How much does Finland cost?
Finland is one of the pricier Nordic countries, but with planning it is manageable. Your biggest variables are accommodation, eating out, and whether you head into Lapland for the aurora season.
Daily budgets
- Budget traveller: 70 to 100 euros per day. Hostel dorm, supermarket meals, walking and public transport.
- Mid-range: 150 to 250 euros per day. A three-star hotel, a couple of restaurant meals, paid attractions.
- Comfort: 300 euros and up. Boutique hotels, taxis, guided Lapland tours.
Sample prices
- Coffee: 3.50 to 4.50 euros
- Lunch buffet (lounas): 11 to 14 euros
- Dinner main course: 18 to 30 euros
- Half-litre of beer: 7 to 9 euros
- Supermarket sandwich or salad: 4 to 7 euros
- Single tram or metro ticket in Helsinki: 3.20 euros
- HSL day ticket: about 9 euros
- Museum entry: 12 to 22 euros
Accommodation
Hostel dorms in Helsinki run 30 to 45 euros. A clean mid-range hotel is 100 to 160 euros a night, more during summer festivals or Lapland's December peak, when glass igloos can exceed 400 euros.
Money and cards
Finland is almost cashless. Visa and Mastercard, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay, are accepted nearly everywhere, even at small kiosks and on buses. You rarely need cash. Tipping is not expected; a service charge is already included, though rounding up is appreciated.
Saving tips
- Eat your main meal at lunch. The weekday lounas buffet is the best value in the country.
- Shop at Lidl, K-Market and S-Market; look for the yellow discount stickers on items near their date.
- Drink tap water, which is excellent and free everywhere.
- Buy a HSL day or multi-day travel card instead of single tickets.
- Many museums have a free or reduced entry evening; the Helsinki Card bundles transport and attractions.
- Visit nature for free: national parks, Suomenlinna sea fortress (only the ferry costs a tram ticket), and the saunas at public beaches.
- Alcohol is cheapest at Alko or supermarkets rather than bars.
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