Is Oulu, Finland a good place to live?
Oulu is considered an excellent place to live:
- Very High Quality of Life Index: 210.38
- Ranked as one of the most attractive cities in Finland
- Strong job market, especially in tech and innovation sectors
- Rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and festivals
- Beautiful natural surroundings with parks, forests, and lakes
- Safe living environment with a high Safety Index of 79.40
- Excellent public services and healthcare system
- Ranked second-best place for families with young children
Is Oulu expensive to live in?
Oulu is moderately expensive but more affordable than other major Finnish cities:
- Cost of Living Index: 58.31 (Low)
- Average monthly costs for a single person: $968.1 (923.5€) without rent
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $705 per month (including utilities)
- Total monthly expenses (including rent): $1,527 for a single person
- 9.4% more expensive than Finland overall
- Housing costs are 1.9% lower than the national average
Do they speak English in Oulu?
While specific data for English proficiency in Oulu is not provided, Finland generally has a high level of English speakers:
- Many international companies use English as a working language
- The University of Oulu offers 21 English-language master’s programmes and three bachelor’s programmes
- However, learning basic Finnish is recommended for better integration
What is the average income in Oulu?
The average salary in Oulu is:
- €58,878 per year or €4,906 per month
- The most typical earning is €40,649 per year
- Men receive an average salary of €63,490 per year
- Women receive an average salary of €51,199 per year
- The highest-paid careers are in Management & Business (€99,882) and Health Care & Medical (€86,525)
Can I live in Finland if I only speak English?
Living in Finland with only English is possible but can be challenging:
- Many Finns speak English, especially in larger cities and international companies
- Helsinki ranks 9th overall as a good place to live for immigrants
- However, learning basic Finnish is highly recommended for better integration and career prospects
- Some daily life activities and bureaucratic processes may require Finnish language skills
- Job opportunities may be more limited without Finnish language proficiency