Salaries in Finland show regional disparities, with higher earnings outside Helsinki for various professions

A recent regional salary tool from Yle reveals that various professions across Finland earn higher salaries outside the capital region than in Helsinki and its surroundings. For instance, teachers, rescue workers, and security guards have better earnings elsewhere in the country. Conversely, business executives tend to receive the highest salaries within the capital region, primarily due to the concentration of major company headquarters in Helsinki and Espoo.

In terms of overall salary disparity, the differences are modest. For example, median salaries for healthcare professionals—such as practical nurses—are €2,956 in other parts of Finland compared to €2,902 in the capital region, meaning they earn €54 more elsewhere.

However, the cost of living varies significantly. Living in Helsinki is considerably more expensive than in smaller towns or other growth centers like Turku, Tampere, or Oulu, often by hundreds of euros. According to calculations by the University of Helsinki’s Consumer Research Center, a family with young children needs about €3,784 monthly to live in the capital region, compared to €3,273 elsewhere in Finland, indicating a gap of over €500.

Despite nearly a million Finns expressing a desire to relocate to rural areas, the main barrier cited is job availability, particularly for those in southern Finland. According to studies, only 7% of those aged 25-64 are willing to move for work. Factors like family ties and social networks play a crucial role in relocation decisions. Though many jobs are concentrated in growth centers, the issue of attracting workers to smaller towns cannot be solved merely by offering employment opportunities without addressing lifestyle preferences.