If you’ve been thinking about relocating or permanently moving to Finland, and you’re wondering where to find the most affordable housing options, this is the guide for you!
This European country is rapidly becoming known as a global technology hub, home to technology giants like Nokia, which has its corporate headquarters here.
Finland is one of the 27 member states of the European Union.
Its unique geographic location between Russia and Sweden represents the invisible dividing line that separates Eastern and Western Europe.
Americans and expats seeking to settle down in a European country where the quality of life is high and costs of living are low are moving to Finland to take advantage of the country’s low-cost living options.
Finland has a population of just over five and a half million.
Learn about some of the cheapest places to live in Finland and get answers to frequently asked questions about living in Finland in our comprehensive guide below!
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10 Cheapest Places to Live in Finland
People worrying about whether there are safe and affordable housing options can breathe a sigh of relief when they learn there is no shortage of affordable housing options along with opportunities for fun, entertainment, and delving into local folklore in cost-friendly Finnish towns.
This Central European country is known for its winter sports like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing and is rumored to be the original birthplace of Santa Claus.
1. Varkaus
$1,089.00
Varkaus is a medium-sized industrial town in Eastern Finland.
It houses Lake Saimaa, one of the largest lake systems in the country.
In addition to living among crystal clear lakes and absorbing the area’s stunning natural beauty, Varkus residents enjoy lower housing and everyday expenses.
Locals here pay less for renting and homebuying than in almost every other city in the country.
A single person can cover all of their monthly expenses for less than $1,1.00 per month, including housing costs.
Varkaus transplants enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, a strong sense of community, and an abundance of outdoor recreation.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,089.00
2. Imatra
$1,121.00
Newcomers looking for affordable housing in a Finnish town filled with natural beauty and wonder should consider Imatra, Finland.
Imatra is home to stunning natural landmarks and well-known wonders, including the cascading waterfalls of the Imantrankoski Rapids Renters.
Local thrill seekers can have white-water rafting adventures every day that the weather and rapids permit in this lakeside Finnish town.
Renters and homeowners in Imatra can pay as little as $389.00 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and just under $1,00.00 per month for a three-bedroom rental.
Everyday staples like milk, eggs, and bread are also affordably priced.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,121.00
3. Joensuu
$1,403.00
Joensuu is a family-friendly Finnish town offering cultural vibrancy, stunning natural beauty, and an energetic student scene for high school and college-aged students.
Another bonus for family-oriented residents in this town is that the local quality of life index scale shows that Joensuu’s residents have an elevated quality of life compared with other local towns.
A family of four seeking to rent or buy an apartment in Joensuu will find a peaceful quality of life and affordable costs.
They can expect to spend just under $3,200.00 per month to cover all expenses, including housing.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,403.00
4. Kokkola
$1,315.00
Kokkola, Finland, is a charming town where distinctly colorful wooden houses add flavor to local streets.
Residents report a high quality of life in a town with a population of just under 50,000.
This hidden gem boasts breathtaking local attractions, including the Kruunu Penkki Water Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Online cost of living reports in the region show that a single person living in Kokkola can cover out-of-pocket costs for housing, utilities, transportation, and food for less than $1,400.00 per month.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,315.00
5. Kajaani
$1,328.00
The average costs of living in Kajaani fall between $1.328.00 and $3,586.00 for family sizes ranging from one to four, making it one of the cheapest places in Finland.
Kajaani is located in the central region of Finland where newcomers find that salaries are high, while crime rates and the average cost of daily living expenses are low.
This Finnish town is the home of top-notch schools, including the top-rated Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.
Residents enjoy good schools, attend annual cultural festivals, and popular local attractions like the Railway Museum, which showcases the city’s history as a major railway junction.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,328.00
6. Kouvola
$1,376.00
Kouvola in South Eastern Finland offers another low-cost living option for home-seeking expats and relocating globetrotters.
Kouvola’s residents have access to local family amenities that include the largest amusement park in the country and the Kouvola Railway museum, which provides details on this city, which is also affectionately known as “The City of Trains.”
Living costs in Kouvola are affordable at just under $1,400.00 a month.
Costs include an average rent of around $650.00 for a one-bedroom apartment, along with transportation, food, entertainment, and utility expenses.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,376.00
7. Lahti
$1,396.00
People living in Lahti, Finland, enjoy many natural amenities and green spaces, providing a good quality of life at an affordable cost.
Lahti’s renters and homeowners pay reasonable costs for renting or buying an apartment.
A three-bedroom apartment rents for just under $1,000.00 per month in Lahti, making it ideal for people seeking affordable, sustainable living options within the country.
A family of four can cover their monthly expenses for utilities, housing, food, internet services, and leisure services for less than $3,400.00 per month.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,396.00
8. Pori
$1,262.00
Homeseekers looking to settle down in Finland can make their way to Pori, where attractions like the annual Barefoot Beach Festival, the Pori Jazz Museum, and the Rosenlaw Museum provide fun and entertainment.
The local quality of life index scale shows that Pori’s residents enjoy an excellent quality of life that includes well-paying salaries, affordable housing costs, and low-cost utilities.
Pori’s living costs are affordable for settled and incoming singles and families, and most expenses, including housing costs, are lower than the national average for both Finland and the United States.
A single person living in Pori can expect to spend around $1,300.00 to pay for all of their costs, including rent, entertainment, and transportation.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,262.00
9. Savonlinna
$1,218.00
Known for its abundance of natural scenery, Savonlinna, Finland, offers peaceful living, exciting cultural attractions, and opportunities for outdoor fun and exploration in the region’s many lakes and beautiful habitats.
Travelers seeking affordable housing options in Finland can opt for Savonlinna, where an individual can cover the costs of all monthly expenses, including housing, for less than $1,300.00 per month.
A family of four can expect to spend just over $3,000.00 to pay for an apartment, groceries, entertainment, transportation fees, and leisure costs.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,218.00
10. Seinajoki
$1,256.00
Americans and expats seeking to relocate to an affordable country with an excellent quality of life, good schools, and a welcoming culture can make their way to Seinajoki, Finland.
Locals are welcoming to newcomers, and this welcoming Finnish town has a growing population of well-adjusted expats who enjoy many local amenities.
Apartment costs in Seinajoki range from $534.00 for a one-bedroom to $893.00 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Utilities are affordable for a single person at under $70.00 per month and just over $100.00 per month for a family of four.
Average Cost of Living Per Person, Per Month with Rent Included: $1,256.00
Finland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Finland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Cost of Living in Finland's Cheapest Cities Compare to Living in the United States?
While the costs of living in Finland’s cheapest cities may be slightly higher than the country’s national average in some higher-cost cities, overall, Finland’s costs are lower than similar costs in major US cities.
Overall, Finnish residents pay lower fees for housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare, making it an attractive option for US-born citizens and global travelers looking to settle down in a European country with a high quality of life and affordable housing options.
People relocating from the US and other countries as expats may be interested in learning about the nightlife potential in Finland’s most inexpensive neighborhoods.
Newbies will find that Finns are generally very friendly but also reserved.
While making friends in Finland can take some time and effort, most expats will find a rewarding circle of friends and colleagues awaiting them with open arms.
What Are the Best School Systems Like in Finland?
Parents thinking about relocating to Finland with elementary, high school, and college-aged children will find a wealth of excellent educational opportunities.
Finland’s educational system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and students get free education from ages 7 through 18.
Highly qualified teachers, small class sizes, and an emphasis on well-being are a few factors that keep Finland’s schools at the forefront of global education.
