Cost of Living in Helsinki
Non-subsidised rental homes in Helsinki cost an average of €21.37 per m² a month in the 3rd quarter of 2026. Median rents were €730 for a one-room flat and €950 for a two-room flat. An adult HSL 30-day ticket for zones AB costs €73.90.
This page covers what living in Helsinki costs, using official figures only: rents from Statistics Finland, housing figures from the City of Helsinki and public transport fares from HSL, the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority. Where we found no official Helsinki figure, as for consumer prices and utilities, we leave the item out.
Rents and housing costs in Helsinki
HSL public transport fares in Helsinki, 2026
Rent in Helsinki
Non-subsidised rental homes in Helsinki cost an average of €21.37 per m² a month in the 3rd quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Finland. That is 34% above the Finnish average of €15.99, and above Espoo and Kauniainen (€18.86) and Vantaa (€17.78). Rents in Helsinki were 0.2% lower than a year earlier.
By size, the median monthly rent was €730 for a one-room flat, €950 for a two-room flat and €1,292 for three rooms or more. Government-subsidised homes rent for less, €15.31 per m² on average, but their rents rose 1.8% over the year. For buyers, old dwellings in Helsinki sold for an average of €4,983 per m² in 2025, against €2,594 across Finland, according to the city.
Getting around
HSL runs buses, trams, the metro, commuter trains and the Suomenlinna ferry in the Helsinki region on one ticket system. Helsinki is in zones A and B. An adult single ticket for zones AB costs €3.30 in the HSL app or on an HSL card, or €3.50 from a ticket machine or by contactless bank card, and is valid for 80 minutes. A 30-day season ticket costs €73.90, up from €72.10 in 2025, and the auto-renewing saver subscription €61.60 every 30 days.
We found no official consumer price index or utilities cost for Helsinki alone, so we do not show a city inflation rate. For pay levels, see average salary in Helsinki.
Hiring in Helsinki? Our Helsinki guide covers pay, rents and employer costs, and the guide to hiring in Finland covers the national rules. Need the right person? We place remote professionals across Europe, with a shortlist of 3 within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Helsinki?
Non-subsidised rental homes in Helsinki averaged €21.37 per m² a month in the 3rd quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Finland. Government-subsidised homes averaged €15.31 per m².
How much does a one-room flat cost to rent in Helsinki?
The median monthly rent of a non-subsidised one-room flat in Helsinki was €730 in the 3rd quarter of 2026. For a two-room flat it was €950.
Are rents in Helsinki rising?
Not for non-subsidised homes: their rents fell 0.2% between the 3rd quarter of 2025 and the 3rd quarter of 2026. Government-subsidised rents rose 1.8%.
How much is a monthly transport pass in Helsinki?
An adult HSL 30-day ticket for zones AB costs €73.90 in 2026. The auto-renewing saver subscription costs €61.60 every 30 days.
Is Helsinki more expensive than the rest of Finland?
For rent, yes. Non-subsidised homes in Helsinki cost €21.37 per m² a month in the 3rd quarter of 2026, against €15.99 across Finland.
Sources
- Statistics Finland, Rents of dwellings 2026, 3rd quarter. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- City of Helsinki, Helsinki Facts and Figures 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- HSL, Season tickets. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- HSL, Single tickets. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- HSL, HSL fares in 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
