Cost of Living in Rovaniemi
Summary: If you're moving to Rovaniemi, understanding the the cost of living in Rovaniemi helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Can I live in Rovaniemi on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Rovaniemi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Finland is generally high, and Rovaniemi is no exception. However, there are ways to make it work.First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like Korkalovaara or Ounasrinne. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're more affordable than neighborhoods like the city center or Saarenkylä. You can expect to pay around $600-$800 for a small apartment or a room in a shared flat.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your grocery expenses. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Sale can help you save money on groceries. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will also help you cut down on food expenses. Eating out can be quite expensive in Rovaniemi, so try to limit that as much as possible.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using a bike or walking when possible. Rovaniemi has a decent public transportation system, but a monthly bus pass will cost you around $50. If you need a car, consider buying a used one or sharing one with a friend to save on expenses.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective. Going out for drinks or attending events can be pricey, so try to find free or low-cost activities like exploring the beautiful nature around Rovaniemi or attending local cultural events. You can also save money by using the public library for books, movies, and other resources.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Rovaniemi is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being smart about grocery shopping, and limiting your entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Rovaniemi.
Can I live in Rovaniemi on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Rovaniemi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. The cost of living in Finland is generally high, and Rovaniemi is no exception. However, there are ways to make it work.First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Korkalovaara, Ounasrinne, or Viirinkangas. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable rent prices. You can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods. I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like the city center or Saarenkylä, as rent prices can be significantly higher there.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your grocery expenses. Food prices in Finland can be quite high, especially for imported goods. I recommend shopping at local supermarkets like Lidl or K-Market, where you can find more affordable prices. Also, try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can be quite expensive.Transportation is another expense to consider. Rovaniemi has a decent public transportation system, and a monthly bus pass costs around $60. I recommend using public transportation instead of owning a car, as gas prices and maintenance costs can add up quickly.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Rovaniemi. You can enjoy the beautiful nature and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. There are also several museums and cultural attractions that offer discounted or free admission on certain days.In terms of sacrifices, you might need to cut back on luxury items, expensive hobbies, or frequent travel. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending habits and budget carefully to make sure you can cover all your expenses.Overall, living in Rovaniemi on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being mindful of your grocery and transportation expenses, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably in this beautiful Finnish city," said one expat living in Rovaniemi.
Can I live in Rovaniemi on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Rovaniemi for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.First, let's talk about housing. Rovaniemi is a relatively small city, so there aren't really any "expensive" neighborhoods to avoid. However, if you want to save some money on rent, I'd recommend looking for apartments in the neighborhoods of Korkalovaara or Ounasrinne. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're still well-connected by public transportation and offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, if you want to live closer to the city center, you can expect to pay a bit more for rent. In any case, you should be able to find a decent apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month.As for utilities, they're generally not too expensive in Rovaniemi. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and heating. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, with prices starting at around $20 a month for each.When it comes to groceries, prices in Rovaniemi are a bit higher than in some other parts of Finland, but they're still manageable. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be quite expensive, though, so you might want to limit that to special occasions or treat yourself once in a while.Transportation costs are also quite reasonable in Rovaniemi. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $50, and if you decide to get a car, gas prices are comparable to those in other parts of Europe. However, keep in mind that owning a car also comes with additional expenses like insurance, maintenance, and parking fees.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Rovaniemi, especially if you're into outdoor sports and nature. You can go hiking, skiing, or snowboarding in the nearby Ounasvaara ski resort, or explore the beautiful Arctic wilderness in the surrounding areas. However, if you're more into nightlife and cultural events, you might find Rovaniemi a bit limited in terms of options, and you might have to travel to bigger cities like Helsinki or Oulu for a more diverse entertainment scene.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Rovaniemi is definitely doable, but you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending on non-essential items, you should be able to enjoy a good quality of life in this charming Arctic city," commented an expat living in Rovaniemi.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Finland Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Finland
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Finland
- Best Places to Live in Finland
- Real Estate in Finland
- Guide to Real Estate in Finland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Finland
- Cost of Living in Finland
- 5 Tips For Living in Finland
- 2024 Guide to Living in Finland
- Pros and Cons of Living in Finland 2024