Finland is generally more affordable than the UK, particularly regarding rent, which is over 30% lower. While groceries and dining out can be pricier in Finland, overall living costs—including utilities and transport—are lower, especially when comparing Helsinki to London, with the latter often being 39% more expensive.
Helsinki is generally cheaper than London, with an estimated 39% lower cost of living. This means you would need about 39% less money to maintain the same standard of living in Helsinki compared to London.
While Finland isn't the cheapest place to live, it isn't the most expensive either. Besides, all the above advantages easily tip the scale in Finland's favor. If moving to Finland seems like something you'd be interested in, you want to be well-informed before any major life-changing decisions.
If you wish to move to Finland, you will in most cases need a residence permit. You do not need a residence permit if you only wish to visit Finland and stay for a maximum of 90 days. However, in most cases you will need a visa.
Finland's "3-Year Rule" is a tax rule for Finnish citizens moving abroad, stating they remain Finnish tax residents during their year of relocation and the next three calendar years, unless they prove they have no substantial ties (like a home, spouse, or social security) in Finland during that time, in which case they can apply to be a non-resident taxpayer sooner.
According to the cost of living comparison website Numbeo: The overall cost of living in the UK is around 3% less than in Finland. Rent costs are higher in the UK compared to Finland. Eating out is 3% cheaper in the UK compared to Finland.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Finland? While living in Finland has many benefits, it's essential to consider all aspects of life in a new country. The pros include excellent public services and a clean environment, while the cons might include the long, dark winters and a relatively high cost of living.
Is healthcare in Finland free? Healthcare isn't entirely free, but it's quite inexpensive. Most fees are covered by the patient's home municipality, and services like maternity and child health clinic visits, nurse's consultations, and primary health screenings are offered at no cost to residents.
Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Finland, especially in cities and among younger people, as English proficiency is very high (over 70% of Finns), making it easy to get by in daily life, study, and work, though learning some Finnish is beneficial for deeper integration and wider job opportunities.
Engineering. Engineering remains a backbone of Finland's industrial economy, with steady employment growth of 0.5% year-on-year. Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are in high demand, especially within infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and the built environment.
In addition, consumption taxes are considered to be a key reason why the tax take is proportionally higher than many other OECD countries: VAT is 24% in Finland and 25% in the other three Nordic markets. Corporate tax rates, however, are in line with those in the UK and range from 20 to 22%.
An annual salary of more than 100k is considered high enough to be published in the mainstream media annually. Specialists and business executives are usually those who earn more than 100k.
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in the UK?
The nicest but cheapest places to live in the UK often combine affordability with access to nature or culture, with top contenders including Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Hull, Burnley, and County Durham for low housing/rental costs, offering seaside access (Sunderland), rich history (Hull), or proximity to natural beauty like the North York Moors (Middlesbrough). Carlisle also stands out for its proximity to the Lake District and affordability.
The answer is yes and no. While Finland is known to be expensive, you'll save money coming from the UK. As a renter, you would need around £4,292.70 in Helsinki to have the same life in London with £6,700. Let's compare the cost of living in Helsinki, Finland to London, UK for various expenses.
Parks, forests and lakes in Finland are free to roam thanks to jokamiehen oikeudet (every man's rights) which means that every person has the right to travel in nature regardless of who owns the land. Every man's rights allow you to pick flowers, berries and mushrooms, if the species is not protected.
According to the latest 2025 CEOWORLD Health Care Index, Taiwan once again ranks as the country with the best healthcare in the world, maintaining its top position with an overall score of 78.72. South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11) remain in second and third place, respectively.
In addition to the visit, the patient also pays for the treatments, examinations and preventative dentistry. The charge for a visit for dental care is around EUR 10 to 30. The charge varies depending on whether the treatment is provided by an oral hygienist, a dentist or a specialist.
Three/six-month unemployment rule specifies the effect that unemployment has on those residing in Finland with a work-based residence permit. The scope of the right to work under a residence permit for an employed person will also be broader to facilitate re-employment of immigrants.
The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest predator in Europe. It eats a mixed diet, uses carcasses for food and preys on large deer animals. When snow is on the ground, the bear is in hibernation. The brown bear is Finland's national animal.
