How Finland compares across key indices
Cost of Living
68 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
74/100
Healthcare
78/100
Quality of Life
206/200
Climate
55/100
How far your money goes in Finland
Cost of Living
68
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
20
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
67
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
75
100 = NYC dining
$1,912/mo
$1,956/mo
$2,327/mo
$2,397/mo
How safe residents feel in Finland — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
74/100
Crime Index
26/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
61/100
Crime perceived as increasing
19 point drop from day to night
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
Based on 1,213 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Finland has 5 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,912 in Oulu to $2,397 in Helsinki. Tampere leads on safety, scoring 79/100. Helsinki ranks highest for quality of life at 199/200.
Oulu
$1,912/mo
Tampere
79/100
Helsinki
199/200
Helsinki
80/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oulu | $1,912 | — | — | — | — |
| Turku | $1,956 | — | — | — | — |
| Espoo | $2,327 | — | — | — | — |
| Helsinki | $2,397 | 75/100 | 199/200 | 80/100 | 13 |
| Tampere | — | 79/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare system overview for Finland
Healthcare Index
78/100
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 326 survey responses
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Finland
Pollution Index
11/100
Lower is better
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 539 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
How people get around in Finland
Average One-Way Commute
25minutes
Short
Traffic Index
78
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
72
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
1.6kg/trip
Based on 266 survey responses.
Common questions about living in Finland, answered with data
Finland has a cost of living index of 68 relative to New York City (100). It is comparable in cost to most US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,912 in Oulu and reach $2,397 in Helsinki.
Oulu is the most affordable city in Finland with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,912 for a single person including rent. Turku is the next most affordable at $1,956/mo.
Finland has a safety index of 74/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Tampere scores highest on safety at 79/100.
Helsinki ranks highest for quality of life in Finland, scoring 199/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $2,397/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Oulu offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,912/mo.
Finland scores 78/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it excellent by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Yes. Finland's cost of living is roughly 32% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 80% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Finland has a pollution index of 11/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Your pre-departure checklist for Finland
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.
Learn about our mission