Cost of Living in Finland for Indian Students

It is important to know the monthly and yearly cost of living in Finland if you are planning for higher studies there. It is a part of the total expenses to study abroad that depends on the lifestyle and spending habits of a student.

Are you dreaming of pursuing your higher education in Finland? It is the happiest country in the world. Finland is one top choices for Indian students in 2026. Due to world class education system and safe environment. Before you pack your bags, it is essential to understand how much you need for studying in Finland.

Managing your budget is the first step toward a stress free student life abroad. The cost of living in Finland for Indian students typically ranges between EUR 900 and EUR 1,200 per month. For rent, you need to have at least EUR 300 to EUR 400 per month. In Indian currency, you should keep a monthly budget of approximately INR 1.2 lakhs to 1.5 lakhs. 

This estimated amount covers your primary daily expenses. These include student accommodation, groceries, public transportation, and study materials. Rent will be your largest monthly cost. For instance, living in the capital city, Helsinki, is generally more expensive than in smaller student cities like Oulu or Tampere.

Cost of Living in Finland

You are all set to study in Finnish Universities. But, before that, understand the budget you need for this. While the country offers an exceptional quality of life, expenses can vary significantly depending on your city of residence and personal lifestyle. The table below outlines the estimated monthly costs for 2026 to help you budget effectively.

Note: The conversion rate used is approximately 1 EUR = 106 INR.

Accommodation Expenses in Finland (2026 Guide)

Finding a place to stay is your biggest monthly expense in Finland. For 2026, students should budget between EUR 300 and EUR 800 (approx. INR 27,000 to INR 72,000) depending on the city and housing type.

Student Housing Foundations (Most Popular)

Most Indian students apply through non-profit foundations like HOAS (Helsinki region) or PSOAS (Oulu). These are 30% cheaper than the private market and usually include electricity, water, and internet in the rent.

• Shared Apartment (Single Room): EUR 300 to EUR 450/month.

• Studio Apartment: EUR 450 to EUR 650/month.

Private Rental Market

If you miss the student housing deadline, you’ll need to look at private rentals. These often require a 1 to 2 month rent deposit and rarely include utilities.

• 1-Bedroom (City Centre): EUR 800+ (approx. INR 72,000+).

• 1-Bedroom (Suburbs): EUR 600 to EUR 700 (approx. INR 54,000 to INR 63,000).

Monthly Accommodation Cost Comparison (2026 Estimates)

Hidden Costs to Budget For:

• Home Insurance: Mandatory for most rentals (~EUR 80 to EUR 130 per year).

• Electricity/Water: If not included, add EUR 40 to EUR 60/month.

• Furniture: Most Finnish apartments come unfurnished (no lights, no bed). Budget for a trip to IKEA or local second-hand shops.

*Conversion rate approx. 1 EUR = 90 INR.

Tuition Fees in Finland

Finland is among the popular European countries known for its quality programs. The tuition fees of the program may be higher than study abroad destinations. Students who are from outside the EU/EEA area need to pay tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s level programs. These programs are taught in the English language to international students. The annual tuition fee varies from €4,000 and € 18,000, approximately, depending on the university and the degree. Students are also eligible to apply for a scholarship in Finland from the university. 

Read: Cost of studying in Finland

Living Expenses in Finland

After the Tuition fee, students now need to arrange living expenses and show that they have sufficient financial resources as well as insurance when they apply for a student residence permit. The monthly cost of living in Finland for students is around €700 – €900, including food, accommodation, travel, etc. Living costs in Finland are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.

Students Union Membership Fee

All the students studying UG and PG programs at the universities in Finland are members of the Student Union (HYY) and therefore bound to pay the student union membership fee. For the academic year 2023-24, the obligatory Student Union membership fee for Bachelor's and Master's degree students is €‎52.  Tuition fees include the Student Union membership fee.

Cost of Healthcare in Finland

Finland offers healthcare services to international students based on their income level. European citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Finland, UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), and workers get health insurance from their employers that cover incidents in the workplace only. International students who came to study in Finland are advised to take private insurance.

Popular Cities in Finland by Cost of Living

The table given below provides the average monthly cost of living in different cities in Finland:

How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Finland?

There are two ways to reduce the cost of living in Finland for international students:

• Scholarships: Students can apply for a variety of scholarships. This can them to cover overall tuition costs while studying in Finland.
• Part Time Work: Indian students can work part time for a maximum of 30 hours per week.

Feel free to mention any query in the comment section, and we will be happy to answer your question. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.