Why do Russians choose Finland for life and vacation?

Attractiveness of Finland for Russian tourists

Finland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from Russia due to its convenient geographical location and ease of travel. The flow of travelers is expected to increase in the near future, as a project to build a new motor transport route that will connect Vyborg and Brusnichnoye is being actively implemented.

In addition, many citizens of CIS countries are interested in moving to this country, seeking a higher standard of living and a stable economy. Finland is not without reason at the top of the world rankings of countries with the highest level of happiness. Nevertheless, before realizing your plans, it is important to consider the costs associated with relocation.

Real estate market in Finland

As far as the real estate market is concerned, Finland has seen a steady increase in house prices, ranging from2-3%annually. Although this increase is not as significant as in some other countries, such as Hong Kong, it still requires careful analysis. Housing prices vary by city, neighborhood and property type.

• In Helsinki, the cost per square meter in new buildings is approx.5000 euros.
• Secondary housing in the capital costs in3760 eurosper square meter.
• In smaller cities, prices for new buildings can be approx.3210 eurosper square meter.
• The cost of secondary housing in such cities is about1720 euros.

Apartment prices in Helsinki

The cost of an apartment in the capital also depends on the location; you can find options for both for2000 eurosas well as for6000 euros. In Cuovola, prices for a good apartment are approx.1200 eurosper square meter, while in Lappeenranta the cost fluctuates around1800 euros. In the Southeast, lakefront land with shorelines is available; such offerings start at .30,000 eurosand homes in the region can be purchased from150,000 euros.

Housing rental in Finland

When it comes to rentals, prices for rental apartments vary greatly depending on location:

• The rent for a studio apartment in the center of Helsinki can be approx.1000 eurosper month.
• A three-bedroom apartment will cost from1500 to 2000 euros.
• In bedroom communities, rental costs are much lower - on average700-1000 eurosaccordingly.

In other cities, such as Tampere, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Tampere will cost from600 to 1000 eurosdepending on its characteristics, and in the suburbs prices can range from400 to 800 euros.

Nuances of renting

It is important to keep a few nuances in mind when renting a home in Finland:

• An apartment deposit can range from one to three months.
• As a rule, apartments are rented unfurnished, except for the built-in kitchen.
• This implies the need to purchase furniture from stores like Ikea or Prisma.

Utility costs

You should also pay attention to utility costs, which make up a significant part of the budget. On average, Finnish residents spend about27%of their income on utilities, with residents of metropolitan areas able to spend up to37%your income for these purposes. All these aspects are worth considering when planning a financial budget for living in Finland.

Comfort of living in Finland

It is important to note that local residents, investing significant funds, receive a high level of comfort, including all modern amenities, such as hot water, stable electricity, gas, as well as access to the Internet and mobile communications. Even if a person lives in a remote village, the quality of life here remains at an appropriate level. Many Finnish houses are decorated in a minimalist Scandinavian style, but surprisingly, the93%of the Finnish population are satisfied with their living conditions.

Rent expenses

Now let's take a look at what you will need to spend money on if you decide to rent in this region. First of all, these are electricity costs, which can range from€50to€200per month. If consumption is monitored, a couple living in a small apartment can manage to pay approx.€70-80.

Another important cost item will be water and sewerage services, which can be estimated at approx.€15-20per person per month. Payment for garbage disposal is approx.€15for each service, and this amount is divided among all residents of the house.

When it comes to home Internet services, an unlimited tariff with a speed of10 Mbpsit costs about€30. Do not forget about the compulsory insurance required for renting a home in Finland. When you sign a rental agreement, you will need to take out not only a deposit, but also an electricity contract and insurance. This can range from€120to€200per year or from€10to€15per month. This will protect you from unnecessary worries about possible repairs and additional expenses during your stay.

Total housing costs

Thus, if you live alone, you will need to keep about€140-160per month. You should also consider start-up costs such as a deposit, as well as the cost of furniture and appliances. If you already own your own home, the cost of maintaining it can be approx.€500depending on the type of property.

Meals in Finland

Now let's move on to the issue of food. Finland is known for its quality local food production. This principle also applies to food: local products are famous for their high quality, and the main national dishes are usually prepared with fish and meat, often steamed or stewed. Fried dishes are not so common here, but a variety of baked goods with fillings can be found literally at every turn. Catering is also varied, including trendy restaurants and small street cafes.

Supermarkets and shopping expenses

If we talk about supermarkets, this is the most economical option if you are ready to prepare your own food. The most well-known and popular chains include:

• Prisma
• K-Citymarket
• Tokmanni
• Lidl

The first three networks offer the most favorable prices, while the last one usually has higher rates, even despite the current economic situation in Europe. If you need to buy strong alcoholic beverages, it's best to go to a specialized store, as regular shops will only offer you light alcoholic products.

Prices for groceries

As for fish, you can visit the stores Kalatukku E. Eriksson or Savukari. Although food prices in Finland are generally higher than in Russia, they are still lower than in Sweden or Norway. For example:

• Bread - about€1-2
• A liter of milk -€1
• Cheese - from€8for 1 kg
• Butter - about€2for 0.5 kg
• A dozen eggs -€2-3

Thus, life in Finland can be quite comfortable, even considering some financial expenses.

Prices for groceries in Finland

In recent months, there have been many interesting changes in food prices in Finland. For example, the average price of beef ranges from 20 to 23 euros per kilogram, while the cost of pork reaches around 8 euros per kilogram.

Transport and communication in Finland

In Finland, transportation and communication costs are significant. If you plan to use public transport, be prepared for ticket prices to range from €2 to €4 depending on the type of usage.

For those who frequently use buses and trams, purchasing a monthly pass is a sensible decision, as it provides access to all routes in the capital region. Its cost is around €100, which can significantly reduce your transportation expenses. However, it is important to note that public transport options are limited to large cities, and in smaller towns, the only alternative is often a personal car.

Fuel prices and car ownership

As for fuel prices, in Finland they fluctuate between €1.7 and €1.8 per liter. Finns actively support environmental trends, including bio-components in fuel, which reduces its negative impact on the environment.

However, owning a car also involves additional expenses.

• Mandatory car insurance costs about €500 per year (approximately €42 per month).
• The road tax is €200 per year (approximately €17 per month).
• The technical inspection costs €70 once a year.
• Additional expenses include unexpected repairs, washing, and seasonal tire changes.

If you already have a driver's license, the most sensible step would be to exchange it for a Finnish one upon arrival in the country. The exchange process will cost you between €50 and €100. Learning to drive in Finland will require significantly more expenses and time — the total costs can reach €2000-3000.

Mobile communication expenses

As for mobile communication, monthly expenses range from €15 to €20 per person, which is quite affordable for most residents.

Prices for clothing and footwear

When buying clothing and footwear in Finland, you can expect a wide range of prices. Local brands offer their products at quite reasonable prices, while items from European brands can vary significantly and be considerably more expensive.

At the end of the season, there are often sales with discounts of 20-30%, which creates great shopping opportunities. The capital has many shopping places, among which the "Stockmann" outlet, as well as the shopping centers "Jumbo" and "Iso Omena," stand out.

Approximate prices for clothing in Finland may be as follows:

• Jeans start at €50.
• Dresses starting from €30.
• Down jackets start at €100 for local brands and from €250 for European ones.
• Sweaters — from €40.
• Winter tights — from €5 to €7.
• Sports shoes - around €80.

Leisure and free activities

In addition to purchases, it's important to consider expenses for leisure and entertainment. Personal time is highly valued in Finnish society, so locals try to balance work and free time. If you are at work, don't forget to take breaks to rest — a monthly gym membership can be purchased for €60-€80, and a trip to the cinema will cost you between €12 and €18.

Culture enthusiasts will find the doors of many museums open, with tickets starting at €3, and for the more adventurous, there are attractions like the Ferris wheel for €12. The most economical way to travel around the country is by bus, with ticket prices starting at around €3-€4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that Finland attracts attention not only as a popular destination for short trips but also as a country worth considering for more long-term living. The wonders of its nature, safety, high standard of living, and economic stability make it particularly appealing to people from the CIS countries. With the introduction of the new Vyborg-Brusnichnoye highway, we can expect an increase in tourist traffic, opening new horizons for investment and business.

Financial aspects of life in Finland

However, before making serious decisions about moving or buying property, it is important to carefully analyze all aspects of life in this country, including:

• Housing expenses
• Utility expenses
• Grocery shopping

Real estate prices in Finland, although rising, still remain relatively affordable compared to other European countries. In this regard, it is essential to consider all options to determine what suits you best:

• housing rental
• real estate purchase
• Life in the capital or in peaceful regions

Advantages of living in Finland

Finland, with its unique culture, friendly population, and beautiful nature, offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking quality of life and stability. Yes, the financial aspects may seem daunting, but in the long run, the benefits it offers can prove to be quite justified.

Result

As a result, who knows, perhaps Finland will become your new home where dreams of a peaceful and comfortable life come true.