Salary level and costs

Salary level in Finland. According to Statistics Finland, the median total monthly salary is 3315 € in Finland (year 2021). The level of experience is most important in determining the salary, the more years of experience, the higher the salary. Also such factors as education, field of work and your location are important when determining your salary. The figures above should be seen as general guidelines. Wage increases will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and your contribution to the success of the organization remain the key factors in determining how much you will be paid and how often you will receive a raise. If you are interested in seeing statistics, wages or cost of living in a specific career area, please visit Statistics Finland’s
website.

Tax. Your tax rate indicates how much tax you should pay on the income you receive. The tax rate is determined on how much labor income you receive during the year. Earned income includes salary from employment, as well as pensions and benefits. Your exact tax rate depends on your annual income, home municipality, religious affiliation, and various types of deductions. In Finland we have progressive taxation, which means that the more you earn, the higher the tax rate you have. In the progressive system, all your income and deductions during the year are taken into account when your tax rate is calculated.

Accommodation costs in Finland. Accommodation costs vary widely in Finland. On average, about a fifth of a Finnish citizen’s net income goes to housing. However, rents vary in the range of 10-30€/m². The average cost of housing in Finland is 2,100 €/m², but housing is much more expensive in major cities. In single-family houses, heating is often the largest single cost item. You should also take out home insurance. Ask different insurance companies about their rates.

Consumer prices in Finland. Food and non-alcoholic beverages cost around 20% above the EU average, and goods and services cost about 23% above the EU average. The cost of living also varies within Finland. Alcoholic beverages cost about 40% above the EU average. Clothing is slightly more expensive in Finland than in the EU on average. It is good to consider that you need different clothes and shoes in summer, winter and the periods in between. Many goods can also be purchased second-hand in Finland. Used goods are cheaper, e.g. furniture and clothes can be purchased at many flea markets. There are even websites for selling used goods.

Traffic. In smaller places like Närpes, you may need your own car. If you own a car, you need to take out a traffic insurance policy. Winter tires are mandatory in winter. Cars are subject to taxation as well. Most major cities usually have good public transportation.