Cost of Living in Finland: Rent, Housing & Income

Finland is a Nordic country on the eastern Baltic, with long winters, short bright summers and a population that is concentrated in the south around Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Tampere. The figures here are national averages. The euro is the currency, so the converted amounts shift with the exchange rate.

The numbers come from Livingcost, which compiles crowd-sourced price reports. They are estimates and they update continuously.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Finland was 85.2 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 85% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 65,884 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 0.3% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $867/mo for one person without rent and $1,644/mo with it. The average salary after tax is listed at $3,033/mo.

Housing is where a lot of the spread comes from. The lines below show a wide gap between the center and the cheaper options for larger homes, so your choice of area matters.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $802/mo, and a cheaper one bedroom at $640/mo. A three bedroom in the centre is listed at $1,544/mo, against $1,162/mo for a cheaper one.

Competition for rentals is highest in the Helsinki region. Many rental apartments are in apartment blocks, and there are public and nonprofit housing providers as well as private landlords. Listings often state whether water, heating or a sauna share are included in the rent, so read the details.

Finding a rental

Rental portals list most available homes, and showings are common. Landlords usually ask for a deposit and may check income or credit. Ask whether the lease has a fixed term and how the notice period works. Finnish tenancy rules are detailed, so check the official consumer or housing site before signing.

Utilities for one person are listed at $83.30/mo. An internet plan is listed at $23.20/mo, and a monthly local transport ticket at $71.40/mo.

Heating matters in a country with a long cold season. In many apartment blocks, heating is included in rent or billed through the building, but not in all. Ask whether your quoted rent includes it. Electricity bills can rise if you live in a house with electric heating. Public transport in the main cities is good, and many people also cycle through the year.

A lunch menu is listed at $14.80 each. A liter of milk is listed at $1.37 each and a dozen eggs at $3.48 each. Many workplaces and universities offer subsidized lunch, which lowers the cost of eating a hot meal on weekdays. Restaurant dinners and alcohol cost more than the grocery figures suggest.

Libraries, public sports halls and the right to roam in nature keep leisure costs low for people who use them. A budget for Finland can include lots of free or low cost activities, which makes the monthly total friendlier than the grocery and rent lines might suggest.

For a family of four, Livingcost lists $3,907/mo including rent and $2,599/mo excluding it. Childcare, school and health services are organized differently from many countries, with public provision playing a large role. Check current fees with the municipality, since they depend on income and location.

Salaries are listed as high, which softens the effect of everyday prices. The part of the budget that surprises newcomers is often winter: warm clothing, heating and indoor activities are real costs. Summer months are cheaper because you spend more time outdoors.

Saunas are part of the housing conversation. Many apartment blocks have a shared sauna that residents book in turns, and some flats have a private one. Ask whether use is included in the rent or billed separately, because it can change the comparison between two otherwise similar homes.

Dark winters affect spending habits. Many people buy quality outdoor clothing, winter tires if they drive, and a few items to make home life comfortable, such as lamps. These are one time or seasonal costs and they are not in the monthly averages. Planning for them keeps the first winter from becoming a budget shock.

• Health insurance and any private care
• Residence permit fees and legal help
• Winter clothing and equipment
• Car ownership, fuel and tires
• Taxes and social contributions

Immigration, tax and health service rules depend on your nationality and situation. Check the official Finnish immigration service website and ask a licensed advisor.