Soft Footprints

Shape Your World

Explore the Cost of Living in Finland

If you click on an affiliate link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small fee. This doesn’t cost you any extra money. These fees help me keep this website running.

Explore the Cost of Living in Finland

Find

Cheapest Places In Finland For Adventures

The Cost of Living in Finland: 5 Money Saving Gems

Woah, Finland rated one of the top three most expensive EU destinations? Even pricier than Sweden? That’s madness! But for real, bargain-hunting travellers can still uncover affordable options when exploring the cost of living in Finland.

We’re talking places where your euros can score countless sauna sessions. I mean, who doesn’t love a good sweat? So let’s discover what are the best places to experience the cost of living in Finland.

So we scoured the land from Rovaniemi to Helsinki, searching every nook from the Arctic Circle to the Baltic Sea to dig up the best budget-friendly gems. And guess what? The details surprised us. Quaint towns with cool tech subcultures. Lakefront cities are perfect for cycling and wild swimming. The variety rocked our world.

Sure it takes some sleuthing to sniff out Finland’s most affordable hot spots. But isn’t that part of the fun? The thrill of the travel hunt before uncovering places where you can experience the true cost of living in Finland without going broke?

We think so! So let’s start cracking the code on how to vacation in Finland without emptying your wallet. Who’s ready to join the search party with me? vigorously raises hand

Old ship in Helsinki
Cost of Living in Finland,   Finnish sauna

1. Tampere:

Finland’s Budget Friendly Hub

Let’s uncover why Tampere is the perfect destination for experiencing the cost of living in Finland on a budget. We’re talking Finland’s biggest inland city with over 250,000 people, 100 miles from Helsinki and surrounded by gorgeous lakes and forests. And get this: 20,000 students giving this scenic spot a vibrant, youthful edge. Sold yet? Just wait…there’s more!

First, a little history to set the scene. People have lived here for 1,300 years, but Tampere really blossomed during the Industrial Revolution as a textile heavyweight thanks to Scottish mill owners.

Later, pioneering companies like Nokia put Tampere on the innovation map. So expect a cool mix of working class grit and cutting-edge culture.

Cost of Living in Finland, cycling by the lake

Now for the fun stuff: fab things to do in Tampere that won’t demolish your travel fund! The Rauhaniemi public saunas cost a mere €9 ($10). Score!

Relax Finnish-style with steamy sauna sessions then take an invigorating (and optional!) polar plunge. Or explore the industrial area and riverside of Koskipuisto Park, totally free.

When summer hits, so do the adventures. Tampere is ideal for cycling by the lakes, wandering urban green spaces and hitting the university scene. Most rental spots offer 24-hour bike rentals for €10 ($11). Think about it…a whole day cruising Tampere’s scenic wonders for the price of a pizza. Need I say more?

From its fascinating history to budget-friendly attractions, Tampere delivers big without the price tag. Join me to soak up the culture, sweat it out with locals and pedal by the shimmering lakes for practically pennies! Who’s in?

cheapest places in finland for tourists, Seinajoki beach

2. Seinajoki:

Surprisingly Affordable Cost of Living in Finland!

Let’s check out Seinajoki: Finland’s shockingly affordable small-town stunner! Tucked between pretty lakes and the Gulf of Bothnia’s shore, this humble hub costs under $1,200 monthly per person – way cheaper than pricier Helsinki. But there’s more than just the tiny price!

Founded as an army outpost in the 1700s, Seinajoki became a key stop between Baltic ports and the Arctic Circle. Today it keeps that welcoming, easygoing mood…a perfect quick getaway before chasing the Northern Lights without blowing your budget!

Must-see spots include the compelling Civil Guard and Lotta Svard museums recounting regional military tales. After, stretch your legs in riverside parks down town.

Cost of Living in Finland, Seinajoki Summer Fest
Seinajoki Summer Fest

Need some retail therapy? Torikeskus Mall packs more shops than you can tackle in one visit. And don’t miss the summer fest line-up, including a wonderfully wacky tango dancing bash!

Beyond the sights, Seinajoki brings authentic small-town Finnish charm at wallet-friendly rates. So skip the big cities and join me here to soak up this charming rural jewel! I’ll save a spot for you on the tango floor!

Cost of Living in Finland,  Oulu

3. Oulu:

Finland’s Capital of Quirky Affordability

Nestled in Finland’s freezing north lies the funky city of Oulu. Though the bitter cold and dark winters try to stop fun, Oulu stays bright with character and new ideas. So bundle up as we explore this gem with a surprisingly low cost of living in Finland!

Southern Finnish towns bask by the Baltic while Oulu embraces the frontier. Locals lead in clean energy and tech research at the famous University of Oulu.

Behind the snowy exterior lies a smart, creative culture. Intrepid travellers find buckets of cool sights without going broke!

Stroll riverside sculpture gardens and spring flower shows, or take a brisk Baltic swim at Nallikari beach. The Oulu Museum of Art displays thought-provoking works for only €7 ($7.60) each. Up north rents run low too, so your money goes further than pricey Helsinki.

Sure, your toes may freeze in winter. But Oulu brings quirky fun in every season for savvy visitors ready to dive in. Join me up north to meet the real Finland on a budget!

Cost of Living in Finland, Jyvaskyla

4. Jyväskylä:

Finland’s Charming Lakefront Budget Gem

Let’s uncover Jyväskylä: Finland’s up-and-coming lakeside gem overflowing with nature and affordability! Rated one of Finland’s most budget-friendly cities, this off-the-beaten-path stunner provides a travel-dream Nordic adventure without draining your account. Who’s joining me on the hunt for charming secrets in the Land of a Thousand Lakes?

Also, nested in central Finland amid shimmering lakes, Jyväskylä beats as the country’s heart. Halfway between Helsinki and Oulu, it’s currently one of Finland’s fastest growing cities with 144,000 residents calling it home.

Getting the hang of Jyväskylä is easy breezy once you link up with the locals. Strolling the Tourujoki River reserve lets you immerse in the nature-centric lifestyle through beech forests and boardwalks right in the city centre. The lively pedestrian strip Asemakatu pumps as Jyväskylä’s cultural vena cava filled with galleries, shops, and cafés.

In conclusion, well, who’s up for joining me to uncover Jyväskylä’s charming secrets? In this emerging lakefront town, budget travellers will feel right at home!

cost of living in finland, Helsinki

5. Helsinki:

Exploring the Cost of Living in Finland’s Capital

Let’s shatter myths that only big spenders can uncover Helsinki’s secrets! Finland’s compact capital rolls out budget-friendly red carpets for savvy travellers aiming to explore Baltic beauty on the cheap.

Join me to sniff out hip hostels, free cultural gems and seaside nature without draining funds. Who’s up for the challenge?

In addition, though property prices climb near this design-forward city, affordable options overflow for travel hunters among us. Scope out the awesome variety of backpacker hostels like arty YARD ($-$$) with funky pod beds or basic Cheap Sleep ($) for 20-70€ per night.

Cost of Living in Finland, Jean Sibelius monument

When your inner urban adventurer needs a breath of sea air, hop local ferries to the verdant Helsinki Archipelago for under €5 round-trip. Back onshore, saunter through the striking Kamppi Chapel of Silence and get lost amid literature in the National Library – both free!

In conclusion, the takeaway? Beyond glitzy boutiques and Michelin star restaurants lies a Helsinki ripe for wallet-friendly discoveries – you just need an eagled eye! So say bye to overblown travel myths and join me to uncover this capital’s quirky charms.

Cost of Living in Finland, Nordic affordability

Understanding the Cost of Living Finland:

Cost of living in Finland involves more than just housing and food prices. Finland offers high-quality life, excellent social services, and beautiful nature.

Education is free, even for international university students. This can offset other expenses.
Healthcare is heavily subsidized, reducing out-of-pocket costs compared to other countries.
Taxes are high in Finland. This supports social services but affects take-home pay.

The overall quality of life and access to services often justify the costs.
Consider the big picture when evaluating Finland’s living expenses. Many expats find it worthwhile.

Cost of Living in Finland, currency

Saving Money While Exploring Finland

Compared to Baltic bargains in Latvia or Lithuania, budget-friendly travel spots in Finland might seem slim. Yet this Scandi stunner boasts affordable surprises if you know where to turn.

Vibrant northern tech hub Oulu lets you dive into local life without blowing the budget. Furthermore, Helsinki serves up free cultural gems and affordable hostels galore for travellers eager to uncover its quirky side.

The takeaway? With an eagle eye and flexible itinerary, experiencing the cost of living in Finland without going broke is totally possible! By choosing your destinations wisely and taking advantage of free and low-cost activities, you can enjoy all that Finland has to offer while keeping your expenses in check.

Latest Posts: Finland

Finnish food, reindeer dish with mashed potatoes
Finnish Food You Must Try
Finland Places of Interest
Finland places of interest, Helsinki cathedral
Helsinki or Stockholm
igloo in Finland
Rovaniemi Lapland

Travel Guide for Discovering the Cost of Living in Finland

Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Finland

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Finland stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in Finland

Indeed, renting a car in Finland is easy and is a great way to explore Finland’s best beaches. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com â€“ they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

The best way to book your accommodation in Finland is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to Finland

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the best of Finland.

Find

Soft Footprints

At Soft Footprints we aim to give you all the information you need to make your next adventure something special! 

Popular Posts