Living in Finland
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.
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," remarked one expat who made the move to Finland.
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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How do I meet people in Finland?
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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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Finland?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Finland?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Finland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Finland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Finland like?
- Is the cost of living in Finland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Finland?
- What are healthcare services like in Finland?
- Is the cost of living in Finland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Finland?
- What is the weather like in Finland?
- Are there good restaurants in Finland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Finland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Finland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Finland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Finland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Finland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?