Cost Of Living in Helsinki 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Helsinki

Whether you're living in Helsinki or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

5,100 EUR

per month
$5,500

390 EUR   $420
$55,000   51,000 EUR

Single

3,500 EUR

per month
$3,800

1,200 EUR   $1,300
$25,000   23,000 EUR

Couple

5,800 EUR

per month
$6,300

1,900 EUR   $2,100
$34,000   31,000 EUR

Family

7,800 EUR

per month
$8,500

2,700 EUR   $3,000
$47,000   43,000 EUR

Student

2,500 EUR

per month
$2,700

1,000 EUR   $1,100
$4,900   4,500 EUR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Helsinki is 3,500 EUR. Expenses can range from 1,200 EUR at the minimum level to 23,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Helsinki is 5,800 EUR. Expenditure can range from 1,900 EUR to 31,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Helsinki is 7,800 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,700 EUR to 43,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Helsinki is 2,500 EUR. Students spend from 1,000 EUR to 4,500 EUR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Helsinki


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.59 EUR 0.67 EUR 0.77 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.73 $0.84
Fast food combo meal
5 EUR 10 EUR 17 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $11 $18
Restaurant meal for one
18 EUR 26 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $29 $57
Fine dining meal for one
35 EUR 53 EUR 210 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $57 $230
Soda or Soft Drink
0.72 EUR 0.84 EUR 1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $0.91 $1.1
Cappuccino or latte
4.2 EUR 6.7 EUR 10 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $7.3 $11

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
3.3 EUR 4 EUR 5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $4.4 $5.4
Loaf of bread
0.61 EUR 0.69 EUR 0.80 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.75 $0.86
12 eggs
2.5 EUR 3.3 EUR 5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.6 $5.4
Fresh whole chicken
5.7 EUR 7.4 EUR 10 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $8 $11
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
6.7 EUR 10 EUR 20 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.3 $11 $22
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
2.7 EUR 3.7 EUR 5.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4 $5.7
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1 EUR 1.3 EUR 2.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.7
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
1.8 EUR 2.3 EUR 3.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.5 $4.2

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
4.4 EUR 5.3 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $5.7 $11
Average car full tank
25 EUR 33 EUR 67 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $36 $73
Average car 1-day rental
28 EUR 37 EUR 55 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $40 $60
Average car price
13,000 EUR 25,000 EUR 33,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14,000 $27,000 $36,000
Bus ticket one way
0.92 EUR 1.4 EUR 2.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.5 $3
Car Service
37 EUR 55 EUR 110 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $120

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
70 EUR 210 EUR 1,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76 $230 $1,500
Utility Bill - Couple
97 EUR 290 EUR 1,600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $320 $1,700
Utility Bill - Family
82 EUR 230 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $250 $1,400
Internet and cable
25 EUR 50 EUR 67 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $54 $73
Mobile phone charges
20 EUR 33 EUR 100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $36 $110

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
13 EUR 17 EUR 25 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $27
One month gym membership
44 EUR 55 EUR 110 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $60 $120

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
33 EUR 46 EUR 69 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $50 $75
Woman dress
31 EUR 43 EUR 140 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $46 $150
Woman shoes
29 EUR 40 EUR 92 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $43 $100
Men's shoes
25 EUR 31 EUR 62 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $33 $67
Men suit
28 EUR 35 EUR 180 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $38 $200
Regular t-shirt
14 EUR 18 EUR 55 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $60

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
460 EUR 690 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $750 $2,000
1-bedroom apartment
690 EUR 1,100 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$750 $1,200 $3,000
2-bedroom apartment
920 EUR 1,400 EUR 3,700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,000 $1,500 $4,000

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
92,000 EUR 140,000 EUR 280,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100,000 $150,000 $300,000
1-bedroom apartment
110,000 EUR 180,000 EUR 690,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $200,000 $750,000
2-bedroom apartment
180,000 EUR 550,000 EUR 1.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $600,000 $1.2M

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
500 EUR 630 EUR 840 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $680 $910
Double Bed
330 EUR 500 EUR 630 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $540 $680
Single Bed
290 EUR 390 EUR 500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $420 $540
Living Room
560 EUR 720 EUR 2,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $780 $2,700
Dining Table
250 EUR 330 EUR 630 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $360 $680
Sofa or Couch
330 EUR 460 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $490 $1,100

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
330 EUR 500 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $540 $1,100
Fridge or Freezer
290 EUR 460 EUR 630 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $490 $680
Washing Machine
390 EUR 560 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $600 $1,100
Stove or Cooker
360 EUR 460 EUR 630 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $490 $680
Mobile Phone
420 EUR 500 EUR 720 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $540 $780
Laptop or Computer
460 EUR 560 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $600 $1,100

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Helsinki

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

88%

78% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Helsinki is 88% This means that on average, people spend around 88% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
87%

Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
92%

Family
92%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
100%

How do people spend their money in Helsinki?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$1,600   1,500 EUR
HIGH$16,000   15,000 EUR
Per Month

People living in Helsinki typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,500 EUR with expenditure ranging from 120 EUR to 15,000 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$21   19 EUR
AVERAGE$270   250 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Helsinki ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 250 EUR with 19 EUR and 2,500 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$42   39 EUR
AVERAGE$550   510 EUR
HIGH$5,500   5,100 EUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 39 EUR to 5,100 EUR on commuting with 510 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$110   97 EUR
AVERAGE$1,400   1,300 EUR
HIGH$14,000   13,000 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Helsinki is 1,300 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 97 EUR to 13,000 EUR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$30   27 EUR
AVERAGE$380   350 EUR
HIGH$3,800   3,500 EUR
Per Month

People in Helsinki allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 27 EUR to 3,500 EUR with 350 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$17   16 EUR
AVERAGE$220   200 EUR
HIGH$2,200   2,000 EUR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 16 EUR to 2,000 EUR with 200 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$25   23 EUR
AVERAGE$330   300 EUR
HIGH$3,300   3,000 EUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 300 EUR per month with 23 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 3,000 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$55   51 EUR
AVERAGE$710   660 EUR
HIGH$7,100   6,600 EUR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Helsinki every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Helsinki manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
75%
Not Saving
25%

Almost 75% of the surveyed people in Helsinki said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 25% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Helsinki

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles78%22%
Couples73%27%
Families67%33%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

160 EUR
$180
2,100 EUR
$2,300
21,000 EUR
$23,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,100 EUR on average with savings ranging from 160 EUR to 21,000 EUR.

78% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 73% of couples said the same. 67% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Helsinki?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

490 EUR
$530
1,500 EUR
$1,600
9,800 EUR
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,500 EUR with 490 EUR and 9,800 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

820 EUR
$890
2,500 EUR
$2,700
13,000 EUR
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 33% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,500 EUR with 820 EUR and 13,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 EUR
$1,200
3,300 EUR
$3,600
18,000 EUR
$20,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Helsinki can save anywhere between 11% to 30% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 3,300 EUR with 1,100 EUR and 18,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Helsinki

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Helsinki?


Yes
87%
No
14%

Around 87% of surveyed residents think that living in Helsinki is affordable with proper budgeting while 14% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Helsinki

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options67%

Few low-cost options34%


Based on the survey, 67% of the people living in Helsinki have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 34% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Helsinki whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes84%

No16%


Based on the survey, 16% of the people living in Helsinki said that they don't have an emergency fund while 84% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Finland

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy77%


We asked residents of Finland whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 23% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 77% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Finland have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 18% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 82% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance18%

Easily manages finances82%

Financial goals of people in Helsinki

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Helsinki, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction35%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 35% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Helsinki

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Helsinki. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Helsinki

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Helsinki

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Helsinki and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Finland is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Helsinki:
AgeAmount
2514,000 EUR
3029,000 EUR
3550,000 EUR
4072,000 EUR
45110,000 EUR
50150,000 EUR
55180,000 EUR
60220,000 EUR
65270,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Helsinki about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Helsinki

840 EUR
$910
2,500 EUR
$2,700
17,000 EUR
$18,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Helsinki


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the people in Helsinki have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Helsinki

Debt to income ratio

30%

19% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Helsinki goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Helsinki pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Helsinki

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Helsinki confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Helsinki.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Helsinki

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Helsinki how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Helsinki

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Helsinki

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
460 EUR 690 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $750 $2,000
1-bedroom apartment
690 EUR 1,100 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$750 $1,200 $3,000
2-bedroom apartment
920 EUR 1,400 EUR 3,700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,000 $1,500 $4,000
3-bedroom apartment
1,100 EUR 1,800 EUR 5,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $2,000 $5,500
Furnished apartment
2,200 EUR 5,500 EUR 11,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $6,000 $12,000
Townhouse
1,800 EUR 2,800 EUR 7,900 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $3,000 $8,600
House
2,200 EUR 5,500 EUR 11,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $6,000 $12,000
Villa
2,800 EUR 6,900 EUR 11,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,000 $7,500 $12,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Helsinki ranges between 460 EUR and 1,800 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 690 EUR to 2,800 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 920 EUR and 3,700 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,100 EUR to 5,000 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Helsinki is around 2,800 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 5,500 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,800 EUR to 11,000 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Helsinki

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
92,000 EUR 140,000 EUR 280,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100,000 $150,000 $300,000
1-bedroom apartment
110,000 EUR 180,000 EUR 690,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $200,000 $750,000
2-bedroom apartment
180,000 EUR 550,000 EUR 1.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $600,000 $1.2M
3-bedroom apartment
620,000 EUR 920,000 EUR 2.8M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670,000 $1M $3M
Townhouse
790,000 EUR 1.8M EUR 6.9M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$860,000 $2M $7.5M
House
920,000 EUR 5.5M EUR 7.9M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1M $6M $8.6M
Villa
1.1M EUR 6.2M EUR 9.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2M $6.7M $10M

The average price of a studio apartment in Helsinki can range from 92,000 EUR to 280,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 110,000 EUR to 690,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 6.2M EUR on average with prices ranging from 1.1M EUR to 9.2M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Helsinki will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


44 x131 monthly income 227
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Helsinki can be x131 to x227 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x131 multiples of the average monthly salary in Helsinki.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 34% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Helsinki is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 44% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


7.8 EUR 100 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Helsinki

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$460   420 EUR
AVERAGE$1,400   1,300 EUR
HIGH$9,100   8,400 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$76   70 EUR
AVERAGE$230   210 EUR
HIGH$1,500   1,400 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$100   94 EUR
AVERAGE$300   280 EUR
HIGH$2,000   1,900 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$200   190 EUR
AVERAGE$610   560 EUR
HIGH$4,100   3,700 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$110   110 EUR
AVERAGE$340   320 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,100 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$63   58 EUR
AVERAGE$190   180 EUR
HIGH$1,300   1,200 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$25   23 EUR
AVERAGE$76   70 EUR
HIGH$510   470 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$230   210 EUR
AVERAGE$690   630 EUR
HIGH$4,600   4,200 EUR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Helsinki

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$700   640 EUR
AVERAGE$2,100   1,900 EUR
HIGH$11,000   10,000 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$110   97 EUR
AVERAGE$320   290 EUR
HIGH$1,700   1,600 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$250   230 EUR
AVERAGE$760   700 EUR
HIGH$4,100   3,700 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$300   270 EUR
AVERAGE$890   820 EUR
HIGH$4,700   4,400 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$230   210 EUR
AVERAGE$700   640 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$380   350 EUR
HIGH$2,000   1,900 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$42   39 EUR
AVERAGE$130   120 EUR
HIGH$680   620 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$360   330 EUR
AVERAGE$1,100   990 EUR
HIGH$5,800   5,300 EUR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Helsinki

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$950   870 EUR
AVERAGE$2,700   2,500 EUR
HIGH$15,000   14,000 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$240   220 EUR
AVERAGE$680   620 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$530   490 EUR
AVERAGE$1,500   1,400 EUR
HIGH$8,400   7,700 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$240   220 EUR
AVERAGE$680   620 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$150   140 EUR
AVERAGE$420   390 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,100 EUR
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$410   380 EUR
AVERAGE$1,200   1,100 EUR
HIGH$6,500   6,000 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$360   330 EUR
AVERAGE$1,000   940 EUR
HIGH$5,600   5,100 EUR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Helsinki

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$260   240 EUR
AVERAGE$650   600 EUR
HIGH$1,200   1,100 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$43   40 EUR
AVERAGE$110   100 EUR
HIGH$190   180 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$76   70 EUR
AVERAGE$190   170 EUR
HIGH$340   310 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$220   200 EUR
AVERAGE$540   500 EUR
HIGH$970   900 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$65   60 EUR
AVERAGE$160   150 EUR
HIGH$290   270 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$54   50 EUR
AVERAGE$140   120 EUR
HIGH$240   220 EUR
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$210   190 EUR
AVERAGE$510   470 EUR
HIGH$920   850 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$160   150 EUR
AVERAGE$410   370 EUR
HIGH$730   670 EUR
Per Month
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