Like many others, I now have friends in numerous countries. We often discuss how life differs across various places, and I genuinely admire Finland in comparison with other countries.
If the climate suits you (and I’ve always loved the cold), then Finland is definitely the best choice!
My thoughts after talking with friends (based on their experiences):
Housing Search Times
In Finland, you can find an apartment even before you move. You’ll have no trouble settling in the area of your choice, with or without pets.
Sweden, England, Denmark, and the Netherlands will test your patience. The worst situation is in Stockholm, where many people have to live in Airbnb for up to two years.
Cost of Living
In Portugal and Montenegro, popular relocation destinations, rental prices are similar. Lisbon compares to Helsinki, and Montenegro to other Finnish cities in terms of rent. However, buying property in Helsinki is very attractive. This year, purchase prices dropped by 10% from last year. I compare this with countries where housing costs are currently inflated.
Expenses
Daycares
In Finland, daycares (including private ones) are subsidized by the government. If your family income is less than €4,500 per month, the daycare will be free.
Children can start daycare from 9 months old. In younger groups, there’s 1 adult for every 4 children; in older groups, 1 adult for every 5 children. Daycares provide three meals a day: hot breakfast and lunch, and an afternoon snack.
In the Netherlands, daycares cost €1,000 per month. It’s rare to find a daycare that provides meals, so parents pack sandwiches and snacks for their children.
In Germany, the waitlist for daycares is so long that children may remain on it for years, even if both parents work. In Finland, if both parents work, daycare is provided very quickly. If one parent doesn’t work, the maximum waiting time is 4 months.
Schools
Schools are free (hello, England).
You can skip school and take vacations not just during breaks (hello, Germany).
Schools have integration classes and adaptation support for children, as well as native language lessons for immigrants.
Your children will also have excellent English after school.
English in Daily Life and Work
In Portugal, as in Finland, you can communicate everywhere in English. I lived for 4 years without speaking Finnish.
In Germany, however, without German, you will feel uncomfortable.
Integration and Language Courses for Spouses
In the Netherlands, such courses will cost you unreasonably high prices: over €1,000 per month. In Finland, you will receive an additional allowance of €700.
Electricity Costs
Finland has its own nuclear power plant and other green energy sources.
Electricity and central heating costs for an average household are €30-50 per month.
In Portugal, heating in winter will be very expensive, as it is in Israel, Germany, and Spain.
Taxes
I was surprised to find out that taxes in Finland are not particularly high compared to the rest of Europe. In Portugal, for instance, out of €3,000, only €1,800 remains after taxes, which is about the same as here.
Healthcare
Child insurance in Germany can reach €500 per month. In Portugal, it’s similar to Finland (~€500 per year), but there you need to buy insurance for the whole family. Here, you can easily rely on public healthcare.
Driver's License
In Germany, retaking the driving test will cost over €500. In Finland, they simply exchange your license, and you only pay for the medical certificate and the card itself.
Border with Russia
It’s still a great bonus. For those living in mainland Europe, trips to Russia to visit family and friends often become very long and expensive.
Living in Finland for an extended time, you start noticing the problems, but objectively, the advantages here far outweigh them.
My thoughts after talking with friends (based on their experiences):
Housing Search Times
In Finland, you can find an apartment even before you move. You’ll have no trouble settling in the area of your choice, with or without pets.
Sweden, England, Denmark, and the Netherlands will test your patience. The worst situation is in Stockholm, where many people have to live in Airbnb for up to two years.
Cost of Living
In Portugal and Montenegro, popular relocation destinations, rental prices are similar. Lisbon compares to Helsinki, and Montenegro to other Finnish cities in terms of rent. However, buying property in Helsinki is very attractive. This year, purchase prices dropped by 10% from last year. I compare this with countries where housing costs are currently inflated.
Expenses
- Nanny: €15/hour
- Business lunch: €12-17
- Uber: €10 for 10 minutes
- Dinner at a restaurant without wine: €35
- An hour of massage/manicure/hairdresser: around €50
- Surprisingly, friends in Portugal say the prices are exactly the same.
Daycares
In Finland, daycares (including private ones) are subsidized by the government. If your family income is less than €4,500 per month, the daycare will be free.
Children can start daycare from 9 months old. In younger groups, there’s 1 adult for every 4 children; in older groups, 1 adult for every 5 children. Daycares provide three meals a day: hot breakfast and lunch, and an afternoon snack.
In the Netherlands, daycares cost €1,000 per month. It’s rare to find a daycare that provides meals, so parents pack sandwiches and snacks for their children.
In Germany, the waitlist for daycares is so long that children may remain on it for years, even if both parents work. In Finland, if both parents work, daycare is provided very quickly. If one parent doesn’t work, the maximum waiting time is 4 months.
Schools
Schools are free (hello, England).
You can skip school and take vacations not just during breaks (hello, Germany).
Schools have integration classes and adaptation support for children, as well as native language lessons for immigrants.
Your children will also have excellent English after school.
English in Daily Life and Work
In Portugal, as in Finland, you can communicate everywhere in English. I lived for 4 years without speaking Finnish.
In Germany, however, without German, you will feel uncomfortable.
Integration and Language Courses for Spouses
In the Netherlands, such courses will cost you unreasonably high prices: over €1,000 per month. In Finland, you will receive an additional allowance of €700.
Electricity Costs
Finland has its own nuclear power plant and other green energy sources.
Electricity and central heating costs for an average household are €30-50 per month.
In Portugal, heating in winter will be very expensive, as it is in Israel, Germany, and Spain.
Taxes
I was surprised to find out that taxes in Finland are not particularly high compared to the rest of Europe. In Portugal, for instance, out of €3,000, only €1,800 remains after taxes, which is about the same as here.
Healthcare
Child insurance in Germany can reach €500 per month. In Portugal, it’s similar to Finland (~€500 per year), but there you need to buy insurance for the whole family. Here, you can easily rely on public healthcare.
Driver's License
In Germany, retaking the driving test will cost over €500. In Finland, they simply exchange your license, and you only pay for the medical certificate and the card itself.
Border with Russia
It’s still a great bonus. For those living in mainland Europe, trips to Russia to visit family and friends often become very long and expensive.
Living in Finland for an extended time, you start noticing the problems, but objectively, the advantages here far outweigh them.
