Cost of Living in Finland in 2025 (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku etc.)

Did you know that Finland is one of the most expensive countries to live in Europe? While not as expensive as the top ones (like Luxembourg or Norway), it’s definitely not a budget place either. But how much does it really cost to live in Finland?

The average monthly cost of living for a single person is around €1,950, which is slightly higher than in previous years due to rising inflation. This figure should let you live comfortably, although not in luxury.

For a couple, I estimate a monthly total of €3,500. Sharing major expenses such as housing makes overall costs more manageable, while utilities and other costs will also be shared.

Overall, although high by European standards, the monthly expenses here are nicely covered by the salaries in Finland which tend to be on the higher side too, so many people find they can maintain a good quality of life despite higher prices.

You know the basics now, but if you want to, we can jump into the details and see how will you spend your money each month living in Finland this year!

Average Rent in Finland

Property prices – no matter if you’re looking to buy or rent – have gone up a lot in Finland in the past couple of years, mainly due to the high inflation.

I remember reading that the official data doesn’t look so bad (just around a 1% increase), but in reality I saw most rental ads asking for much higher prices in areas I was already familiar with from the past year.

Here is what to expect to pay when renting in Finland:

• €350 per month for a shared room in an apartment
• €800 per month for a studio (around 30 sqm).
• €1,650 per month for a two-bedroom apartment (around 80 sqm).

For those looking to buy property, be aware that central Helsinki can reach €9,000 per square meter, while rural areas sometimes drop to around €2,200 per square meter. But generally, buying a house or apartment here is pretty expensive.

Speaking of Finalnd’s capital, make sure to also take a look at my list of the best things to do in Helsinki.

Utility Costs

Utilities are usually billed on top of rent. These include electricity, water, heating, and trash collection, plus potential administrative fees for your building.

Expect to pay a monthly fee of around €155 per month for utilities in Finland, if you’re living alone. A couple should expect to spend around €260 per month to cover utilities.

However, if you like to keep the temperatures high during the cold months (and it’s always cold in Finland!), you can easily pay double or triple the amount.

Costs for food and eating out in Finland

I always find food expenses to be the most difficult to estimate. But based on my experience and eating habits – which is eating mostly at home, and generally buying supermarket brands, I expect a single person to spend around €390 per month on food.

I estimate that a couple will spend €690 each month on food in Finland, while eating out once per week and cooking at home for the rest of the time.

Of course, these numbers will vary a lot, depending on several factors related to your diet and eating out habits. As you will see in my list of prices below, eating out is expensive and adds up to increase your monthly expenses:

• €2.50 for a loaf of bread
• €1.20 for a 1l-bottle of milk
• €3.00 for a dozen eggs
• €4.00 for a kg of tomatoes
• €1.25 for a kg of potatoes
• €12.00 for a kg of chicken thighs
• €20.00 for a kg of beef steak
• €3.00 for a 0.5 liter local beer (or €8.00 in a restaurant)
• €4.50 for one coffee (Café Latte or Cappuccino)
• €18.00 for one pizza
• €4.00 for a basic cheeseburger
• €11.00 for a pack of cigarettes
• €10.0 for a fast-food meal such as a Burger King or McDonald’s Combo
• €14 for one meal at a cheap restaurant
• €40 for one meal at a higher-end restaurant

To know exactly what you’ll be eating, I recommend checking out my previous article sharing the best traditional Finnish foods.

Transportation costs in Finland

Public transportation is cheaper, while gasoline is also affordable, so these expenses won’t break the bank, especially if you focus on the bus and tram lines.

Here are the prices in this category:

• €70 for a monthly public transport ticket.
• €3 for a single ride on the bus
• €1.80 per km in a taxi or similar service
• €2 for 1l of gasoline

All in all, you can easily keep your transportation costs in Finland under €100 per month.

Childcare and Education Costs

Finland is known worldwide for its education system, and most public institutions are free or have a very low cost. Childcare options like daycare or preschool may involve monthly fees, though these can vary based on your income and the municipality you live in (from €100 to €300 if not free).

If you have kids, you’ll want to check local rules on subsidies. In many situations, the government will shoulder at least a portion of childcare expenses, which can reduce your monthly bills significantly.

Other costs in Finland

Lastly, let’s take a look at some other expenses that you will probably come upon in Finland, no matter how frugal you are. Here are some of these expenses:

• €16.00 for one cinema ticket per adult
• €65.00 for monthly gym subscription
• €30.00 for monthly high-speed internet subscription
• €22 for a decent phone plan with lots of included messages and GBs of internet

All in all, all the numbers above add up to the values I shared in the intro:

• Single person: €1,950 per month
• Couple: €3,500 per month

Finland remains one of the most attractive countries in Europe to live in, despite its colder climate. It’s even better on a per-person basis if you have a significant other. If you’re not there yet, I recommend reading my guide on how to meet a Finnish woman (or a man from Finland) ASAP.

Feel free to share your experiences or tips if you’re already in Finland. Everyone has different spending habits, and more perspectives always help others decide whether this Nordic nation is the right fit or not.