Finland is associated with a high standard of living, well-organized public services, and a peaceful lifestyle. It’s no wonder that more and more people are considering moving to work in this country. However, before deciding to relocate, it’s worth checking how much living in Finland costs and how to prepare a budget for the first months of your stay.
In general, the cost of living in Finland is among the highest in Europe. At the same time, salaries are significantly higher than in most EU countries, so many people can cover daily expenses and still save some money.
Cost of Living in Finland – Sample Monthly Budget
When planning a move, it’s useful to prepare an estimated budget for living in Finland. For one person, monthly expenses can range on average from €1,300 to €1,800, depending on the city and lifestyle.
The largest expenses are usually:
- Rent for an apartment or room
- Food and groceries
- Transportation
- Bills and basic utilities
People who share an apartment with other workers or rent a room can significantly reduce their monthly expenses.
Housing Costs in Finland – Rent
Housing costs typically make up the largest portion of expenses in Finland. Rental prices depend mainly on location and the standard of the property.
In 2026, approximate rental costs in Finland are:
- Room in a shared apartment: €350–600 per month
- Studio apartment in a smaller city: €600–800
- Studio apartment in a large city: €800–1,100
- Two-room apartment: €900–1,400
Additional costs often include electricity, internet, and sometimes water. In many cases, heating is already included in the rent.
Cost of Living in Helsinki – The Most Expensive Part of Finland
Regarding the cost of living in Helsinki, the Finnish capital is one of the most expensive cities in the Nordic region. Apartment, restaurant, and service prices are noticeably higher than in smaller towns.
For example:
- Coffee in a café: around €5
- Simple lunch in a restaurant: approx. €12–15
- Dinner in a mid-range restaurant: approx. €25–30
For this reason, many people working in Helsinki live in nearby towns or suburbs where rents are lower.
Food Prices in Finland – Cost of Basic Products
Food prices in Finland are definitely high, but it is still possible to shop at reasonable prices, especially in larger supermarkets.
Sample grocery prices in Finland in 2026:
- Loaf of bread: €2–3
- Liter of milk: approx. €1.20
- Kilogram of chicken: €9–12
- Eggs (10 pcs): approx. €2.50–3
- Kilogram of apples: €3
A person cooking at home can spend about €250–400 per month on food.
Transportation Costs in Finland
Finland has a well-developed public transportation system, especially in larger cities. Buses, trams, and the metro run regularly and are punctual.
Sample transport costs in Finland in 2026:
- Single ticket: approx. €3
- Monthly pass in a large city: €70–100
Fuel usually costs around €1.70 per liter. It is worth noting that most highways in Finland are toll-free.
Healthcare in Finland – Costs
One of the advantages of living in Finland is the well-functioning healthcare system. Healthcare costs for legally employed people in Finland are relatively low.
Employees have access to the public healthcare system funded by taxes. In many cases, doctor visits are free or require a small administrative fee. Some employers also offer additional private healthcare packages.
Expat Life in Finland – Daily Life for Foreigners
More and more people are choosing to live in Finland. The country is safe, well-organized, and offers a stable job market.
However, it’s important to remember a few things before moving:
- Winter days are very short
- Service prices are higher than in Central Europe
- Knowledge of English greatly facilitates daily life
For many workers, a calm lifestyle and a high level of safety are also major advantages.
Study Costs in Finland
Regarding the cost of studies in Finland, students often spend less because they use dormitories, transport discounts, and affordable student cafeterias. Their monthly expenses can be around €900–1,200. However, it is best to prepare a budget before moving and check rental, transportation, and basic product prices in the specific city.
Is It Worth Working and Living in Finland?
In summary, the cost of living in Finland mainly depends on the place of residence and lifestyle. Although prices are high, for many people moving there is profitable due to good salaries and stable working conditions.
Even when taking a simple job, one can expect attractive earnings that cover living costs in Finland and even allow for some savings for leisure.
If you are considering moving abroad, it is worth checking current job offers. On our platform europa.jobs, you can find the latest job listings in Europe.
