Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
Sirelo Top Mover
33 ratings as "Professional"
Moving
Moving Abroad
Container Shipping
Services
Find a Mover
If you’re considering relocating to Finland from America, this guide will help you fully prepare. Find moving costs, and immigration requirements and learn about the Finish lifestyle.
These are the average costs of moving to Finland from the USA based on sea freight.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Three-bedroom house | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
When you move to Finland from the USA, the costs depend on the distance, household size, season, shipping method, and the selected services. An American family moving to Finland can save money by choosing sea freight and sharing a container, depending on the volume. Air freight is faster but pricier. This transportation method is based on weight, whereas sea freight costs are based on volume.
Are you moving to Finland from America and curious about the exact costs? Calculating the volume of your furniture is the first step. Calculate below:
Moving to Finland from the US is an enormous step, and selecting the right removal company is crucial. To make your life easier, many use Sirelo’s extensive database to browse moving companies, read reviews, request free quotes, and choose the right mover.
Here are the 5 best companies for moving to Finland as an American:
Can Americans move to Finland? The answer is yes. For short-term visits up to 90 days in 180 days, you do not need a visa. If you plan on staying longer than three months, you need a residence permit that matches the purpose of your stay.
Finland’s immigration policies are designed to attract skilled professionals, students, and those reuniting with family. Immigration to Finland from the USA is straightforward, as long as you have the right documents and there’s a visa available for your purpose.
Here’s how to move to Finland from America:
There are several categories of residence permits in Finland: work-based, study, and family reunification. The fees range from $370 to $550. While the application process can take several weeks to months, an approved residence card allows you to work and live in Finland as an American.
Finland is pet-friendly, with many dog parks and spaces welcoming animals! To bring your pets to Finland, be ready to prepare a few things to meet all regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps for moving pets to Finland.
It’s not surprising that many Americans fall in love with Finland and desire to move there! Finland has beautiful sights, modern convenience, and a healthy work-life balance. This Nordic gem also consistently ranks high on the happiness and quality of life scale.
Like its neighboring Nordic countries, Finland is also on the pricier side. If you’re used to New York prices, your living costs will be around 36% lower in Helsinki. But if you’re moving from Houston, expect to pay around the same to live in Helsinki, Finland.
It’s hard to compare the cost of living in Finland versus the US, as the prices vary between states and cities. Coming from New York, Helsinki is cheaper—especially rent. However, compared to Houston, the rent prices in Helsinki are higher and the average monthly living costs are similar.
| Item | Helsinki, Finland | New York, USA | Houston, USA |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $17.88 | $30.00 | $17.12 |
| Pint of Beer | $8.14 | $9.00 | $4.75 |
| Regular Cappuccino | $4.56 | $5.95 | $5.07 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.04 | $3.49 | $3.30 |
| Single Transport Ticket | $3.10 | $2.90 | $1.19 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | $1,090.76 | $4,017.99 | $1,535.51 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Centre) | $851.59 | $2,866.50 | $1,141.48 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,002.22 | $5,643.24 | $4,192.03 |
Americans moving to Finland often find it easy to find their way, since the country offers diverse living options. There’s modern urban life available in the cities for working expats, while the countryside offers serenity for families and retirees.
The best places to live in Finland for foreigners:
A lot of Americans moving to Finland pick Helsinki as their top choice. It’s a great place to walk, bike, or move around using public transportation. Locals often speak English well and there’s a large expat community, making it easy to settle in. The vibrant cultural scene includes museums, art galleries, nightlife events, and music festivals. Weekends can be spent in cozy cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, or one of the many abundant green spaces.
Most Americans moving to Finland need to get used to the more reserved social atmosphere. Fins are quieter overall, yet kind and honest. There’s no small talk and more focus on meaningful conversations. The work culture has shorter working hours and more vacation time. Commuting is easy and convenient, making daily life efficient. The biggest drawback for US expats is the long, cold, dark winter period.
Retiring in Finland is a superb choice for Americans looking for a quiet, nature-filled, high-quality life experience. There’s no specific retirement visa in Finland, but many American retirees apply under the “other grounds” category if they can provide sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working. Permanent residency or citizenship can be pursued after a prolonged stay, which offers access to services like public healthcare.
Yes, Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, with significantly lower crime rates than the United States. Most crimes are non-violent and pick-pocketing. Public spaces are secure, and many people feel safe walking alone at night, even in urban areas. The roads are well-maintained and public transport is well-lit and secure.
The safety, convenience, and innovation that characterize Finland make it a great country to move to as an American, but there are always pros and cons. Let’s look at what makes Finland great and the disadvantages of living in Finland.
Excellent public services, Stunning landscapes, Innovative education system, Extremely safe with low crime rates, Society based on equality and sustainability, Great work-life balance, Affordable and accessible public healthcare system
High living costs, Cold and dark winters, Finnish language can be hard to learn, Limited English-speaking communities, Competitive housing market, High taxes, Reserved social culture
To simplify your relocation from Finland to the USA, we prepared a checklist with all the essential checkboxes to tick off.
