Cost of living in Finland: rent, entertainment and food
Finland has the status of a country with the most favorable conditions for living. The state has a well-developed infrastructure and social services. The country is also included in the list of the safest countries in the world. However, the cost of living and taxes in Finland are higher than the EU average.
Many services are financed by taxes, thanks to which the population can save a little. These include: education, public health care services, and financial support for families with children.
For a comfortable life in the big cities of Finland, a family of two needs to have a budget of €2,200 to €2,400 per month. In rural areas or outside large cities, these costs will be slightly lower.
Housing rent and utilities in Finland
You can rent two types of housing in Finland: municipal apartments or private housing.
In municipal housing, the rent will be lower, because the state denies residents a subsidy. The rental company has 16,300 state-subsidized apartments in 55 cities and municipalities of the country.
A two-room apartment in Helsinki will cost from €700 to €1,200 per month. In Turku, Oulu or Vantaa from €600. However, the process of renting municipal housing can take a little more time, because applicants are carefully selected based on a number of criteria: need for housing, income level, etc.
If we consider private housing, then a one-room apartment in the capital of Finland will cost from €750, in large cities from €550.
Also, an important feature of renting an apartment in Finland is mandatory apartment insurance. The cost of insurance varies depending on the size of the apartment, your personal liability and the amount of coverage. Basic home insurance costs about €100 per year for a 40 m2 apartment.
Utilities in Finland are fees for house maintenance (maintenance, water supply, parking, etc.) of about 200€ per month and electricity, in the range of 40-50€.
Home internet from 20€ per month, mobile communication - 20-50€.
To save money in Finland, you can sign a contract with companies that provide electricity, internet and mobile services.
The cost of cleaning services is €40-60 per hour. Usually, cleaning in a 1- or 2-room apartment lasts up to 2 hours.
The cost of products in Finland
In Finland, food and soft drinks are about 20% more expensive than the EU average. The main supermarket chains in Finland are K-Market, S-Market, Lidl and Alepa.
The average grocery budget in Finland for a family of 2 is about €400 per month. Meat costs from €23 per kg, fish from €12, fruit from €3.5, bread from €2.
Chain stores are constantly selling goods whose expiration date is coming up, thanks to which you can save from 30 to 60% of the cost.
You can also get money in Finland if you hand over cans and bottles for recycling. The cost of one container is from 10 to 40 cents. A container acceptance machine is installed in the wall of every Finnish supermarket, money can be obtained at the cash register of the store.
Entertainment in Finland
Eating out is very popular in Finland. One Finn spends about €4,700 a year on visiting restaurants. A full meal in a cafe will cost from €18 to €25. A 2-course dinner with a glass of wine for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost you at least €90 - €120. A cup of coffee and a piece of cake - 8-13€.
Museum ticket 12-15€, cinema - 11-17€.
Subscription to the fitness hall - 45-65€. A one-time visit to a public swimming pool costs €7.
Public transport and own car in Finland
Finland has an excellent public transport system, especially in the big cities. Therefore, it is not necessary to have your own car here.
A single ticket for a trip to public transport costs from €3 to €4. Monthly subscription from €52 to €97. Children can travel with a 50% discount.
The budget for car maintenance is about €200 per month. The price of fuel starts at €2 per liter. Parking costs €2-4 per hour. Also, the car owner must have transport insurance (liikennevakuutus). Winter tires must be used in winter. In addition, you have to pay car tax.
Health care
For citizens of the country and holders of residence permits in Finland, the public healthcare system is free.
The rest of the expats must pay for treatment services themselves, the cost varies depending on the municipality. A visit to a doctor in a district hospital costs from €20, in a specialized hospital - from €40. Hospital treatment from €50 per day.
Therefore, we advise you to have medical insurance for your trip to Finland, because it is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine.
The rules for applying for temporary protection for Ukrainians in Finland are available at the link.
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