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Living in Finland: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Finland | Expat Exchange
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Living in Finland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 02, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Finland is 5.5 million people. The largest cities in Finland are Helsinki (1.3 million people), Espoo (280,000 people), Tampere (230,000 people), Vantaa (210,000 people), and Turku (180,000 people). Expats love living in Finland for its high quality of life, excellent education system, and beautiful natural environment. People describe life in Finland as peaceful, safe, and relaxed. Popular foods in Finland include salmon soup, reindeer, and rye bread. The cons of living in Finland include the high cost of living, long winters, and the language barrier. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on lifestyle. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.

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What do I need to know about living in Finland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Finland, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Finland should be aware that the country has a cold climate and long, dark winters. It is important to research the cost of living in Finland, as it is generally higher than in other European countries. Expats should also be aware that the Finnish language is widely spoken and it is beneficial to learn some basic phrases before moving to Finland. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Finland and make sure they have the necessary insurance coverage. Finally, expats should be aware that Finland is a very safe country with low crime rates," commented one expat who made the move to Finland.

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How do I meet people in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I recommend the American Women's Club. They have special interest groups as well as monthly meetings. You can find them in the Internet and go from there. The Club includes Americans, Finns and international english speaking women," remarked one expat who made the move to Helsinki.

"Expats in Finland often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending events hosted by the local expat community. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats and locals," explained one expat living in Finland.

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What is life like in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Finland is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public services, a safe and secure environment, and a strong economy. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its vast forests, lakes, and islands. The country also offers a wide range of cultural activities, from museums and galleries to music and theatre. Finland is also a great place to work, with a highly educated and tech-savvy population, and a business-friendly environment. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's excellent healthcare system, and its generous social security system," remarked one expat living in Finland.

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Is there a lot of crime in Finland?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Finland generally has a low crime rate compared to other countries. Violent crime is rare, and property crime is generally low. Finland has a strong focus on prevention and rehabilitation, and the police are well-trained and well-equipped. The government has also implemented a number of initiatives to reduce crime, such as increasing the number of police officers and providing more resources for crime prevention," wrote one member in Finland.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Finland accepting of differences?

"Finland is a culturally diverse country, with a population that is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds. The country is known for its acceptance of different cultures, religions, and lifestyles, and is generally very tolerant of differences. Finland has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and has a strong commitment to protecting the rights of minorities. In recent years, Finland has seen an increase in the number of people from different countries and cultures living in the country, and this has helped to create a more diverse and accepting society," explained one expat living in Finland.

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What are the schools in Finland like?

"Contact the school as soon as possible as spacing is limited. The school website is: ww.ish.edu.hel.fi The school is closed for holiday the entire month of July. You must have an interview with either the headmaster or the appropriate principal for your childs grade before they will be allowed to attend school. At this interview you must provide copies of your childs school records. Do not buy school supplies ahead of time, the only thing your child needs is pens and pencils, the rest of the supplies are included in your tuition and provided by the school," said one parent with children at International School of Helsinki in Helsinki.

"The International School of Helsinki (ISH) is one of the best international schools in Finland. Located in the capital city, ISH offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISH also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The Helsinki International School (HIS) is another excellent international school in Finland. HIS offers a bilingual education in English and Finnish, and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The International School of Vantaa (ISV) is a bilingual school in Finland that offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The International School of Jyväskylä (ISJ) is another excellent bilingual school in Finland. ISJ follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The International School of Kuopio (ISK) is a bilingual school in Finland that offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Finland.

Is the cost of living in Finland high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Finland, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Finland is generally considered to be quite high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. However, Finland also has a high standard of living, with excellent public services and a strong economy. Additionally, Finland has a relatively low rate of taxation, which helps to offset the cost of living," wrote one member in Finland.

"The cost of living in Finland is generally quite high compared to other countries. The capital city of Helsinki is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, with rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment ranging from around $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month. A nice 2 bedroom apartment in Helsinki can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month. Eating out at a moderately priced restaurant in Finland can cost around $20 USD per person. Other cities in Finland, such as Tampere and Turku, have a slightly lower cost of living than Helsinki, but still remain relatively expensive," said one expat living in Finland.

What type of recreational facilities are in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Finland, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as outdoor parks, beaches, and forests. There are also many indoor recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports halls. Finland also has a wide range of cultural activities, such as museums, theatres, and art galleries. Additionally, Finland has a number of ski resorts, which offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Finally, Finland is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as music festivals, food festivals, and cultural celebrations," commented one expat who moved to Finland.

What is the weather like in Finland?

"The weather in Finland can vary greatly depending on the season. In the summer months, temperatures can range from mild to warm, with occasional rain showers. In the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, with snowfall common in many areas. The northernmost parts of Finland can experience long periods of darkness during the winter months," commented one expat who moved to Finland.

Are there good restaurants in Finland?

"One of Finland's most popular restaurants is Ravintola Sea Horse in Helsinki. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, as well as traditional Finnish cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a great view of the harbor. Another popular restaurant in Finland is Ravintola Nokka in Helsinki. This restaurant is known for its modern take on traditional Finnish dishes, as well as its unique atmosphere. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers. Ravintola Savoy in Helsinki is another popular restaurant in Finland. This restaurant is known for its classic French cuisine, as well as its modern take on traditional Finnish dishes. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers. Ravintola Kuu in Helsinki is a popular restaurant that specializes in traditional Finnish cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a great view of the harbor. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers. Finally, Ravintola Juuri in Helsinki is a popular restaurant that specializes in traditional Finnish cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a great view of the harbor. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and beers," wrote one expat living in Finland.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Finland?

"People living in Finland typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers' markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers," wrote one expat living in Finland.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Finland?

"In order to visit Finland, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Finnish embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. Applicants must provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and supporting documents such as proof of financial means, a letter of invitation, and a valid travel insurance policy. In order to apply for residency in Finland, foreign nationals must first obtain a residence permit. The type of residence permit required depends on the purpose of the stay, such as work, study, family reunification, or entrepreneurship. Applicants must provide a valid passport, a completed residence permit application form, and supporting documents such as proof of financial means, a valid travel insurance policy, and a valid employment contract or proof of studies," said one expat.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Finland?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Finland are generally considered to be of high quality and relatively affordable. All Finnish citizens and permanent residents are entitled to public healthcare, which is funded by taxes and is free at the point of use. Private health insurance is also available, but it is not necessary for most people as the public system covers most medical needs. Private health insurance can be beneficial for those who want more choice in their healthcare provider or faster access to certain treatments," remarked one expat living in Finland.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

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