The number of expats moving to Helsinki has grown thanks to its healthy economy and high standards of healthcare and education. Finland’s capital city continues to lead the way in design and culture. Many areas and suburbs feature contemporary architecture and inventive cuisine.
The wide avenues of Helsinki are lined with buildings that showcase centuries of architectural excellence, from the neoclassical era through to Art Deco and cutting-edge contemporary buildings. Expats will find Helsinki lacks none of the sophistication of home; it may even surpass it.
Living in Helsinki as an expat
Living in Helsinki as an expat means settling in Finland’s largest city, situated in the Uusimaa region on the country’s southern coast.
Spread across a cluster of promontories and peninsulas, it is the political, educational, financial, and cultural centre of Finland.
As an economic hub, many foreign companies have bases in this region, and the city’s job market draws in many expats. Helsinki has something for everyone when it comes to entertainment and lifestyle, and its prolific coffee culture will be of particular interest to coffee lovers.
The cold may put a damper on the mood, but a traditional Finnish sauna will raise the spirits. The country’s housing is well equipped to handle the cold and keep residents cosy.
Whether you are moving alone or as a family, public transport makes getting around easy. Helsinki is also a gateway to Finland’s vast countryside, and Lapland in the north offers reliable sightings of the spectacular northern lights.
Public Transport in Helsinki
Lifestyle in Helsinki
Cost of living in Helsinki
The cost of living in Helsinki is undeniably high, even by European standards. The city is one of the more expensive capitals in Northern Europe, although it remains slightly more affordable than some of its Scandinavian neighbours.
Helsinki is generally less costly than Copenhagen, although daily expenses still add up.
Accommodation is likely to be the largest expense for expats moving to Helsinki. The city is experiencing a housing shortage, which has led to high rental costs. Expats should factor these costs into salary negotiations with prospective employers.
Cost of Living in Finland
Renting Expat Accommodation in Helsinki
Families and children in Helsinki
For families and children in Helsinki, there are plenty of things to keep everyone occupied. Parents will be pleased to know that both public and international schools provide an excellent standard of education.
Public schools teach in Finnish or Swedish, so expats with older children who do not plan on staying long should consider international schools. Helsinki also offers bilingual Finnish-English instruction in several public primary and lower secondary schools, which can be a cost-effective middle ground for expat families.
Healthcare in Finland is mainly provided based on residency and is primarily financed by general tax revenues. There are both public- and private-sector providers. Since 2023, primary health services have been organised by regional wellbeing services counties rather than individual municipalities, although they are still delivered through local health centres.
International Schools in Helsinki
Education in Helsinki
Areas and Suburbs in Helsinki
Climate in Helsinki
Summers in Helsinki (June to September) are warm and bright. Average temperatures range from a cool 59°F (15°C) to around 70°F (21°C) in July, the warmest month. Days are long and sunny; around the summer solstice, daylight lasts up to 19 hours.
Towards the end of September, temperatures cool down sharply as days grow shorter. The first snowfall can occur in November, though permanent snow cover typically forms closer to December.
The city is blanketed by snow in winter (December to March), and temperatures plummet well below freezing. In particularly cold winters, the sea itself freezes over. Daylight is scarce; around the winter solstice, Helsinki sees only about six hours of light.
Despite harsh winters, expats can make the most of their time in one of Northern Europe’s most attractive destinations. Helsinki’s accessible social services and its human-made and natural wonders reward those willing to brave the cold.