Finland is one of the Nordic countries that is famous for its natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights. It’s no surprise that moving to Finland will give you access to the beauty of its nature as well as its vibrant city areas.
Of course, you will find some pros and cons of living in Finland. Therefore, we will share the 7 must-know finest pieces of advice that will help you enjoy the experience of living in Finland. One of them is how you can outsmart the cost of living in Finland. Let’s get to it!
1. Get Familiar With The Pros And Cons Of Living In Finland
There is no doubt that Finland is an excellent country to work and live in. However, Finland also has its pros and cons that you should be aware of.
To prepare for your relocation, here are some pros and cons of living in Finland for your reference.
The Pros Of Living In Finland
Finland Is A Safe Country
The safety rate in Finland is pretty high. The risk of someone breaking into the property or stealing your belongings is very low.
Nonetheless, you still need to take basic safety measures when walking around the city. It is also best to refrain from going out or walking alone in dark areas.
Affordable Health Care Services
The access to affordable healthcare services is not limited to the local residents but also to expats.
Expats living in Finland for more than four months must register for the National Health Insurance (NHI). This will allow expats like you to enjoy the public health benefits.
Natural Beauty
Finland is a beautiful country. It has plenty of lakes with stunning scenery, beaches, and mountains. Even the city views are pleasant to the eyes.
You will enjoy exploring nature outside the city area since there are plenty of recreational activities. Some outdoor activities you can do while enjoying the scenery are canoeing, biking, hiking, and fishing.
The Cons Of Living In Finland
High Taxes
The Finnish government imposes high taxes on people working in Finland. The taxes eventually fund education and healthcare in the country, giving people affordable access to these services.
It is no wonder Finland is considered one of the happiest places in Europe despite the high taxes.
Brutal Winters
The winter season in Finland can last for almost 4 months, from November to March. On the coldest winter day, the temperature can even drop to 18°F (-7°C).
Despite the cold weather, winters are the most awaited season since the Northern Lights occur during this time. Many people visit Lapland, Finland’s northernmost point, to see this natural phenomenon.
Language Barrier
The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. However, most people here speak the Finnish language. That’s why it will be beneficial to learn Finnish before moving to Finland.
Even if you end up working for a multinational company in Finland, your ability to communicate in the Finnish language will be needed to socialise with the local people.
2. Find The Best Places To Live Around Finland
The best thing about Finland is that it offers excellent cities suitable for every lifestyle. Here, you can find a typical modern city like Helsinki and a quieter city like Savonlinna.
Below are some of the best cities to live in Finland for your reference.
Helsinki
The capital, Helsinki, is one of the most desirable cities to live in Finland. It offers great transportation connections and other city amenities.
You will also enjoy easy access to healthcare and education services in this city. Helsinki also offers plenty of coworking spaces for digital nomads and business owners.
Turku
Turku was the first capital of Finland. It offers plenty of historical sites and a cosy vibe suitable for people with a laid-back lifestyle.
Turku is also a wonderful city with plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes. Another good thing about Turku is the reasonable housing costs.
Savonlinna
The population of Savonlinna is made up of around 30,000 people only. It offers a serene place to live with natural beauty easily spotted around the city.
This city is suitable for you if you want to partake in plenty of outdoor activities for recreation. On top of that, the living expenses in Savonlinna are relatively lower than in other cities in Finland.
3. Make Your Budget Plan Based On The Average Cost Of Living In Finland
Overall, the European countries have relatively high living expenses, including Finland. You will spend a big chunk of your income on monthly rent.
To help you handle the high cost of living in Finland, you need to plan a post-moving and monthly budget. You can create these budget plans based on the average living expenses in Finland.
The estimated monthly costs for a single person are around €2,323 (2,441.33 USD). This figure includes monthly rent for a studio apartment in a non-expensive area.
If you plan to move with family members, you will need at least €4,500 (4,729.23 USD).
Living in Finland is expensive, but you can still manage it. Follow some money-saving tips below to outsmart the living expenses in Finland.
- It is essential to bring cash. You will be able to control your spending if you use cash to pay for your goods.
- You need to save money for rainy days.
- Buy your bakery goods at the supermarket since the prices will be lower than that of the bakery.
- If you are a student, flash your student card to get discounts at stores, restaurants, or service providers.
4. Find Out The Most Wanted Jobs To Help You Navigate The Local Job Market
If you’re relocating to Finland, you’ll want to look for jobs here. You tend to get a job offer faster if you apply for a job in high demand. To find out some of the in-demand jobs in Finland, check out the following list:
- nurse,
- counselling professional,
- kindergarten teacher,
- speech therapist, and
- social worker.
The good news is there is no minimum wage requirement to earn a work visa from Finland. This means you can even start your career in Finland.
5. Learn About The Public Transportation System In Finland To Help You Get Around
Luckily, most parts of Finland are accessible by public transport. Therefore, you will be able to travel around the country comfortably.
Taking a train is the most convenient way to travel around the country. The trains in Finland are usually on time, even during the winters. In addition, there are also buses connecting the cities in Finland.
6. Check Out The Best Places To Visit Around Finland So You Won’t Get Bored
Finland is a beautiful country with many places to visit. You can find everything, from natural beauty to city life, in this country.
Enjoy Finland to the fullest by making your travel wishlist around the country. Below are some must-visit places that you should include in your list:
- Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland (pictured above),
- Santa Claus Village,
- Helsinki,
- Levi, and
- Savonlinna.
Finland is also known as the land of a thousand lakes. Therefore, visiting lakes should be something to try. Moreover, the scenery of Finland’s lakes is beautiful.
Check out the list below to find some lakes that are worth visiting during your day off:
- Lake Inari,
- Lake Pielinen,
- Lake Pihlajavesi,
- Lake Keitele, and many more.
7. Challenge Yourself To Enjoy Iconic Finnish Food
Do not be afraid to taste the local delicacies. Finland has iconic dishes that will likely fit anyone’s taste.
If you are new to Finland’s cuisines, here is a list of local dishes that will be suitable for you:
- Karjalanpiirakka (rice pies),
- Ruisleipa (rye bread),
- Leipajuusto (bread cheese),
- Korvapuusti (cinnamon buns),
- Graavilohi (cured salmon), and many more.
Conclusion On Moving To Finland
Moving to Finland is an excellent decision for people who want to advance or start their careers. This country is also a great place to live since it offers a high safety rate, excellent education and healthcare, and well-connected public transportation.
Finland also offers plenty of great places to visit and food to try. All you need is to have an open mind and gear up for adventure in the land of a thousand lakes.
Sanelo, as an experienced moving company, can help you with your relocation to Finland. We will guide you through the process and ship your belongings there.
You can also check out our articles about moving to other European countries such as England, Switzerland, and Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Finland
Is Moving To Finland Worth It?
Finland is an excellent place for you if you love scenic landscapes and a laid-back lifestyle. This country is also known for its excellent healthcare and educational services.
Can A US Citizen Move To Finland?
You need to obtain a permit to legally live and work in Finland. Without a permit, a US citizen can only stay up to 90 days in Finland.
Is It Cheaper In The US Or Finland?
The overall cost of living in Finland is about 10.2% more expensive than in the US.
Helsinki is the most expensive city in Finland, while Laaperanta, Pori and Tampere are the most affordable.
Can Sanelo Help With International Relocation To Finland?
Yes, we can! Our team will assist you through your relocation process. This includes not only the shipment of your belongings but also going through the paperwork and documents for the clearance.
Contact us for more detailed information. You can also consult with us about your relocation needs, so our team can adjust the process for you.