Cost of living in Helsinki
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is known for its high quality of life and stunning natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in this Nordic city is crucial for anyone considering moving or traveling here.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Helsinki, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18.44 on average, with a range between $12.64 and $26.34.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $94.83, with prices ranging from $73.76 to $136.98.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.28, with a range between $10.54 and $14.22.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6.32 to $10.54, imported beer $6.32 to $12.64, cappuccino $3.16 to $6.32, and Coke/Pepsi $1.9 to $4.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.94 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.35.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.46 and $5.26, with an average price of $2.97.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.21 to $5.06, averaging $3.07.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.04 to $4.21 per kg, while oranges range from $1.04 to $4.21 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.79 and $2.11 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.05 to $3.58 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3.11 and $3.27, with a monthly pass priced between $61.96 and $73.76.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.84 and $2.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $7.38, with a cost of $1.11 to $1.76 per km and $47.41 to $63.22 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $895.61 to $1369.76, averaging $1092.21.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $737.56 to $1053.66, averaging $851.81.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1580.5 to $2634.16, averaging $1887.45.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1159.03 to $1685.86, averaging $1383.59.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6216.62 to $10536.64, averaging $7974.13.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4109.29 to $6321.99, averaging $4837.5.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $75.86 and $223.9, averaging $127.69.
- Internet - Internet services range from $13.17 to $42.15, with an average cost of $22.21.
Cost of Living Rankings
Helsinki ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Finland. The cost of living indices for Finland are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Finland, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Helsinki offers a high standard of living with relatively high costs, especially in dining and housing.
While public transportation is affordable, owning a car can be expensive due to high gasoline prices.
Grocery prices are moderate, but dining out can be costly, especially in mid-range restaurants.
Renting in the city centre is significantly more expensive than outside, offering potential savings for those willing to commute.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Helsinki is a city that balances high living standards with equally high living costs. Prospective residents should be prepared for substantial expenses in housing and dining.
However, the city's efficient public transport system and moderate grocery prices can help manage monthly budgets. Understanding these costs will be crucial for anyone planning to move to or visit Helsinki.