Your Expat Community in Finland

Living in Finland: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Finland, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Finland. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in Finland?

As an expat in Finland, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an InterNations member!) The top nationalities in the InterNations Communities in Finland currently are:

• Russians
• Indians
• Americans
• British

Which cities are most popular among expats in Finland?
Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in Finland:

• Helsinki
• Oulu
• Pori

How much rent do expats pay in Finland?
Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 915 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.560 USD. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within Finland.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in Finland.

Average rent in Helsinki

• Single expats: 1.169 USD
• Expat families: 2.078 USD

Average rent in Oulu

• Single expats: 759 USD
• Expat families: 1.316 USD

Average rent in Pori

• Single expats: 572 USD
• Expat families: 928 USD

How safe is Finland?
You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in Finland as very safe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very low. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very low. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very high.

How safe is Finland for women?
Female expats rated the safety situation in Finland as very safe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in Finland (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

Embark on Your Life as an Expat in Finland!

Finland is a beautiful Scandinavian country with stunning snowy vistas and glorious mountain views. Outdoor activities abound from snow sports to trekking and exploring, and the fresh, crisp, and clean environment makes a great change for any expat more used to a sweltering, busy city environment. But it’s not just about the natural beauty; Finland is also a vibrant economic center bursting with job opportunities for any expat with the right skills, especially around the growing trading hub that is the capital city, Helsinki. Expat life in Finland is a rewarding and relaxing one, giving an attractive and sometimes awe-inspiring backdrop to any working life. The standard of living here, like many other Scandinavian countries, is high with new build houses and social services built and maintained to a modern and meticulous standard. From schools to swimming pools, life in Finland is a clean and efficient one, especially around Helsinki and other major cities — so join up with our community in Finland today for an easy introduction into this pleasant and safe society.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Qatar or Portugal, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The International Community for Like-Minded Expats

Despite being a great place to live with a fine living standard, relocating to a foreign country can be a tough task for any expat. Homesickness, culture shock and the language barrier can all make a move difficult — luckily InterNations' friendly and welcoming community of expats are always ready to help, both online and offline. From football and hiking for the active expat, to dancing and singles nights for the more socially minded, there are plenty of activities available in Helsinki. So if you’re struggling to adapt to Finnish society and are yearning for the company of a like-minded expat who speaks your language (or just want some helpful answers to your important questions), join the InterNations community today and start getting the support you need.