Planning a move to Finland and wondering what rent actually looks like? Whether you're an exchange student, an expat, or a relocating professional, rent is almost certainly your biggest monthly expense. Here's a real, city-by-city breakdown of what you'll pay in Finland's six biggest rental markets in 2026.
5 min read · Updated 2026
In this guide
Rent at a glance: Finland's top cities
Here's how the six cities stack up side by side. All figures are free-market averages for unfurnished apartments (furnished and short-term listings will be higher).
| City | Avg €/m² | Studio (~25 m²) | 1-bedroom (~50 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | €21–22 | €700–900 | €1,100–1,225 |
| Espoo | €18–23 | €575–700 | €900–1,150 |
| Vantaa | €17–22 | €550–700 | €850–1,050 |
| Turku | €14.8–15.8 | €560–600 | €680–700 |
| Tampere | €15.6–16.5 | €370–700 | €620–800 |
| Vaasa | €12–15 | €375–475 | €550–700 |
Sources: Tilastokeskus, asunnollehinta.fi (Q4 2025 / Q1 2026). Prices shown are free-market, unfurnished averages. Furnished and medium-term apartments typically cost 10–30% more.
1. Helsinki
Average rent: €21–22/m² (free-market) · ~€14.50/m² (subsidised)
Studio: €700–900/mo · 1-bedroom: €1,100–1,225/mo
Finland's capital and by far its most expensive rental market. A 25 m² studio in the city centre hovers around €700–900/month, while the most central neighbourhoods like Kamppi, Punavuori and Kaartinkaupunki can exceed €24/m². If you're on a student budget, areas like Vuosaari, Laajasalo, and Kalasatama offer lower rates with good metro or tram connections to the centre.
For a 50 m² one-bedroom, expect €1,100–1,225/month depending on location. Subsidised (ARA) apartments go for significantly less, around €14.50/m², but waiting lists are long.
2. Espoo
Average rent: €18–23/m² (studios ~€23/m², two-rooms ~€18/m²)
Studio: €575–700/mo · 1-bedroom: €900–1,150/mo
Helsinki's neighbour and Finland's second most expensive city for rent. Prices vary sharply by area: Pohjois-Tapiola and Otaniemi (near Aalto University) can reach €25–27/m², while Soukka and Espoonlahti offer more budget-friendly options starting around €15/m².
Espoo's metro line makes Tapiola and Matinkylä increasingly popular with students and young professionals who want capital-region access without Helsinki-centre prices. For the same budget, you'll typically get a bigger, newer apartment in Espoo than you would in Helsinki.
3. Vantaa
Average rent: €17–22/m² (studios ~€22/m²)
Studio: €550–700/mo · 1-bedroom: €850–1,050/mo
Vantaa sits just below Espoo on the price ladder. The most expensive pockets are Tikkurila (Vantaa's administrative centre) and Aviapolis near Helsinki Airport, where modern apartments push €22–25/m². Budget-friendly alternatives like Hakunila and Koivukylä bring studios down to €600–750/month at around €13–17/m².
Vantaa is well connected by train and soon by Vantaan Ratikka (light rail), making it a practical choice for anyone working at the airport, attending Metropolia or Haaga-Helia, or commuting to Helsinki.
4. Turku
Average rent: €14.8–15.8/m²
Studio: €560–600/mo · 2-room (~40 m²): €680–700/mo
Finland's oldest city and a major student hub, home to the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi. A furnished studio of around 25 m² typically costs €560–600/month, and the city-wide average monthly rent sits around €744, with units ranging from €270 to €1,700/month depending on size and location.
Turku offers a significantly lower cost of living than the capital region while still delivering a full urban experience. It's an ideal choice for students and early-career professionals who want to keep housing costs manageable.
5. Tampere
Average rent: €15.6–16.5/m²
Studio: €370–700/mo · 1-bedroom: €620–800/mo
Finland's fastest-growing city and home to Tampere University and TAMK. Rents are affordable by Finnish standards: a small shared room might cost €200–400/month, while a furnished studio (25–35 m²) usually runs €370–700/month. One-bedroom flats in the 40–50 m² range generally fall between €620–800/month, though central modern apartments may exceed that.
Tampere's new tram network has reshaped the city, making areas like Hervanta, Kaleva, and Lielahti well-connected and increasingly attractive for renters looking to balance price and commute time.
6. Vaasa
Average rent: €12–15/m² (studios ~€15/m²)
Studio: €375–475/mo · Average monthly: ~€728/mo
One of Finland's most affordable student cities. Central Vaasa (postcode 65100) is the priciest area at around €18/m², while Palosaari and surrounding neighbourhoods offer rooms from as low as €300–400/month. The city-wide average monthly rent sits at around €728, with listings ranging from €570 to €980 depending on size and area.
Home to the University of Vaasa, Novia and VAMK, Vaasa has a strong international student community and a compact, walkable city centre right on the coast. For students comparing Nordic options, it's significantly cheaper than any of the capital-region cities while still offering a genuine university-town experience.
💡 Good to know before you rent
Furnished vs. unfurnished
- ✓ The prices above are unfurnished free-market averages. Furnished and medium-term apartments (the kind you'll find on Flatta) typically cost 10–30% more, but include furniture, kitchen equipment, and often utilities.
- ✓ Always check whether utilities, internet, and cleaning are included, especially in serviced or short-term flats. An "expensive" all-inclusive listing can be cheaper than a "cheap" base rent plus bills.
🎯 Pro tips for renters
- ✓ Helsinki peaks in Kamppi, Punavuori and Kaartinkaupunki. The capital region's best value sits in Espoo (Soukka, Espoonlahti) and Vantaa (Hakunila, Koivukylä) with good transit into the centre.
- ✓ Turku, Tampere and Vaasa offer the most affordable options, ideal for students and early-career professionals.
- ✓ Shared housing can cut your costs by 30–50% in any city. Many Flatta listings are rooms in shared flats, priced for student budgets.
- ✓ If you're moving from abroad, make sure your apartment allows address registration, which you'll need for your Finnish personal identity code. Ask the landlord before you sign.
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List your apartment on FlattaSources: Tilastokeskus (Official Statistics of Finland) · asunnollehinta.fi · Vuokraovi.com · Kiinteistömaailma · Data reflects Q4 2025 / Q1 2026 averages. Actual prices vary by neighbourhood, apartment condition, and furnishing level.