Finland, a country in the northern European republic, is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, while Estonia lies across the Gulf of Finland to its south. It is divided into five regions, with the capital being Helsinki.
Cost of Living in Finland
Finland’s official languages are Finnish and Swedish, with euro (EUR) as its currency many reasons, if you want to settle in Finland, you’ve got to fall in love with this country. The abundant color of autumn makes the country very beautiful.
Clothing
In Finland clothing is slightly more expensive than on average in the EU. There are many cheap clothing chains that have no shops in Finland. Also, you should bear in mind that you need different clothes and shoes during the summer, winter and interval periods.
So many items can be purchased for use in Finland. The products used are more fairly priced. In many used-goods stores and flea markets, for example, you can buy furniture and clothing. Web sites also exist for the sale of used goods. Many used goods are found in good condition.
Education
Throughout Finland, pre-school education, comprehensive schooling, and upper secondary education are free. Studying at Finnish institutes of higher education is typically also free. Although, if you travel from outside the EU to live in Finland and teach in English, you should pay the tuition.
The early childhood education fees, i.e. daycare for children, are dependent on the income of the family. The fees for your elderly child in municipal early childhood education are up to around € 300. If you have multiple children in early childhood education, the younger siblings will be charged less.
Health Services
If you have a municipality of residence in Finland, you have the right to access public health facilities. Prices differ according to localities. A doctor’s appointment, for example, typically costs about € 20 in a health facility, and about €40 in an outpatient clinic.
Treatment at hospitals typically costs about €50 a day. Total fees may be up to around €700 annually. Maternity and child health clinics facilities are free to the client. People often have to pay for their medications themselves, but certain medications are eligible for a partial refund. The refund is paid out of tax revenue.
Housing
In Finland, the cost of housing varies widely. In average, nearly one-fifth of Finn’s net income goes to the house. Rents vary from €10–30 per square meters. The average cost of Finland’s owner-occupied homes is €2,100 per square meters but homes in big cities are much more expensive. The heating is often the biggest single cost item in detached houses.
Food
Food costs vary widely from city to city, but on an average local supermarket, groceries will cost you about EUR 200-250 / month. Shopping from discount supermarkets such as Lidl, Sale, Alepa and K-Market will save you some money. And you will often find discounts if you choose to buy products in the evening.
If you want to eat out, a meal in an affordable restaurant costs about EUR 11, while in an average restaurant, a three-course dinner for two will be around 60 EUR.
Transportation
Most of the students choose to use public transport to get around town. Depending on the city, a public transportation pass is between EUR 35 and EUR 50 per month for students. You can rent a car too, but it would cost you around EUR 230 for 5 days. You can walk to university if you enjoy strolling and fresh air, especially if you don’t live that far from it.
Pros and Cons of Living in Finland
Finland is a fantastic study destination for foreign students seeking a bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and a Ph.D. degree in the Finish environment. Students from all parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa look forward to studying at Finish Universities were many in Finland are looking for tuition-free universities.
Here are some of the pros and cons to look at
Pros of Living in Finland
1. Education
Education is free and of high quality. Teachers are well-trained in delivering the best. For students living more than 5 km away from the school, the city administration organizes transportation.
2. Income
Finland is one of the world’s most prosperous countries and its GDP is also the reason it’s the happiest country in the world. Finland’s highly industrialized economy is focused primarily on goods from telecommunication equipment, automobiles, and forestry. More than 10 percent of paper and paperboard is also manufactured worldwide by Finland.
3. No corruption
Finland is among the world’s least corrupt countries. It has always been among the purest in the index of corruption. The index reading in 2018 stood at 85 out of 100, 0 being the world’s most corrupt countries.
4. Low crime rate
If a parent says he’s fine knowing that his kid will be playing with a stranger or a friend in the neighborhood, you know they’re living in a healthy, peaceful country. Finland is an excellent place for raising your children.
Even in Finland’s most populated cities like Helsinki and Tampere, criminal activity is close to null. Finland has been rated the safest country in the world according to the 2017 World Economic Forum report. Finland is the best country to be in for travellers, as well.
5. High Literacy
The Finns are voracious learners. One popular sight in Finland is the massive and beautiful public libraries. The Finnish people’s library is part of their lives. In Finland, talking in the Finnish language is not mandatory. Everybody in the country speaks both English and Swedish. Moreover, the tradition of sending students to other countries has made a lot of difference as they get to study other languages and cultures.
Cons of Living in Finland
1. High Taxes
Living in Finland at times appears to be frustrating when it comes to government-levied taxes. Finland’s income taxes are rising at a whopping 31.75%. Citizens do have to pay premiums to social security and the public broadcasting charge.
Finns are imposed taxes on their salaries, pensions, investment capital income, and social benefits. All people’s earned income is subject to national taxation, town taxation, and to church taxes. It’s claimed that the government is able to provide free healthcare in Finland because of such high tax rates.
2. Weather
Assume the worst about Northern Finland winters, the temperature decreases as low as -50° C. In fact, the whole country is known to have extremely cold winters with heavy snowfall, and sometimes even snowstorms. Broad daylight in Finland is a scarce sight.
3. Alcoholism
Finland, like many of the European countries, is no different as far as alcohol use is concerned. The nation has a long history of struggling with chronic alcoholism. Nonetheless, abuse and alcohol-related drug behaviour are very rare.
4. Depression
Sadly, Finland is still considered a special nation with as many unhappy people as possible. Depression is generally related to the awful weather and people tend to hide in the house more often than not. Regular outdoor activities are very rare due to which the celebrations and gatherings are also minimal.
5. Bureaucracy
Like other European nations, there are a number of red tapes that make it impossible for citizens to buy a license and lengthy processes while accessing government services.
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