Cost of Living in Finland for Students & Family in 2024
Finland, a Nordic Country in northern Europe, is famous for its landscapes and natural wonders. Bordered by Sweden, Russia, and Norway, this country boasts a high standard of living and an even higher range of natural beauty, such as vast and dense forests, lakes, and the Arctic Circle Region.
Finland is famous for its education, affordable tuition fees, great healthcare system, and human development rate. It is also renowned for its groundbreaking approach to research, technology, development, business, etc.
So, before you move, it's important to know the cost of living in Finland and all the expected costs. Continue reading to learn more relevant details.
Average Cost of Living in Finland for International Students
The education system in Finland is to brag as it consists of quality yet affordable education, no homework policy, inclusivity, etc, making it a top country among students.
Below is a breakdown of the typical living costs for international students in Finland:
Average Cost of Living in Finland for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Understanding the average cost of living in Finland helps with financial planning, especially if you want to settle in Finland with your spouse or children.
The table below will help you plan your finances accordingly:
Cost of Living in Major Cities in Finland
Here is an overview of the average cost of living in some of the top cities in Finland:
Cost of Living in Helsinki
Cost of Living in Turku
Cost of Living in Oulu
Cost of Living in Jyväskylä
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Finland
Several factors influence the cost of living in Finland:
Location
Cities like Helsinki and Turku are on the expensive end as the standard of living is also quite high. Besides that, Finland is a safe country, and the good standard of living attracts many people and students every year.
Lifestyle
Expenses on food and entertainment are major areas and that can be kept in check as per personal preferences- which is if the person wants to go out for entertainment or stay in.
Housing
Living expenses in Finland can get a little high as the standard of living is higher in general. This is why most international students find part-time jobs to afford good accommodations in Finland.
Transportation
Transportation by public means is quite cheap, but personal means such as cars can be expensive as gasoline prices are on the higher end in Finland.
Utilities and Groceries
Prices for food and other necessities may differ from place to place. Exported products are usually more expensive than locally produced ones.
What is the Average Income in Finland?
The income needed to live comfortably in Finland varies based on individual circumstances:
- Student: A student typically needs EUR 550 to EUR 600 per month to live comfortably.
- Bachelor: An income of EUR 700 to EUR 1,500 per month is enough to cover basic expenses for a single person.
- Couple: A couple usually requires a combined income of EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800 per month to live comfortably.
- Families: A family of four may need an income of EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,800 per month for families.
The table below mentions some of the highest-paying jobs in Finland, along with their salaries:
How Expensive is Finland Compared to Other Countries?
Finland is known for its excellent quality of living, offering multiple benefits to people who are looking to settle there. Due to the higher standard of living, it can get a little more expensive if you are looking to live comfortably there.
Below is a comparison of living costs between Finland and other major cities:
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Finland
Here are some tips to help reduce the average cost of living in Finland:
- Among students, sharing an apartment with others can drastically lower rent prices.
- Finland offers relatively cheap public transport that can be utilised while travelling across the city. Additionally, it is quite safe and efficient to use while travelling in cities like Oulu and Helsinki.
- Buying foods and groceries from local markets can be cheaper than the supermarkets.
- While leaving the house or when not in use, the electrical appliances can be switched off. During summers, you can open windows for more natural ventilation instead of air conditioning to cut on bills.
- Preparing your meals at home is cheaper than eating out. Try limiting the consumption of foods from outside like pubs and restaurants.
- Finland offers many budget-friendly leisure activities like visiting parks, museums (that offer free entry on certain days), etc.
Finland offers a range of entertainment options for bachelors, couples and families, but you need to be smart in gauging those expenses to ensure that you do not deplete your savings. Though Finland is moderately expensive, there are a lot of ways to save money and enjoy the city while you are there.
This article provides all the necessary information about the cost of living in Finland so that you can make informed decisions and manage your expenses effectively.
