Cost of Living in Finland for International Students: A Realistic Monthly Budget

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How Much Money Do I Need To Prepare?

One of the biggest questions I had before moving to Finland was, “How much money do I actually need each month?” If you’re asking the same question, you’re not alone.

The good news is that while Finland is known for its high cost of living, students can manage their expenses comfortably with careful planning. Thanks to student discounts, affordable university meals, and reliable public transport, living on a student budget is entirely possible.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on what many international students spend each month. Keep in mind that your actual expenses will vary depending on the city you live in and your lifestyle.

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost
Rent	€300–€800
Food and Groceries	€200–€350
Public Transport	€35–€70
Mobile Phone Plan	€15–€30
Entertainment & Leisure	€50–€150
Miscellaneous (toiletries, clothing, study materials)	€50–€100

Estimated Total Monthly Budget: €650–€1,505

If you’re living in Helsinki, expect your rent to be on the higher end. Students in cities like Turku, Tampere, Oulu, or Joensuu often find more affordable accommodation.

Rent

Rent will likely be your biggest monthly expense. Student housing is usually the most affordable option, especially if you apply early. Shared apartments can significantly reduce costs while giving you the chance to meet other students. So be sure to arrange your accommodation as soon as you can. There are student housing provided by the school at a certain cost but due to the high number of applicants, many schools apply the first come, first serve basis.

Food

One thing I appreciate about studying in Finland is the subsidized student lunch. Most universities offer nutritious meals at student prices, which helps keep food costs under control. Student meals cost from €6 – €10 depending on your location. Cooking at home for most meals is another great way to save money. Shopping at budget supermarkets and planning meals ahead can make a noticeable difference over the month. And if you are smart enough, you can forage mushrooms and berries during the season which can lessen the cost of your food somehow if you make your own desserts which are soo expensive if you buy from coffee shops. Believe me, it is much better to make your simple pie from free ingredients from the forest.

Transportation

Finland’s public transport system is reliable and student-friendly. Most cities offer discounted monthly travel passes, making it easy to get around without owning a car. If you live close to campus, cycling is another popular and budget-friendly option, especially during spring and summer. Each city has its own rules about transportation. In Helsinki you can purchase in advance your train tickets or tram tickets. In Turku, you can purchase in advance your Föli card under a student registration so you get to avail of the student discount. It is about 60€ a month, unlimited travel time.

Phone

Mobile plans in Finland are generally affordable. Many providers offer generous data packages at reasonable prices, so staying connected doesn’t have to strain your budget.

Entertainment

Student life isn’t only about lectures and assignments. Budget for occasional coffee with friends, movies, cultural events, or exploring nearby cities. Many museums, cinemas, gyms, and attractions offer generous student discounts. As a student, I would advise you take advantage of the free entertainments say, a visit to the Turku Castle on certain days, You should only be actively searching from the official websites of each places that interest you.

Savings Tips for International Students

After living, studying, and working in Finland, here are a few habits that have helped me gain insights that can help you in advance.

• Apply for student housing as soon as you receive your admission offer. If you need help, ask from your school counselor.
• Take advantage of discounted student lunches whenever possible. In Finland, food is free for vocational students. In higher education, it costs something but affordable for students.
• Cook at home instead of eating out regularly.
• Use your student card to access transport, museum, and event discounts.
• Buy winter clothing during end-of-season sales or from second-hand stores. There are quite a number of second-hand stores that offer quality winter clothing. Also you can shop online from trusted sellers of winter clothing. Choose clothing that fits Finnish winter, so you avoid the shock.
• Track your monthly spending with a budgeting app or spreadsheet or in whatever way you can. This will help you stay of your budget. It is easy to get lost from your budget with so many things to try especially for newcomers.
• If your residence permit allows it, consider part-time work to help cover living expenses while gaining valuable local experience.

My Take

Studying abroad whether in Finland or in another country carries some financial obligations. Make sure you have enough funds for the mandatory requirements so you don’t find yourself in trouble. Of course, as a student you are entitled to work on the side for certain hours which can help you on some of your minor expenses. The good news in my opinion is that during summer, students can work full time provided that the number of hours shouldn’t exceed the total hours allowed for students to work in a year, according to the law, 30 hours per week.

Many students benefit from this opportunity during summer when the berry picking season is up. This is the easiest job any student can avail in addition to selling your own fresh picked wild berries. Selling fresh wild berries is tax-free, and is a good way to earn money if you are not picky.