Northern Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Oulu
The average cost of living in Oulu, Finland is $1,190 per month for a single person, and $2,514 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $831 per month. The local average net salary is $2,641 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 27 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,190 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,514 / mo
- Student
- $713 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Oulu
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
$2,640.95 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Oulu | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Oulu | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Oulu | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Oulu | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Oulu | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Oulu | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Oulu | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Oulu | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Oulu | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Oulu | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Oulu FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Oulu. |
Rent & Property Prices in Oulu
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $831 | $649 – $2,123 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $725 | $560 – $943 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,453 | $1,179 – $1,828 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,125 | $884 – $1,887 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,241 | $3,774 – $4,661 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,942 | $1,816 – $2,241 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $831$649 – $2,123
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $725$560 – $943
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,453$1,179 – $1,828
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,125$884 – $1,887
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,241$3,774 – $4,661
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,942$1,816 – $2,241
Grocery Prices in Oulu
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.27 | $1.05 – $1.53 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $2.22 | $1.53 – $3.07 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.61 | $1.00 – $4.72 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.26 | $1.42 – $3.96 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $7.95 | $7.02 – $9.43 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $14 | $9.42 – $18 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $20 | $12 – $26 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.49 | $1.64 – $3.36 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.01 | $1.71 – $4.36 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.17 | $1.75 – $3.05 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.83 | $2.58 – $6.83 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.00 | $0.47 – $1.24 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.70 | $1.59 – $1.88 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $3.07 | $1.77 – $4.71 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.67 | $1.42 – $1.77 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $14 | $11 – $18 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $4.10 | $1.79 – $5.90 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.60 | $1.57 – $4.72 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $13 | $11 – $15 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.27$1.05 – $1.53
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $2.22$1.53 – $3.07
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.61$1.00 – $4.72
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.26$1.42 – $3.96
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $7.95$7.02 – $9.43
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $14$9.42 – $18
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $20$12 – $26
- Apples (1 kg) $2.49$1.64 – $3.36
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.01$1.71 – $4.36
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.17$1.75 – $3.05
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.83$2.58 – $6.83
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.00$0.47 – $1.24
- Onions (1 kg) $1.70$1.59 – $1.88
- Lettuce (1 Head) $3.07$1.77 – $4.71
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.67$1.42 – $1.77
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $14$11 – $18
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $4.10$1.79 – $5.90
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.60$1.57 – $4.72
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $13$11 – $15
Public Transport & Car Costs in Oulu
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $3.07 | $2.42 – $3.07 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $62 | $60 – $73 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $9.97 | $6.96 – $18 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.71 | $1.53 – $4.72 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $59 | $59 – $70 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $2.07 | $1.97 – $2.35 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $38,570 | $38,570 – $38,570 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $38,933 | $38,917 – $39,637 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $3.07$2.42 – $3.07
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $62$60 – $73
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $9.97$6.96 – $18
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.71$1.53 – $4.72
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $59$59 – $70
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $2.07$1.97 – $2.35
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $38,570$38,570 – $38,570
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $38,933$38,917 – $39,637
Utility & Internet Costs in Oulu
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $125 | $100 – $172 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $28 | $24 – $35 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $24 | $18 – $41 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $125$100 – $172
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $28$24 – $35
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $24$18 – $41
Childcare & Preschool in Oulu
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $357 | $354 – $413 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $6,132 | — |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $357$354 – $413
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $6,132
Clothing Prices in Oulu
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $91 | $59 – $130 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $47 | $24 – $59 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $111 | $83 – $142 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $210 | $59 – $236 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $91$59 – $130
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $47$24 – $59
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $111$83 – $142
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $210$59 – $236
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Oulu
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $38 | $29 – $47 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $34 | $29 – $34 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $18 | $17 – $22 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $38$29 – $47
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $34$29 – $34
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $18$17 – $22
Restaurant Prices in Oulu
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 | $14 – $21 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $94 | $71 – $118 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $16 | $15 – $17 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $8.26 | $6.96 – $9.43 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $8.26 | $7.08 – $11 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $4.99 | $3.54 – $11 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.04 | $2.12 – $4.60 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.35 | $1.77 – $4.72 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $18$14 – $21
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $94$71 – $118
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $16$15 – $17
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $8.26$6.96 – $9.43
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $8.26$7.08 – $11
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $4.99$3.54 – $11
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.04$2.12 – $4.60
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.35$1.77 – $4.72
Salaries & Mortgages in Oulu
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,641 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.10% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $2,641
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.10%
Compare Oulu with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Finland
Turku
Monthly / 1 person
$1,183
vs NYC
26.9/100
Finland
Tampere
Monthly / 1 person
$1,275
vs NYC
29/100
Finland
Helsinki
Monthly / 1 person
$1,419
vs NYC
32.3/100
Finland
Espoo
Monthly / 1 person
$1,454
vs NYC
33/100
Sweden
Lund
Monthly / 1 person
$1,183
vs NYC
26.9/100
Estonia
Tallinn-Estonia
Monthly / 1 person
$1,216
vs NYC
27.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Oulu?
- An estimated $1,190 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Oulu. A family of four needs around $2,514 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $713.
- How much money do I need to live in Oulu?
- Plan for at least $1,190 per month as a single person, $2,514 per month for a family of four, or $713 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 Oulu.
- What is the average rent in Oulu?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Oulu rents for around $831 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,453 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Oulu?
- The average monthly net salary in Oulu is around $2,641. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 31% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Oulu?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Oulu costs around $18. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $78 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.27/L) and bread ($2.22/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Oulu?
- A monthly public transport pass in Oulu costs around $62. 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 Oulu?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Oulu costs around $24 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.