The Real Cost of Moving to Finland
- Pramesh Bajracharya
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
So you have decided: “I want to move to Finland.” Great choice. But then reality taps you on the shoulder: “Wait… what is the actual cost of moving to Finland?”
It is the question everyone asks, and for good reason. Moving abroad is not just about flights and luggage. It is about permits, housing deposits, groceries, winter jackets, and yes, even the portable saunas outside a rock concert (by which we are trying to represent the Finnish social lifestyle).
Let us break it down together, not in a scary accountant way, but in a “friend who has been there” way about the cost of living in Finland.
Step One: Getting Here (Flights & Shipping)
The first big chunk of the cost to move to Finland is simply arriving.
Flights: Depending on where you are flying from, tickets can range from 200€ (within Europe) to 800€ - 1200€ (from Asia or North America).
Shipping belongings: If you are bringing more than a couple of suitcases, shipping costs can add up.
Pro tip: Many newcomers start with just essentials in luggage and buy furniture second‑hand in Finland (Facebook Marketplace, Kierrätyskeskus and Tori.fi are lifesavers).
Step Two: Paperwork & Permits
Depending on your situation, you will need to budget for these following permits.
While these are just application fees, you might need an extra 15 - 20€ for passport photos when applying.
Step Three: Housing Costs in Finland (The Big One)
Housing is where most of your monthly budget will go once you have landed.
Deposits: Landlords sometimes ask for 1 month’s rent upfront as a deposit. So if your rent is 800€, you might have to pay 1 600€ in the first month.
Student Housing (HOAS & Local Foundations)
Providers: In most cities, student housing is managed by non‑profit foundations (e.g., HOAS in Helsinki, TOAS in Tampere, LOAS in Lappeenranta).
Note: Demand is highest in August - September as there is a major intake for students moving to Finland for higher study. Apply as soon as you get your admission letter.
Private Market Rentals
If you do not qualify for student housing, are moving to Finland for work or prefer more independence, you will be looking at the private housing providers like Aspakoti.
What is Usually Included and What is Not in a Finnish Apartment
Step Four: Everyday Life Costs
Once you are here and actually living in Finland, you will need to budget for the basics.
Groceries: 150€ - 300€ per month for one person.
Public Transport: 60€ - 70€ per month in Helsinki, cheaper in smaller cities.
Utilities & Internet: 100€ - 150€ per month.
Healthcare: Public healthcare is affordable, but private visits can cost 50€ - 100€. Students often pay a small annual healthcare fee (~71€) to Kela which covers for visits and checkups.
Fun fact: Coffee is cheap in supermarkets 3€ - 5€ per pack but expensive in cafés 5€ - 10€ per latte. Choose wisely.
Step Five: The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
Beyond the obvious, there are some sneaky costs that add up to your annual expenses of living in Finland:
Winter Clothing: A full set of winter clothing with coat, boots, gloves, hats and layers can start from 250€ if you do not already own them.
Furniture and Appliances: While shiny new ones can be pretty expensive, spending around 400€ - 800€ should be enough for setting your home with second-hand furniture or IKEA options.
Language Courses: Very good free options exist, but private classes can cost 200€ - 400€ per course.
Social Life: Drinks in Helsinki? You can expect around 5€ for a can of energy drink or beer in supermarkets but prices can be pretty steep in bars and clubs.
Step Six: Moving to Finland with Family
If you are moving to Finland with family, costs do increase but, fortunately, not too much!
Housing: Bigger apartments or houses cost 1 000€ - 2 000€ in Helsinki.
Daycare: Public daycare is subsidized, often 100€ - 300€ per child per month.
Schools: Public schools are free (and excellent). International schools may charge 4 000€ - 10 000€ per year.
Family Permits: Each family member needs their own residence permit.
Step Seven: The First Year Budget (Reality Check)
So what is the total cost of moving to Finland for your first year? Let us do a rough estimate for a single person.
The Emotional Cost and The Reward
Here is the part no table can capture. The cost of moving to Finland is not just financial. It is emotional. It is the stress of paperwork, the loneliness of starting over, and the confusion of learning a new culture.
But the reward? A safe, stable country with incredible nature, excellent education, and a work‑life balance that actually means something.
Is The Cost of Moving To Finland Worth It?
Yes, the cost to move to Finland is significant. But think of it as an investment in your future. You are not just buying a plane ticket, you are buying a new life, new opportunities, and maybe even a new version of yourself.
And remember: you do not have to figure it all out alone. That is why Intero exists, to make the move smoother, the landing softer, and the journey a little less overwhelming.
Disclaimer: The costs and expenses mentioned in this blog post are based on general averages and publicly available estimates. They are intended for informational purposes only and may not reflect current or exact figures.