Cost of Living in Finland

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 11, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Finland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe. For a family of four, total monthly expenses including rent average around €4,787, while a single person can expect to spend about €1,733 (Source: Numbeo).

In this article, we’ll break down the expected cost of living in Finland, covering essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you plan your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in Finland?

Finland is the 8th most expensive country in Europe. For a family of four, living costs are about €3,432, plus €1,355 for rent, totaling around €4,787 a month. For a single person, it's roughly €944 for expenses and €789 for rent, adding up to €1,733.

In comparison, Germany’s total for a family of four is around €5,048, and in the Netherlands, it's about €5,589. For single people, it's €1,880 in Germany and €2,352 in the Netherlands — which makes Finland a bit more affordable but still in the higher price range (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Finland?

Espoo is the most expensive city to live in Finland, with monthly costs for a single person around €1,097 for living expenses and €1,042 for rent, totaling about €2,139. Helsinki is close behind at €2,044, while Tampere is more affordable at around €1,691. Both Espoo and Helsinki have much higher costs compared to other cities (Source: Numbeo).

Cheapest city in Finland

Varkaus is the cheapest city in Finland, with living costs for a single person around €991 a month. Imatra comes in at €1,020, and Savonlinna at €1,108, also affordable options compared to bigger cities (Source: Livingcost.org).

Cost of living in Finland vs the UK

When we compare the Finland cost of living with the UK, we see that general living expenses are slightly lower in Finland. A family of four spends around €4,787 per month in Finland, compared to €5,338 in the UK. For a single person, the costs are €1,733 in Finland and €2,210 in the UK.

Rent is another key difference. In Finland, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €789, while in the UK, it’s higher at €1,249. For a three-bedroom apartment in the city center, Finland is more affordable, with rent at €1,355 compared to €2,076 in the UK (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average and the Finland average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Finland vs the US

The cost of living in Finland is generally lower than in the US, excluding rent. A family of four spends about €4,787 per month in Finland, compared to €3,755 in the US. For a single person, it’s €1,733 in Finland versus €1,055 in the US.

Rent is where the US gets pricier. A one-bedroom apartment in the US averages €2,646, while in Finland, it’s around €789. This makes living overall more expensive in the US. Including rent, a family of four in the US could spend around €6,419 monthly, compared to €4,787 in Finland (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Here’s the average monthly rent in Finland, which varies depending on the location and size of the apartment: (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €789
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €646
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: €1,355
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,031

Rental prices in Finland are rising in 2024, especially in major cities where demand is high due to immigration. Free-market rents are expected to increase by around 2%, while state-subsidized apartments may see a 5% rise due to cost adjustments. Expats should be aware that finding rentals in larger cities can be competitive, but falling interest rates could offer some relief (Source: Helsinki Times).

How to find an apartment in Finland

Renting in Finland can be tricky, especially in bigger cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, where demand for apartments is high. Most rentals are small, usually one or two rooms. To improve your chances, check sites like Vuokraovi and Oikotie, and apply to several places at once. Large rental companies like Lumo and Sato also have quicker availability. You’ll need to show proof of income and provide a deposit of 1-3 months' rent. Keep in mind, utilities like electricity and internet are often not included in rent, so plan for that.

For cheaper options, you can apply for state-subsidized housing through local municipal housing offices. In Helsinki, Heka offers this, but other cities have similar programs, though wait times can be long. If you’re on a low income, you might qualify for rent assistance from Kela. Always get a rental agreement in writing, and if anything’s unclear, ask for help. You can also contact the Consumers' Union of Finland or your local housing office for advice.

If you need assistance, we're happy to provide a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have helped many of our users find housing in Finland. Whether you're after short-term rentals or long-term apartments, we have reliable contacts to make your search smoother.

Utilities

Here’s what your monthly utilities could cost when living in Finland (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €126
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €26
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €21

To save on utilities, you can do things like laundry during off-peak hours (outside 8:00-10:00 and 16:00-20:00) and compare electricity providers at vertaaensin.fi. Save water by taking shorter showers and running full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine — find more helpful advice at Heka. You can also use apps like Sähköseuranta to track your electricity use and consider fixed-rate plans to avoid price spikes.

Public transport

For long-distance travel, trains from VR connect major cities like Helsinki and Tampere. If you're looking for a budget option, buses from Onnibus or Matkahuolto cover the whole country. In cities like Helsinki, HSL manages local buses, trams, and the metro. For island travel, ferries from Viking Line and Finnlines are popular. You can also use taxis or Uber, but they can be pricey.

Here’s a general overview of public transport prices in Finland (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: €3
• Regular monthly pass: €60
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €7
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €54
• Gasoline: €1.93 per liter

Food

When grocery shopping in Finland, you'll mostly rely on big supermarket chains like K-Market, S-Market, and Lidl — Lidl is generally the cheapest option. Other discount stores like Sale and Alepa are also great for saving money and helping you with the cost of living in Finland. Look for items with upcoming "best before" dates, often discounted by 30-50%, and sign up for loyalty programs like K-Plussa or S-Etukortti to access special deals. For a more local experience, visit the Kauppahallit (Market Halls) with fresh local produce, meats, and Finnish specialties like reindeer and moose.

Groceries in Finland cost around (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €250-€350
• For a couple: €400-€600
• For a family of four: €800-€1200

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €14
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €80
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €7
• Cappuccino (regular): €4.18
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.57
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €1.74

Mobile phone plan

When setting up a mobile phone in Finland, you can choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. For prepaid, you don’t need a Finnish ID, but for contracts, you’ll usually need proof of identity and a bank account. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy at convenience stores or online.

Main providers:

• Elisa: solid coverage with plans ranging from €20 to €35 per month.
• DNA: prices from €10 to €30 per month, available as prepaid or contracts.
• Telia: from €9 to €35 per month for unlimited calls, SMS, and data.

Cheaper options:

• Moi: Plans start from €6 per month, with no long-term contract. Uses DNA’s network.
• Lyyra: Budget-friendly plans starting from €5 per month with no commitments.

eSIMs:

• Elisa, DNA, and Telia also offer eSIMs for compatible phones. The activation fee is usually around €5.

Childcare

In Finland, you can choose from many childcare options, including public, private, and international facilities. The fees for public daycare depend on family income, which can help with your Finland cost of living if you have a family. For more details on childcare and financial support, visit Kela or check your local city’s website like Helsinki or Espoo.

Common types of childcare and their prices (Source: Hel.fi):

• Municipal daycare (varhaiskasvatus): €30-€311 per month (income-based)
• Private daycare: €8-€15 per hour
• Preschool: Free for children aged 6+ (part of early education)
• After-school care (iltapäiväkerho): €100-€300 per month
• Nannies: €10-€20 per hour
• Au pairs: €300-€500 per month (plus room and board)

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €299
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €8,778

Gym

Many gyms in Finland offer flexible memberships with no long-term contracts, and a lot of them are open 24/7, so you can work out whenever it suits you. In bigger cities, you’ll often find English-speaking staff, which is helpful for expats. Finnish gyms evry often have saunas too — an essential part of Finnish culture.

Major gym brands and monthly prices:

• Fitness24Seven: From €14.40
• Elixia: From €64.90
• Fressi: From €30, depending on services
• Liikku: From €34.90
• Motivus: From €30
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €42