Cost of Living in Helsinki, Finland

Are you considering a move to Helsinki, Finland, and wondering about the cost of living? Helsinki is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Helsinki and help you understand whether $2835 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3260.26.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Helsinki, Finland
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

15.2 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

93.35 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

10.58 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

8.68 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

8.68 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.71 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.78 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.87 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.16 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.87 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.52 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.29 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

8.36 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

11.51 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

21.87 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.48 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.77 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.19 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.14 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.25 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.76 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.07 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.81 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

14.65 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.97 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.45 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.85 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.36 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

75.98 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

7.54 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.3 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

57.74 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

2.13 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

35265.58 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

36971.51 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

108.83 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

20.75 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

41.39 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

29.24 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

16.77 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

362.95 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

7535.91 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

86.37 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

33.94 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

78.33 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

101.41 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1060.52 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

865.06 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1930.07 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1376.29 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

7695.02 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

4689.89 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

3260.26 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.48 %

Cost of Living in Helsinki, Finland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Helsinki?

The monthly expenses for living in Helsinki come to a total of approximately $2835. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1060 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $119 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $927 per month.

How affordable is living in Helsinki?

Living in Helsinki appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3260.26. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Helsinki, you would likely need an income exceeding $3260.26.

What is the average salary in Helsinki?

In Helsinki, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3260.26, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Helsinki?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Helsinki is approximately $1060. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $865.06 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Helsinki?

The expense for groceries in Helsinki can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $641 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Finland?

The cost of living in Finland can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Finland.

Helsinki, Finland

How Safe Is Helsinki, Finland for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Helsinki, Finland

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The safety index proves the fact that Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe. Some of the possible risks are pickpockets in crowds and drunken people trying to start a fight. It is even safe during the nighttime and getting mugged for money in the streets has rarely been reported.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport in Helsinki may be unsafe, because pickpockets may be found there. During winter roads become more dangerous because of the ice and driving can be difficult. Snow tires are obligatory from 1st December to 28th February.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Taking into account the fact that more than 3.5 million tourists visit Helsinki yearly a huge amount of people makes pickpocketing easy. Central railway station and Kamppi shopping center should be avoided. The tourists are the most frequent victims because they have valuables, passports, and money with them.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no threats of serious natural hazards. The only problem might be a long and very cold winter. All visitors are advised to bring proper clothes.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Finland is a very safe country in terms of violent crime, and being kidnapped or mugged is very unlikely here. Anyway, there might be situations in Helsinki when you might become a victim, so remain precautious.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Finland is not the country where terrorists might attack, but that can never be said for sure since the global threat exists. As long as tourists pay attention to any suspicious activity, they will remain safe. In case it happens, just follow the advice of authorities and local guides.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams are not frequent on the streets of Helsinki and drink spiking is not common, but you should not accept drinks from strangers. In case you have to pay a fine, you should know that Finnish police do not ask for a cash payment, so do not believe a person pretending to be a police officer who asks for money.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women travelers are trouble-free when it comes to Helsinki since it is a very safe city and there were almost no records of women being assaulted.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

A visa to Finland is not obligatory for people staying there for a maximum of 3 months. A valid passport is enough documentation. However, for longer staying, you will need to have a visa.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Euro is the official currency of Finland. You will need to exchange your currency and the best solution to do that is in banks and currency exchange kiosks at the airport or in the shopping centers. Finland is an expensive country and accommodation is not cheap, but you can be sure that it is of a very high standard.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Finland is considered a cold country about some other European countries. Even summers are very cool with the average temperature between 15-20°C. In some parts of the country, winter temperature can fall below 40°C. Winters in Helsinki are dark and freezing. Due to the weather condition, the best time to visit it is summer.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, which is located in Vantaa, 18 kilometers from the city center, has become crowded since it is the main hub of most journeys to Finland. It is one of the busiest airports in the world since about 90% of Finland's air traffic goes via Helsinki Airport.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

If you’re visiting Finland, a travel insurance policy should be obtained since you can never know whether medical treatment will become necessary during your trip.

Helsinki, Finland

What about weather in Helsinki, Finland ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 29°F 28°F 35°F 46°F 57°F 65°F 70°F 67°F 58°F 48°F 38°F 32°F
Temp 24°F 23°F 29°F 39°F 50°F 58°F 64°F 61°F 52°F 43°F 35°F 29°F
Low 19°F 18°F 23°F 32°F 41°F 49°F 55°F 52°F 45°F 37°F 30°F 24°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High -1°C -2°C 1°C 7°C 13°C 18°C 21°C 19°C 14°C 8°C 3°C 0°C
Temp -4°C -5°C -1°C 3°C 10°C 14°C 17°C 16°C 11°C 6°C 1°C -1°C
Low -7°C -7°C -5°C 0°C 5°C 9°C 12°C 11°C 7°C 2°C -1°C -4°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Finland with Helsinki

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries