Cost of Living in Helsinki

Is Helsinki expensive?

Helsinki is the 22nd most expensive city in Europe and the 2nd most expensive in Finland after Espoo. The cost of living in Helsinki for a family of four is around €3,640, and with rent of €1,774, the total comes to €5,414. For a single person, it's about €995, plus €1,049 for rent, totaling €2,044.

Compared to London, where a single person's total monthly cost is €3,875, Helsinki is about €1,831 cheaper. When compared to Berlin, which costs €2,277 per month, Helsinki is €233 less (Source: Numbeo).

Rent per month

Here's an idea of the average monthly rent in Helsinki, depending on the apartment's size and location (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €1,049
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €835
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €1,774
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,307

The rental market in Helsinki has been affected by high interest rates and a slow economy in 2024. Immigration has increased demand for rentals, especially smaller apartments. Currently, around 80% of immigrants in Helsinki live in rented homes, adding pressure to the market. While rents for larger family homes have stayed steady, smaller apartments have seen a slight drop. Overall, rents have remained stable, but with an oversupply of apartments, the market is expected to balance out in the next year (Source: Nordea Corporate).

Popular neighborhoods:

• Töölö — Lively area with classic architecture, trendy cafés, and good transport links.
• Kallio — Creative, bohemian district with affordable rents and a vibrant cultural scene (best for young professionals and students).
• Punavuori — Design-focused neighborhood with art galleries, boutique shops, and unique cafés.
• Kamppi — Central area with shopping, nightlife, and higher rent prices.
• Viikki — Green, eco-friendly suburb with parks, schools, and peaceful living.
• Eira — Upscale area with luxury homes, sea views, and a quiet atmosphere.
• Lauttasaari — Seaside district offering peaceful living with easy access to the city.

Up-and-coming neighborhoods:

• Itäkeskus — Affordable housing, large shopping center, and convenient public transport.
• Vantaa — Quiet, leafy suburb with international schools and family-friendly living.
• Pasila — A growing business hub with modern housing and excellent transport links.

Areas to avoid:

• Kluuvi — Nightlife hub with higher crime rates than other areas.
• Kontula — Affordable but known for higher crime rates.
• Kamppi — Central with nightlife, but some safety concerns.
• Harju — Less desirable due to housing standards and safety issues.
• Pukinmäki — Lower popularity among expats, safety concerns.

How to find an apartment in Helsinki

Renting in Helsinki is straightforward, but there are a few things expats should know. Most apartments are small, usually one or two rooms, and competition for these can be high, especially in central areas. To find a place, check sites like Vuokraovi and Oikotie, and apply to multiple places at once to increase your chances. Rental companies like Lumo and Sato are also good options, as they often have quicker availability. Be prepared to show proof of income and provide a security deposit of 1-3 months' rent, which you’ll get back when you move out.

Utilities like electricity and internet are usually not included in the rent, so budget for those separately as it will contribute to your cost of living in Helsinki. If you’re on a lower income, you might qualify for a housing allowance through Kela. For more affordable options, the city of Helsinki offers subsidized rentals through Heka, but these are in high demand. Always get a rental agreement in writing, and if something’s unclear, ask for a translation or clarification before signing. You can also contact the city's housing consultation service if you need help navigating the process or dealing with any rental issues.

If you need assistance during your housing search in Helsinki, we’re here to help. We can provide a quote or connect you with our trusted partners, who have successfully helped many of our users find housing throughout the city.

Property prices

The average cost per square meter to purchase an apartment in Helsinki is approximately (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €7,601/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €4,529/sqm

Buying property in Helsinki as an expat is straightforward, but there are key steps and costs to consider. Non-EU/EEA citizens must first obtain permission from the Ministry of Defence to purchase real estate (like a detached house), though this is not required for apartments in housing cooperatives (asunto-osakeyhtiö). In a housing cooperative, you buy shares in the company that owns the building. Be sure to check for upcoming renovation costs, as you’ll be responsible for a share of them. The transfer tax is 2% for apartments and 4% for other real estate. Notary fees typically range from €200-500, and if you're using a real estate agent, the seller usually pays the commission. However, if you hire an agent to help you find a property, you may need to cover this fee (which can be anywhere between 4%-7% — so make sure to negotiate).

To search for properties, use Finnish websites like Etuovi and Oikotie, or Realting for a broader international platform. Opening a Finnish bank account is recommended for the purchase, as you’ll need to transfer funds securely. Finnish banks typically require that housing costs don’t exceed 40% of your income. After finding a property, you’ll sign a preliminary agreement and pay a deposit (3-5% of the property’s value). Once the full payment is made, register the property with the Land Registry Office. If buying an apartment in a housing cooperative, you’ll need to register your ownership in the cooperative’s share registry. It's important to keep in mind that property owners are subject to annual real estate tax, and income generated from renting out your property is also taxable. For detailed guides and assistance, check InfoFinland for further insights into the process.

Utilities

A part of your Helsinki cost of living is the monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €122
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €25
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €21

These costs can really add up over the year, but you can cut them down by using these tips:

• Use off-peak electricity: Shift energy-heavy tasks like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours (outside 8:00-10:00 and 16:00-20:00). Compare electricity providers at vertaaensin.fi/sahko.
• Optimize heating: Adjust heating to lower settings during mild weather and turn radiators off when not in use. Check more heating tips at InfoFinland.
• Save water: Take shorter showers, fix leaks, and run full loads in dishwashers or washing machines. Learn more from Heka’s tips.
• Monitor electricity use: Use a fixed-rate electricity plan to avoid fluctuations in costs. Track real-time prices with the Sähköseuranta app.
• Compare local providers: Look at plans from Elisa, DNA, and Telia for prepaid SIMs or monthly options. Elisa offers unlimited data starting at $30, and both DNA and Telia have affordable prepaid plans too.
• Use an eSIM: If you're only staying for a short time, eSIMs like Holafly can give you unlimited data for as little as $19 for 5 days.
• Go prepaid: Prepaid SIMs from DNA or Telia start at $5, letting you pay only for what you use.

Public transport

Helsinki’s public transport system (HSL) makes it easy to get around with buses, trams, metro, trains, and ferries — all accessible with a single ticket. You can buy tickets through the HSL app, at ticket machines, or from R-kiosks. The HSL Journey Planner is great for finding routes and figuring out which ticket zones you need. The city is also very walkable, and for those who like to bike, there’s a wide cycling network, including the Baana corridor. City bikes are available for rent in the summer, and it’s very easy to get around — and this option also lowers your cost of living in Helsinki.

Helsinki travel ticket (Source: HSL):

• Single ticket: €2.70 (from a machine) or €3.20 (when paying to the driver)
• Tram ticket: €2.50
• Ferry ticket to Suomenlinna (round trip): €5 for adults (valid for 12 hours)
• 24-hour travel card: €8 for unlimited travel across public transport
• 7-day travel card: €32 for unlimited travel

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): €7
• Taxi 1 km: €1.20
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €56.40
• From the Airport to the city center: €45

Food

Grocery shopping in Helsinki gives you a mix of budget options and specialty stores. Discount supermarkets like Lidl, Sale, and Alepa are great for keeping costs down, while K-Market and S-Market offer more variety but at slightly higher prices. If you're after fresh local produce or Finnish specialties like reindeer meat, market halls (Kauppahallit) are the go-to spots, though they can be more expensive. You can also shop online through options like K-Ruoka or Fiksu Ruoka for added convenience. To save money, it's smart to plan ahead, shop at discount stores, and buy in bulk when you can because groceries make up a huge chunk of your Helsinki cost of living.

On average — and depending on shopping and dietary habits — expect to spend the following on groceries in Helsinki (Source: Reddit):

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

Here are some typical grocery items to give you an idea of price (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.30
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €2.75
• Rice (1kg): €2.75
• Eggs (12): €2.90
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €12.40
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €8

Childcare

The city of Helsinki provides a wide range of early childhood education services, and national benefits are available to help cover the costs and lighten the Helsinki cost of living. These benefits include the child home care allowance, which supports families caring for children under 3 years old at home, and the private day care allowance, which helps cover the costs of private daycare services. Additionally, flexible and partial care allowances are available for parents working part-time or with reduced hours, to help families work and family life. Kela administers these allowances, Finland’s social insurance institution.

Types of childcare and costs (Source: Hel.fi):

• Municipal daycare: This is the most common option for children aged 0-6. Fees are based on income, with a maximum monthly charge of €311 for the first child and discounts for siblings. Families with lower incomes may pay significantly less, and in some cases, it can be free.
• Private daycare: Private options include care in centers or through family daycare. Prices vary but can be more expensive than municipal daycare. However, with financial support through Kela, it can be made more affordable.
• Childminders: Registered childminders care for children in their own homes, offering a flexible, smaller group environment. Fees generally range from €500-€800 per month, depending on the hours and age of the child.
• Au pairs: Au pairs live with the family and help with childcare in exchange for room, board, and a small wage, typically earning between €250-€400 a month.
• Home care: Families with children under 3 may choose home care by a parent or hired caregiver. Financial support for this is available through the child home care allowance.
• Preschool (or Kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €315

International yearly school fees:

• The International School of Helsinki: €12,000-€16,000
• Norden International School: €10,350
• Kulosaari Elementary and Secondary Schools: No tuition fees
• L'école Française Jules Verne: €4,700-€11,900
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €9,804