Vaasa, Finland 🇫🇮
#2024
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vaasa is a coastal city located on the west coast of Finland, known for its maritime history and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 67,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD; various banks available including OP Financial Group and Nordea. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Elisa, Telia, and DNA. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods accepted include Visa, Mastercard, and mobile payments through Pivo. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals, Airbnb, and hostels.net. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental listings via Oikotie. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Villa Kivi is a budget option with prices starting at €25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kaupunginosa, close to the waterfront and popular attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The City Center is recommended for its accessibility to amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Wasa Innovation Center offers great facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Epo provides a relaxing atmosphere and free WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local listings for events like Meetup and Startup Vaasa. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Vaasa Facebook Group regularly organizes events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify is popular in Vaasa for ride services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | VeloVaasa offers bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Särkänniemi Beach is just 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Finnair provides connections to Helsinki. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SAS and Norwegian Airlines operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E8 highway provides direct access to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Vaasa Train Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes and single-ride tickets available via the local bus provider, Vaasan kaupungin liikennelaitos. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Seinäjoki and Kristiinankaupunki are readily available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Vaasa Central Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogashala Vaasa offers various wellness and yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Elixia Vaasa is a well-equipped fitness center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats are available such as Pesula. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt provides popular food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kalakukko, a traditional Finnish fish pie. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Ruoan Taikaa offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Paahto is renowned for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Hietalahti Market offer affordable produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Finnish e-commerce platforms like Verkkokauppa.com. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | K-Ruoka provides an online grocery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Market Hall area is lively at night with several bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Mikkeller offers craft tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteekki is a cozy spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks can often be found at local events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant O'Hara serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Vaasa Water Tower and the Old Market Hall are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ostrobothnian Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Museokatu street is lined with historical buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Korsholm is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Vaasa Festival occurs every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The City Center is vibrant with culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Vaasa City Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Hietalahti Market is lively and has various local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are hosted regularly at venues like Club A. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the wall murals in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offered by Vaasan Keittiö. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria K is a notable spot for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Vaasa Main Library features impressive architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Vaasa is known for its bilingual culture, Finnish and Swedish. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Pohjanlahti National Park is a nearby nature reserve. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | There are several national parks to explore within a 2-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Vaasa coastal promenade offers scenic views for bikers and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Check out the viewpoints at the Kvarken Archipelago. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in national parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services include Posti and DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techno Vaasa provides repair services for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often host ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Opintokeskus offers Finnish lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Vaasa City Library is a great study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Vaasa's community centers host cultural events and language exchanges. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | LAN gaming cafes can be found in town. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Paf Casino offers gaming options in nearby Kaskinen. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €75,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Finland has a worldwide income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 55% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Finland has strict rules for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax is 4% for residential property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from certain deductions but generally subject to the same tax rules. |