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Results for “cost of living”
188 results
- Glossary
Occupational healthcare
Employer-provided healthcare; coverage varies by employer and provider.
...Check if your employer covers prescription costs Related terms Kela: Finland's Social Insurance Institution Terveysasema: Public health center providing primary healthcare services to residents...
- Glossary
Omistusasunto: owner-occupied apartment
Buying property in Finland as an international, including the housing company system and purchasing process.
...and often water and heating; it is an ongoing cost on top of mortgage payments Renovation liability: The housing company handles shared areas, but apartment interior maintenance is the...
- Glossary
Opintoraha (Student Grant)
A monthly study grant from Kela for students in Finland who are enrolled in qualifying degree programs and make adequate progress.
...sufficient period. The grant is intended to cover living expenses during studies and is paid for months in which the student is actively studying. Students must make adequate academic progress to...
- Glossary
Opiskelija-asunto: student housing
Affordable student accommodation provided by dedicated housing organizations in Finnish university cities.
...(yksiö) offer complete privacy with a combined living/sleeping room, kitchenette, and bathroom. Family apartments (perhehuoneisto) are available for students with children or partners. Rents for...
- Glossary
Opiskelija: student
Student status in Finland and the benefits, rights, and working permissions it provides for internationals.
...where Kela covers part of the meal cost, bringing prices down to about 3 euros per meal. Finnish student culture is distinct. Student unions (opiskelijaliitto or ylioppilaskunta) play...
- Glossary
Opiskelijaliitto: student union
Student unions in Finnish higher education that provide services, advocacy, and community for students.
...you cannot opt out; the fee is part of enrollment costs Student card: Your union membership provides the student card that unlocks all student discounts in Finland Health services: Student healthcare...
- Glossary
Päiväkoti: Daycare
Finnish early childhood education and care centers for children before school age, with income-based fees.
...activities for children with parents Free or low-cost Good for socializing before applying for regular care How to apply Research options: Check municipal daycare centers, private options, and...
- Glossary
Palkkatuki (Wage Subsidy)
A wage subsidy from municipal employment services paid to employers who hire jobseekers facing challenges in finding employment in Finland.
...for a portion of the hired person's salary costs. It is granted when the jobseeker's employment prospects are reduced due to factors such as long-term unemployment, lack of professional skills,...
- Glossary
Peruskoulu: comprehensive school
Finland's free 9-year basic education for children aged 7-16, known worldwide for its quality and equity.
...Unlike in many countries, there are no hidden costs Structure of basic education Grades 1-6 (Lower grades / alakoulu): Ages approximately 7-12 Class teacher model (same teacher for most subjects)...
- Glossary
Pesuhuone: laundry room
The shared laundry facilities in Finnish apartment buildings, with booking systems and etiquette rules.
...rooms are a standard feature of Finnish apartment living. Unlike many countries where every apartment has its own washing machine, Finnish apartment buildings traditionally provide shared laundry...
- Glossary
Pilkinta (Ice Fishing)
Traditional Finnish winter ice fishing, free under everyman's rights, practiced on frozen lakes across the country.
...equipment (a hand auger, short rod, and jigs) costs as little as 30-50 euros from any sports store. Many fishing associations and activity providers offer guided ice fishing experiences for...
- Glossary
Plussa-kortti (K-Group Plus Card)
The K-Group loyalty card earning points on purchases at K-Market, K-Supermarket, and K-Citymarket.
...Finnish food products and plan meals. Key details Cost: Free to join, no membership fee or deposit Points system: Earn Plussa points on purchases; points convert to euros for discounts Weekly offers:...
- Glossary
Resepti (Prescription)
Finland's electronic prescription system (e-Resepti) where all prescriptions are stored digitally in a national database.
...at purchase Annual cap: Out-of-pocket medication costs are capped annually (€636.12 in 2026) Related terms Terveyskeskus (Health Center): primary care clinics Kela: social insurance and medication...
- Glossary
Reseptilääke: prescription medicine
Medication requiring a doctor's prescription in Finland, dispensed at pharmacies with Kela reimbursement.
...can request the brand-name version at additional cost. How it affects expats Bring enough supply: When moving to Finland, bring sufficient medication to last until you can establish care with a...
- Glossary
Retkeily (Camping/Trekking)
Outdoor camping and trekking in Finland, supported by everyman's rights and excellent wilderness infrastructure.
...can enjoy multi-day wilderness trips with minimal cost. For beginners, starting with a campground or a short overnight trip to a lean-to shelter is a comfortable introduction. Finnish outdoor...
- Glossary
S-Etukortti (S-Group bonus card): how it works and how to join
S-Etukortti explained in English: the 100 € refundable membership fee, the 1–5% monthly bonus table, household cards and how to join S-Group online.
...S-Group locations in Finland. The card itself costs nothing. What you pay is a one-time membership fee (osuusmaksu) of 100 €, and you get it back if you ever leave the cooperative. How to join Go...
- Glossary
Sähkösopimus: electricity contract
Electricity supply agreement required for your Finnish home, involving both distribution and retail electricity providers.
...some providers may require a deposit Winter costs: Finnish winters mean high electricity usage; budget accordingly Price comparison: Use comparison sites like sähkönhinta.fi or kilpailuttaja.fi...
- Glossary
Sairaala (Hospital)
Finland's public hospital system providing specialist and emergency medical care, organized by hospital districts.
...regulated by law. An outpatient specialist visit costs up to €71.30, and inpatient care is charged per day at a rate that varies by wellbeing services county, with an annual cap on public healthcare...
- Glossary
Sairaanhoito: medical care
Medical care and treatment services in Finland, encompassing public, private, and occupational healthcare.
...more flexible appointment times, but at higher cost. Kela partially reimburses private healthcare expenses, covering typically 15-30% of doctor's fees and a portion of examination costs. Many Finns...
- Glossary
Sauna: sauna
The Finnish sauna tradition, building saunas, and sauna etiquette that every international in Finland should know.
...water before and after to stay hydrated Building cost: The sauna is maintained through your monthly vastike; there may be an additional small booking fee Sauna etiquette basics Shower before entering...