Cost Comparison 2025

HelsinkivsEdmonton

Finland
Canada

Overall

💰

-9.3%

Helsinki is 9.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

-12.5%

Restaurants 12.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+11.4%

Food shopping 11.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Helsinki, Finland and Edmonton, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Helsinki is more affordable than Edmonton by approximately 9.3%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Helsinki are similar than in Edmonton. A one-bedroom apartment in Helsinki's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in Edmonton is approximately CA$1,400.

Dining out in Helsinki is notably more expensive compared to Edmonton. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Helsinki versus CA$18 in Edmonton.

Public transportation in Helsinki is more affordable, with monthly passes at €60 compared to CA$100 in Edmonton.

Grocery shopping in Helsinki is more affordable by approximately 10%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Helsinki can expect to spend approximately €422 per month (excluding rent), while in Edmonton, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$695. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,478 monthly in Helsinki versus CA$2,431 in Edmonton. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Helsinki, Finland
Edmonton, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
CA$1,400
1BR Outside Center
€850
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
€2,000
CA$2,400

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
CA$80
Cappuccino
€4
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€7
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
CA$2
Bread (500g)
€2
CA$3
Eggs (12)
€3
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
€10
CA$14

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
CA$4
Monthly Pass
€60
CA$100
Taxi Start
€6
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
€2
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
CA$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
CA$75
Mobile Minute
€0
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Edmonton to Helsinki, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Helsinki to Edmonton requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Helsinki

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Helsinki more expensive than Edmonton?

No, Helsinki is approximately 9.3% cheaper than Edmonton. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Helsinki compared to Edmonton?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 91% of your Edmonton salary when living in Helsinki. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edmonton, you'd need about $45,732 in Helsinki for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Helsinki and Edmonton?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 14%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Edmonton offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Helsinki provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Helsinki if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Edmonton for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Helsinki vs Edmonton?

In Helsinki, a single person needs approximately €1,272 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,978. In Edmonton, these figures are CA$1,795 for singles and CA$4,331 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Helsinki and Edmonton in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Edmonton to maintain your lifestyle from Helsinki

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers