’re from a country with a lower cost of living, you may find the higher prices a shock and difficult to adjust to. It’s therefore worth considering the cost of goods before negotiating a suitable salary with prospective employers.

Prices in urban areas, especially in the capital, Helsinki, are significantly higher than in other parts of Finland, particularly when it comes to accommodation. Helsinki is among the pricier cities in Europe, with costs comparable to those in The Hague and Düsseldorf, though still lower than in cities such as Seattle and Vienna.

With a job in place, you can plan and budget accordingly. While many goods and services come with a hefty price tag, the excellent universal public education and healthcare systems help balance the overall living expenses in Finland.

Cost of accommodation in Finland

Housing costs in Finland are high, especially in the capital, Helsinki. Rent can take up a sizeable portion of your income, although generally, rates are better further away from city centres. Of course, this is something you will have to weigh up – the time and financial cost of a daily commute into the city for lower rent versus the convenience and liveliness of city living.

Rent also depends on how furnished the living space is; you should keep this in mind when inspecting accommodation. The cost of buying furniture adds up and may only be a preference for long-term residents. Utilities are an extra expense. Water and heating are often included in the rent, but electricity and internet are not.

Finding Accommodation in Helsinki
Best Neighbourhoods in Helsinki

Cost of transport in Finland

Although public transport is efficient and useful in urban spaces and for reaching neighbourhoods outside the main cities, it's pretty expensive. We, therefore, recommend buying a monthly pass or a travel card for a discount – every bit helps, especially if you will be commuting daily.

The capital city, Helsinki, is quite walkable and has extensive cycle paths, making walking and cycling feasible and healthy alternatives for getting around.

Getting Around in Helsinki

Cost of groceries and clothing in Finland

Food and drinks can be expensive in Finland. While clothing can be pricey, there are always more affordable options, seasonal sales and the opportunity to buy second-hand. Your expenditure largely depends on your lifestyle choices, income level and budgeting decisions. Once you get more settled, you may find places with better deals, supermarkets, and stores where you can go for the best prices and discounts.

Supermarkets such as Lidl, Sale, and K-Market are known for offering sizeable discounts and loyalty programme benefits. Some products with orange labels may have discounts of up to 70 percent, but these will be close to their sell-by date, so you should be aware of this.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Finland

When it comes to entertainment in Finland, you may find that the costs are high. In Helsinki, cinema tickets, theatre performances and live music events can be considerably pricier than in other European countries. Alternative options include attending free or low-cost events at cultural centres, art galleries, and local festivals. Finland's beautiful outdoors offers many enjoyable and affordable activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

The cost of eating out in Finland can also be rather steep, particularly in trendy or fine-dining establishments. More budget-friendly options are available, such as local markets, which offer reasonably priced fresh produce and ready-made dishes. Affordable eateries and street food vendors serve a variety of Finnish cuisine, allowing you to sample traditional dishes, like Karelian pasties or Finnish-style fish and chips.

Additionally, embracing the Finnish tradition of kahvila, or coffee shops, is an excellent way to enjoy a light meal and immerse yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank.

Lifestyle in Helsinki

Cost of education in Finland

Although Finland has a high cost of living, it has a comprehensive social system, favouring education and healthcare. Not only is there free universal daycare for children from 8 months to 6 years, but some areas may give financial support to caregivers who care for their children at home for the first three years.

Public schooling, including free school healthcare, daily lunch, books and materials, remain free. Upper secondary school students from around age 15 are required to buy their own materials.

For many expats, the issue may be the language. The language of instruction in public schools is mainly Finnish or Swedish, so if you're only staying for a short while or have older children, enrolling your youngsters in a private or international school may be the best option. These options can be pricey, though.

Tertiary education is free to students from the EU and Switzerland, while other international students are required to pay tuition. Still, all tertiary programmes taught in Swedish or Finnish are free to everyone, including international students.

Education and Schools in Helsinki
International Schools in Helsinki

Cost of healthcare in Finland

Finland has universal healthcare funded by tax, meaning everyone is entitled to health services regardless of income level. While Finland has a universal healthcare system, it is not free but is rather heavily subsidised. This means patients must still make a small co-payment when accessing healthcare services.

Private healthcare centre expenses may vary. While employers must arrange health insurance for their workers, this only covers incidents in the workplace itself. We strongly advise taking out private insurance.