Finnish education and culture are something special. However, knowing the average living costs for Finland is critical if you are an international student who wants to move there. This blog will tell you in detail all the costs that students may face living in Finland such as food, transport, and so on.
Overview of Living Costs In Finland
Monthly living costs are €600–€1,100 for a Finnish student on average. It differs by the city where you are living, lifestyle,e and type of lodging. Larger cities such as Helsinki can cost more than smaller ones.
Accommodation Costs
The biggest costs for a student are housing bills. Options include:
- Dormitory Student: Between €200 and €380 per month. These are the most affordable, but sometimes only available.
- Common Flats: It is €270 to €520, depending on the city, to rent a room in a common flat.
- Private Apartments: A full apartment is around €400 to €800, higher in big cities such as Helsinki.
Food Expenses and Costs In Finland
The price of food varies greatly with lifestyles and where you eat:
- Food: You’ll usually be spending between €200-€250 per month on food for a student if they are a home cook.
- Food Out: At an average restaurant, a starter costs about €10–€12, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, around €60.
Transportation Costs
Cost of transportation varies by city and transport method:
- A monthly pass for public transport, for example, in cities such as Helsinki costs around €45, although it could be cheaper elsewhere.
- A good and economical alternative for a lot of students too is riding a bicycle.
- Health Insurance and Medical Costs
- Students from abroad need to have health insurance during their studies. Health insurance is between €30 and €120 a month on average depending on coverage. Also, a healthcare fee of $85 per year is required for the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
Entertainment and Miscellaneous Costs in Finland
Entertainment costs are variable and lifestyle-dependent:
- Students might be paying between €30 and €500 for entertainment (dining out, films, social events).
- There are expenses for the sundries, stuff and so on that average between €50 and €100.
Budget Advice for International Students in Finland
Finland study is a great country to study in, but being financially organized is the key to success. International students need to have smart budgeting habits since living costs average between €700 and €1,100 a month. Here is an article with some tips on how to budget for Finland while studying.
1. Understand Your Monthly Expenses
Aim at setting a budget first by getting an idea of the typical expenses you will face in a month when you are studying in Finland.
2. Create a Detailed Budget Plan
So, to plan a budget for your finances, have a budget plan with everything that you’re planning to spend. Here’s how to do it:
- Include Any Scholarships, Part part-time jobs, and Family Income: List any scholarships, and family income.
- Budget by Cost Type: Break down your costs into fixed (rent, insurance) and variable (food, entertainment).
- Limits on Spending: Define a dollar amount for each category based on your income and spend only what you absolutely need.
3. Choose Affordable Accommodation
Housing is one of the biggest costs students have. To save money:
- Try Student Housing: Look for student dorms or shared rooms that are usually cheaper than private apartments.
- Collaborate on Housing: You can get the most bang for your buck by renting an apartment with other students.
- Locations to Study: A little bit out of town means cheaper rent but it is still easy to get to using public transport.
4. Save on Food Costs in Finland
It’s not always that food costs a lot. How to Lower Your Grocery Cost Here are a few suggestions:
- Prepare Food at Home: Meals prepared at home are cheaper than restaurants. Cook each week and budget your grocery bills so you don’t get the “must-have” items.
- Be Savvy: Shop at local supermarkets and discount stores for groceries. Shop during sales and bulk purchases for food that isn’t perishable.
- Check out Student Offers: Many cafes and restaurants have student specials, so save yourself some money while eating out.
5. Utilize Public Transportation
The cost of transportation varies a lot from place to place:
- Student Transport Pass: Most cities in Finland have student-only discounts on public transport passes so if you use buses or trams, this can save you a lot of money.
- Biking or Walking: If you’re close to your school, biking or walking is a cheap substitute for public transportation.
6. Manage Entertainment Expenses
Enjoy Finland as much as possible, but make sure to budget for the entertainment:
- Find Free Activities: Many universities and community groups hold free events, workshops, and activities that you can attend.
- Use Student Coupons: Don’t forget to inquire about student coupons for movies, museums, etc.
- Cut Down On Dining Out: Establish a monthly budget for dining out or entertainment to prevent you from going overboard.
7. Track Your Spending
Budgeting depends on knowing how much you spend:
- Spend on Apps: Consider apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) to keep track of what you’re spending and keep it in your budget.
- Check Monthly: Check every month at the end of the month, and check your expenses vs. your budget to see where you can make savings.
8. Consider Part-Time Work
Take a part-time job to supplement your income, if your visa permits it:
- Seek Out Student-Friendly Jobs: There are usually student jobs at most universities (eg, research assistant positions or working in university buildings).
- Keep Work and Study In Balance: Do not work outside of school if you are taking any sort of job, make sure you are attending school.
How Much Does Rent in Finland Costs for Students?
Finland is a good education country and the atmosphere is hospitable, so it’s a favorite among international students. But knowing your costs of living (especially the rent) is a must when budgeting. This article explains how much rent in Finland usually costs students and what you will find here about accommodation types and prices.
Average Rent Costs for Students In Finland
The rent in Finland will differ a lot depending on where you live, the accommodation type, and the services you provide. Here’s how much students will pay:
Accommodation Type
- Student Dormitory; 160 – 380
- Shared Apartment (Private Market); 270 – 520 EUR
- Single Apartment (City Center): 800 – 1,200 EUR
- Single Apartment (Outside City Center) 650 – 900 EUR
Types of Accommodation
Student Dormitories:
They are the cheapest option that most students can choose from. You pay €160-€380 per month for a shared room in a student house. It is managed by the student housing foundations and sometimes you will get water and internet included in the cost.
Shared Apartments:
A room in an apartment shared costs between €270 and €520, depending on the city and area. : This is a great way for students to split expenses with roommates and make new social contacts.
Private Rentals:
There is the possibility to own one apartment, should you prefer more seclusion. But this costs more: €650 to €1,200, depending on whether you live in the city center or not.
City-Specific Rent Costs In Finland
Rent prices are also quite different in Finnish cities: they are between EUR 35-120/m2.
Helsinki: The biggest rental prices are found in Helsinki, the capital. You will pay €800-€1,200 per apartment for students.
- Tampere: Cheaper than Helsinki, single apartment rents are €650-€900.
- Oulu: With low rent, living in Oulu is a bargain at €270-€500 in a shared room.
- Jyväskylä: Like in Oulu, shared rooms start at €200 – €400 for students.
Transport Costs in Finland for Students
Transportation is a key issue in Finland for international students, it is directly related to their lives and budgets. Because public transportation is so organized and has a lot of options, knowing how much transportation costs can be a good way for students to budget. We share a quick breakdown of Finnish student transport prices: public transportation, discounts, and budgeting tips.
Public Transportation Overview
Finland is surrounded by a well-oiled public transport system, with buses, trams, metro, os, and trains. Great cities such as Helsinki, Tamp, Ere, and Oulu have extensive public transport to accommodate students. To give you an idea, here is how much the average student transportation cost in Finland is:
- Single Ticket (Local Transport): 3.00 EUR
- Monthly Public Transport Pass: 35 – 50 EUR
- Long-Distance Bus Ticket: 20 – 50 (student rate) EUR
- Train Ticket (Regional): 10-30 (student rate) EUR
Local Transport Options
Buses and Trams:
- Finnish cities are dominated by buses. One ticket should set you back about €3.00.
- It’s available to students who purchase a monthly local transport pass, between €35 and €50 depending on the city. It’s a pass that grants you free entry to the designated zones.
- Metro:
- The metro in Helsinki is good and it has a good system of connecting cities. It charges you just like buses and trams.
Student Discounts:
A lot of companies offer public transport discounts for students. Students are not allowed to receive these discounts without a valid student ID, and they may have to apply to the authorities to get a Finnish identity code.
Long-Distance Travel
For students who are crossing between cities or regions, long-distance buses and trains are the most used options:
- Bus: The long-distance buses from companies such as Onnibus and Matkahuolto are cheap. Up to 50% off on bus tickets available for students with valid student cards.
- Buses: There are plenty of buses in Finland that can take you anywhere. Train tickets from €10 to €30 per person, distance paid: €10 to €30 student discounts.
Knowing how much it costs to live in Finland is a must for international students when setting their budget. Costs: €600-€1,100 per month, and these are all managed by planning. Students may live comfortably in Finland and still save money by considering what to sleep, eat, and how to get around.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Finland as a Student straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa or a Short-term Study Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Finland. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
