Oulu, Finland 🇫🇮
#509
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oulu is a vibrant city situated in northern Finland, known for its technology sector and rich cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | up to 300 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, major banks include Nordea and OP Financial Group. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Elisa, Telia, and DNA offer good coverage and competitive rates. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment types include credit/debit cards and bank transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide a variety of housing options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely throughout the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Oulu, starting around €25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center, known for its accessibility to attractions like Oulu Castle. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kaukovainio, offers quieter residential areas and cozy coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | MOW Oulu, which features flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Luovuus, known for its cozy atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are frequently held at Oulu City Theater and startup meet-up events at local innovation hubs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Oulu Expats meet-up groups on Facebook provide regular community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used for ride-sharing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rentals available at CoGo. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nallikari Beach, located about 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Finnair offers flights to various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and KLM provide international flight options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E75 and E8 highways connect Oulu to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oulu Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Available monthly and single-ride tickets for bus services are provided by Oulu Public Transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Oulu to Rovaniemi, Kemi, and other northern cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Oulu University Hospital provides a wide range of healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Oulu Yoga Center offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GymnasiuM, equipped with modern facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Washing Facilities Oulu offers self-service laundromat options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Wolt are popular choices for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kalakukko - a traditional Finnish fish pie. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ravintola Nälkä, which specializes in plant-based cuisine. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Ruma, known for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Oulu Market Hall offers local produce and affordable shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping can be done through Verkkokauppa.com. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | K-Citymarket and S-Market provide online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rotuaari is a popular area for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Oulu Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Viinilinna provides a cozy atmosphere for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street Food Oulu features various food trucks with diverse offerings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | LounasHertta offers a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Oulu Castle and Oulu Market Square are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Oulu Museum of Art showcases Finnish art and hosts exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Oulu City Hall, an architectural gem, and historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Oulu Cathedral, a prominent and historic church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Oulu Music Video Festival is held every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has a vibrant cultural tapestry with arts, music, and dining. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Oulun Teatteri is well-known for its performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oulu Market provides fresh local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at 45 Special features local and visiting artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Oulu has various urban art projects throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Oulu Culinary School offers classes focused on Finnish cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | KOSKIKAS Art Gallery is known for contemporary exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Customs House is an important historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its Sami heritage through various cultural programs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hupisaaret Park, located close to the city center. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Oulanka National Park, known for its stunning wilderness areas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Oulu Bike Trail runs for 100 km along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Heinäpää offers panoramic views of Oulu. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Liminganlahti bay is a protected area known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Nallikari has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posti provides postal and shipping services throughout Oulu. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair Shop Oulu offers device repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Oulu Table Tennis Club welcomes new players. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Oulu Adult Education offers Finnish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Oulu City Library features extensive resources and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Oulu Community Center hosts various local programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Katz Gaming Lounge provides gaming and e-sports facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Oulu offers a venue for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 55% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special tax agreements may apply for remote workers. |