LifeCost Blog
Helsinki

Helsinki

Finland

Updated on August 05, 2025

Overview

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland, located on the southern coast of the country in the Uusimaa region. With a metropolitan population of over 1.3 million inhabitants, it is the economic, political and cultural center of the country. The city combines neoclassical architecture with modern Nordic design, and is known for its high quality of life, excellent education system and proximity to nature.

Average cost of living€2,040.36
Quality of Life90/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€600.00
1-bed flat (center)€1,042.56
1-bed flat (outside)€805.76
3-bed flat (center)€1,825.20
3-bed flat (outside)€1,335.00

Utilities

Basic utilities€109.34
Internet€21.29
Mobile plan€25.57

Transportation

One-way ticket€3.20
Monthly pass€72.10
Taxi start€7.80
Gasoline (1 l)€1.78

Leisure

Cinema ticket€17.20
Fitness club€40.89

Education

Preschool (month)€346.00
Intl. primary (year)€9,728.17

Buying House

sqm in city center€8,076.15
sqm outside center€4,695.11

Advantages

  • Excellent public transportation system
  • High quality of life and safety
  • World-class education system
  • Proximity to nature and green spaces
  • Technology and innovation hub
  • Unique architecture and design

Disadvantages

  • × High cost of living
  • × Long and very cold winters
  • × High housing prices
  • × Very short days in winter
  • × Competitive job market
  • × Finnish language barrier