Espoo, Finland 🇫🇮
#515
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Espoo is a city located in southern Finland, part of the Greater Helsinki area. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 300,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; banking options include local banks like OP and Nordea. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and considered among the best in the world. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main mobile providers include Telia, Elisa, and DNA. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Options like Revolut and TransferWise are commonly used, along with traditional banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local real estate platforms like Oikotie are popular for finding accommodation. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and mobile payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are good options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Liukkonen is a recommended affordable lodging option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area around Tapiola, known for its shopping and cultural venues. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kera and Matinkylä are popular due to coworking spaces and good transport links. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Melt and HUB13 are highly regarded coworking spaces in Espoo. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Esplanad offers a conducive atmosphere for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are frequently held by the Espoo Startup Hub. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expatriate Association of Finland organizes regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are the most popular ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | houm and Lime provide bike and scooter rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pirttimäki beach, approximately 15 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Finnair operates regional flights to nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include Finnair and Lufthansa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The E512 and E18 highways provide easy access. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Leppävaara railway station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | HSL offers various transit passes for unlimited travel in the metropolitan area. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains connect Espoo to Helsinki and surrounding cities with excellent frequency. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Espoo Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room provides various classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24/7 and Elixia are popular gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat Ykköspesula is available in the region. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Foodora are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Reindeer stew and salmon soup are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Silvoplee is a renowned vegetarian restaurant in Helsinki, easily accessible from Espoo. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Pizzicato offers delicious pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local markets at Sello Mall are great for budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online stores include Verkkokauppa and Gigantti. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | K-Citymarket and Lidl offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Tapiola area has vibrant bars and outdoor restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas offers local brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteque offers an excellent selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Otaranta’s food trucks offer local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Vapiano and Texas Roadhouse are popular for international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Espoo Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit for art lovers. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The WeeGee Exhibition Centre features various exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Raseborg Castle ruins are notable historical attractions nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Espoo Cathedral is a significant cultural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Espoo Festival and various markets are major events to experience. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Tapiola is known for its cultural environment. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Espoo Cultural Centre hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Espoo Market Square is popular for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Espoo features a vibrant music scene, especially around local festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There are several murals and installations around the city, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Helsinki Cooking School offers classes in Espoo. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Galleria Esplanadia showcases various local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old wooden houses in the area are architectural highlights. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Espoo is rich in cultural heritage, evident in its festivals and local customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nuuksio National Park offers various hiking trails and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nuuksio is the closest national park, just a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront promenade along the Espoo coastline is popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | A view from the top of the cliff at Nuuksio National Park is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The birdwatching tower at Nuuksio offers observation opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Nuuksio National Park has designated campfire areas for visitors. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posti and DHL provide reliable parcel and delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech-related services can be found at Gigantti and local repair shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public ping pong tables can be found in parks like Espoo Central Park. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Finnish and Swedish language classes are offered at various municipal centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Espoo City Library offers great study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Espoo Cultural Centre facilitates various communal activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming spots like GameOn offer venues for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Helsinki is an option for gaming enthusiasts, located nearby. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000 in Tapiola). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €96,000 in Kera). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €186,000 in Tapiola). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €162,000 in Kera). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000 in Tapiola). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000 in Kera). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 56%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value and municipal regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for primary residences, 4% for others. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Finland offers favorable tax arrangements for specific offshore income. |