Oulu, Finland 🇫🇮
#509
,
Nomad Score:
63%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
32%
Weight: 150
Oulu is moderately expensive compared to global standards, with higher costs typical of Finland but cheaper than Helsinki.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
35%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are relatively high for a city of its size, though more affordable than southern Finnish cities.
🍎 Food & Groceries
40%
Weight: 40
Food prices are above average due to import costs and Nordic pricing, but local produce is available.
🚌 Transportation Cost
68%
Weight: 20
Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced; biking is popular and free.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
41%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are somewhat limited and moderately priced.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
55%
Weight: 10
Gym memberships are moderately priced, with several options available.
💱 Currency Stability
97%
Weight: 30
Euro currency is very stable with low inflation and strong economic fundamentals.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
93%
Weight: 100
Excellent high-speed internet widely available, including fiber connections.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
72%
Weight: 40
Several coworking spaces exist, supported by a strong tech community.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
78%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer reliable WiFi and comfortable work environments.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
70%
Weight: 30
A good number of cafes cater to remote workers with power outlets and quiet spaces.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
45%
Weight: 100
Oulu is not a mainstream digital nomad hotspot but is gaining attention due to tech industry presence.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
90%
Weight: 30
Finnish culture strongly supports work-life balance with reasonable working hours and social benefits.
🌳 Environmental Quality
95%
Weight: 15
Clean air, low pollution, and abundant green spaces characterize Oulu.
🧼 Cleanliness
96%
Weight: 10
City is very clean with well-maintained public areas.
🗨️ Language Barrier
75%
Weight: 30
Most locals speak English well, minimizing language barriers for nomads.
💨 Air Quality
94%
Weight: 15
Excellent air quality due to low industrial pollution and green surroundings.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
92%
Weight: 20
High-quality healthcare services available, typical of Nordic countries.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
60%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is affordable for residents but can be costly for non-residents without insurance.
🏥 Healthcare
90%
Weight: 20
Comprehensive healthcare system with good access and quality.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
12%
Weight: 80
Long, cold winters with limited daylight and frequent rain/snow; summers are short and mild.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
98%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes.
🏞️ Green Spaces
93%
Weight: 10
Abundant parks, forests, and access to nature within and around the city.
❄️ Air Conditioning
20%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is rare and generally unnecessary due to cool climate.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
85%
Weight: 10
Distinct seasons with snowy winters and mild summers, though winters are long and dark.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
70%
Weight: 20
Rich local culture with emphasis on technology, education, and traditional Finnish customs.
🌃 Nightlife
40%
Weight: 15
Limited nightlife options; more subdued compared to larger cities.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
96%
Weight: 15
Excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring nature.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
65%
Weight: 10
Some language schools and community courses available for Finnish and other languages.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
60%
Weight: 10
Moderate availability of local tours focusing on nature and culture.
🎳 Indoors Fun
50%
Weight: 10
Indoor entertainment options are limited but include museums and cultural centers.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
55%
Weight: 25
Good selection of Nordic and international cuisine, though limited variety compared to larger cities.
🧠 Yoga Studios
58%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios available, catering to different skill levels.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
65%
Weight: 15
Adequate gyms and fitness centers with modern equipment.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
67%
Weight: 15
Good availability of organic and health-conscious food options.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
70%
Weight: 20
UTC+2/3 time zone is convenient for European and some Asian clients but less so for Americas.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
75%
Weight: 25
Strong tech and startup community provides good networking events.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
60%
Weight: 20
Local remote job market is moderate; more opportunities in tech and education sectors.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
62%
Weight: 20
Growing freelance community supported by coworking spaces and networking events.
🏢 Coworking Quality
74%
Weight: 30
Modern coworking spaces with good facilities and community support.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
78%
Weight: 15
Active startup ecosystem, especially in tech and health sectors.
💳 Local Payment Services
80%
Weight: 10
Efficient digital payment systems widely used, including mobile payments.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
50%
Weight: 15
Moderate adoption; Finland is cautious but open to blockchain innovations.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
65%
Weight: 30
Oulu Airport offers good domestic and some international connections.
🚇 Public Transit
70%
Weight: 20
Reliable bus network within the city; limited but functional.
🚶 Walkability
75%
Weight: 20
City center is compact and walkable with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
55%
Weight: 15
Limited availability of ride-sharing apps compared to larger cities.
🚲 Cycling
80%
Weight: 10
Popular mode of transport with good cycling paths, especially in warmer months.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
70%
Weight: 15
Good train and bus connections to other Finnish cities.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
60%
Weight: 10
Bike rentals are available; electric scooters less common.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
90%
Weight: 20
Excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas.
🔒 VPN Reliability
95%
Weight: 20
Reliable internet infrastructure supports stable VPN connections.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
98%
Weight: 15
Very stable and reliable power supply with minimal outages.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
70%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi available in many public spaces but not ubiquitous.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
50%
Weight: 40
Schengen visa required for many; process can be bureaucratic for non-EU nationals.
📊 Tax Friendliness
38%
Weight: 30
High tax rates typical of Nordic countries, which may be a downside for freelancers.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
97%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
98%
Weight: 20
Very stable political environment with low corruption.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
60%
Weight: 15
Possible but requires residency or local address; can be bureaucratic for foreigners.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
75%
Weight: 10
Relatively straightforward process with good digital services.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0%
Weight: 35
No specific digital nomad visa currently available in Finland.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
65%
Weight: 50
Friendly environment for nomads but limited visa options and high costs.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
50%
Weight: 25
Occasional meetups, mostly tech-focused; no large-scale nomad events.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
60%
Weight: 20
Moderate online presence with some active local digital nomad groups.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
96%
Weight: 100
Very safe city with low crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
90%
Weight: 50
Highly gender-equal society with strong protections and inclusivity.
✊ Racial Tolerance
70%
Weight: 50
Generally tolerant society though some challenges with integration exist.