Have you ever thought about living, working, or studying in Finland? This Nordic country is well-known for its high quality of life, top-notch education system, and extremely clean environment. However, you should also be prepared for the cost of living, which isn’t exactly cheap. To avoid any surprises and help you plan everything carefully, let’s take a look at the full breakdown of living expenses in Finland!
Living Expenses in Finland
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Living in a four-season country like Finland has its own set of challenges and unique factors. From food, housing, transportation, to healthcare, everything needs to be thought out in detail. Here’s the full breakdown!
Cost of Living in Finland
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Meal cost
If you enjoy eating out, be prepared to spend more. A meal at a regular restaurant can cost around €11–15 per meal, while dinner at a mid-range restaurant can go up to €20–35.
However, if you prefer cooking at home, your monthly grocery budget for one person typically ranges between €300–400. Some popular and affordable supermarkets include K-Market and S-Market.
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Housing Costs
The cost of rent in Finland greatly depends on the city and location. Here’s the rent range for a 1-bedroom apartment:
- Helsinki (city center): €900–1,300/month
- Helsinki (suburbs): €700–1,000/month
- Other cities like Tampere or Turku: €600–900/month
You will also likely need to pay a deposit of 1–2 months’ rent at the beginning of the lease.
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Transportation costs
Public transportation in Finland is known for being punctual and very comfortable.
- Single ticket: €2.80–4.10 (depending on the zone)
- Monthly card: around €60 in Helsinki
- Taxi ride (5 km): around €15–20
If you live not too far from your campus or office, you can also use a bicycle. It’s not only cost-effective but also healthy!
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Healthcare Costs
Finland has a good and affordable public healthcare system.
- Visit to a public health center: €20–25
- Private health insurance: €30–60 per month
- Dental checkup (public clinic): €40–60
Interestingly, Finland has an annual spending cap for medical costs. Once you exceed that limit, services become free. Pretty cool, right?
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Miscellaneous expense
Don’t forget about other expenses like utilities and daily necessities:
- Electricity, water, heating, waste: €100–200/month
- Fast internet: €20–40/month
- Phone & data package: €20–35/month
- Gym: €25–65/month
- Cinema tickets: €13–19 per ticket
Daily Living Expenses
If you live in Finland, basic necessities like food and household items are an important part of daily expenses. While the prices tend to be higher compared to Indonesia, the quality of the items is also excellent — fresh, clean, and of a high standard.
Here’s an overview of the prices for some daily necessities in Finland in 2025:
| Item | Estimated Price |
| Milk (1 liter) | €1.40 |
| Fresh white bread (1 kg) | €5.46 |
| Eggs (12 eggs) | €2.95 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | €9.16 |
| Chicken fillet (1 kg) | €13.13 |
| Beef (1 kg) | €19.46 |
| Apple (1 kg) | €2.96 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | €2.17 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | €4.32 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | €1.33 |
| Onions (1 kg) | €1.90 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €2.24 |
Money-Saving Tips in Finland
To make sure your expenses in Finland don’t break the bank, try these money-saving tips:
- Cook your own meals at home because grocery prices at supermarkets are usually much cheaper than eating out. Besides saving money, cooking for yourself also helps you maintain a healthier diet.
- Use a monthly transport card if you frequently take buses or trains. With this card, you can save money compared to buying single tickets every time you travel.
- Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions at supermarkets. Many stores in Finland offer loyalty cards or weekly discount programs that can make your shopping cheaper.
- Take advantage of free facilities in the city, such as public parks for exercising or picnicking, community events that are often held, and of course, public libraries that are well-equipped and comfortable.
- Use a financial management app so you can easily track your daily expenses. This way, you’ll know which areas to cut back on and can keep your budget under control.
Do you have family or friends in Finland? Or maybe you need to send money for tuition fees, rent, or other expenses? Now you can send money to Finland faster, safer, and at a lower cost through EasylinkMake sure you choose a provider with competitive exchange rates and low admin fees!