Northern Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Helsinki
The average cost of living in Helsinki, Finland is $1,419 per month for a single person, and $3,428 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,296 per month. The local average net salary is $3,231 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 32.3 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,419 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,428 / mo
- Student
- $852 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Helsinki
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,230.65 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Helsinki | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Helsinki | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Helsinki | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Helsinki | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Helsinki | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Helsinki | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Helsinki | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Helsinki | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Helsinki | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Helsinki | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Helsinki FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Helsinki. |
Rent & Property Prices in Helsinki
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,296 | $1,061 – $1,651 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $913 | $767 – $1,297 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,267 | $1,887 – $3,066 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,628 | $1,415 – $2,123 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $10,298 | $8,255 – $11,651 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $4,499 | $3,974 – $6,486 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,296$1,061 – $1,651
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $913$767 – $1,297
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,267$1,887 – $3,066
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,628$1,415 – $2,123
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $10,298$8,255 – $11,651
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $4,499$3,974 – $6,486
Grocery Prices in Helsinki
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.55 | $1.18 – $2.36 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.06 | $1.24 – $5.90 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.81 | $1.18 – $3.54 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.93 | $2.83 – $5.09 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $11 | $7.96 – $29 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $14 | $9.43 – $20 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $21 | $11 – $29 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.07 | $1.18 – $3.54 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.26 | $1.77 – $2.36 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.66 | $1.18 – $3.54 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.69 | $2.36 – $8.26 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.29 | $1.06 – $1.77 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.77 | $1.18 – $2.36 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.18 | $1.18 – $2.95 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.83 | $1.18 – $3.54 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $17 | $12 – $21 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $3.76 | $2.13 – $4.72 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $4.31 | $2.12 – $5.90 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $14 | $13 – $15 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.55$1.18 – $2.36
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.06$1.24 – $5.90
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.81$1.18 – $3.54
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.93$2.83 – $5.09
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $11$7.96 – $29
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $14$9.43 – $20
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $21$11 – $29
- Apples (1 kg) $3.07$1.18 – $3.54
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.26$1.77 – $2.36
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.66$1.18 – $3.54
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.69$2.36 – $8.26
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.29$1.06 – $1.77
- Onions (1 kg) $1.77$1.18 – $2.36
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.18$1.18 – $2.95
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.83$1.18 – $3.54
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $17$12 – $21
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $3.76$2.13 – $4.72
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $4.31$2.12 – $5.90
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $14$13 – $15
Public Transport & Car Costs in Helsinki
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $3.77 | $3.54 – $4.25 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $85 | $73 – $104 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $12 | $6.72 – $17 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.34 | $1.30 – $1.77 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $81 | $81 – $142 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $2.15 | $1.97 – $2.36 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $38,570 | $38,570 – $41,275 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $39,495 | $38,917 – $39,637 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $3.77$3.54 – $4.25
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $85$73 – $104
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $12$6.72 – $17
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.34$1.30 – $1.77
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $81$81 – $142
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $2.15$1.97 – $2.36
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $38,570$38,570 – $41,275
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $39,495$38,917 – $39,637
Utility & Internet Costs in Helsinki
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $129 | $65 – $251 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $29 | $24 – $37 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $28 | $18 – $35 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $129$65 – $251
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $29$24 – $37
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $28$18 – $35
Childcare & Preschool in Helsinki
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $514 | $354 – $590 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $14,848 | $7,111 – $19,011 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $514$354 – $590
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $14,848$7,111 – $19,011
Clothing Prices in Helsinki
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $102 | $41 – $147 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $43 | $24 – $71 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $112 | $71 – $147 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $155 | $71 – $236 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $102$41 – $147
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $43$24 – $71
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $112$71 – $147
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $155$71 – $236
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Helsinki
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $50 | $35 – $71 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $36 | $24 – $41 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $19 | $15 – $24 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $50$35 – $71
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $36$24 – $41
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $19$15 – $24
Restaurant Prices in Helsinki
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 | $14 – $29 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $106 | $59 – $130 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $15 | $13 – $17 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $9.43 | $4.72 – $12 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $8.26 | $5.90 – $12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.54 | $3.54 – $5.90 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.58 | $2.36 – $5.90 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.89 | $2.36 – $3.54 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $18$14 – $29
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $106$59 – $130
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $15$13 – $17
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $9.43$4.72 – $12
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $8.26$5.90 – $12
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.54$3.54 – $5.90
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.58$2.36 – $5.90
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.89$2.36 – $3.54
Salaries & Mortgages in Helsinki
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,231 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 3.96% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,231
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 3.96%
Compare Helsinki with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Finland
Espoo
Monthly / 1 person
$1,454
vs NYC
33/100
Finland
Tampere
Monthly / 1 person
$1,275
vs NYC
29/100
Finland
Oulu
Monthly / 1 person
$1,190
vs NYC
27/100
Finland
Turku
Monthly / 1 person
$1,183
vs NYC
26.9/100
Sweden
Malmo
Monthly / 1 person
$1,395
vs NYC
31.7/100
Denmark
Odense
Monthly / 1 person
$1,361
vs NYC
30.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?
- An estimated $1,419 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Helsinki. A family of four needs around $3,428 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $852.
- How much money do I need to live in Helsinki?
- Plan for at least $1,419 per month as a single person, $3,428 per month for a family of four, or $852 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Helsinki.
- What is the average rent in Helsinki?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Helsinki rents for around $1,296 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,267 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Helsinki?
- The average monthly net salary in Helsinki is around $3,231. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 40% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Helsinki?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Helsinki costs around $18. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $85 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.55/L) and bread ($3.06/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Helsinki?
- A monthly public transport pass in Helsinki costs around $85. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Helsinki?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Helsinki costs around $28 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.