Vaasa, Finland 🇫🇮
#2024
63.08182, 21.479812
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vaasa is a coastal city located in western Finland, known for its unique architecture and seaside views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 67,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Major banks include Nordea and OP Financial Group. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telia, Elisa, and DNA. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Mobile banking options include Revolut and N26. Local banks accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments and Airbnb listings throughout the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile payments are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Green Star offers affordable dormitory-style lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Coworking Space Vaasa located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Strindberg, known for its cozy ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are regularly held at the Vaasa Entrepreneur Club. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Vaasa Facebook Group offers regular meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify (Bolt) is the preferred ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Citybike Vaasa offers easy bike rentals around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hietasaari Beach is the most popular beach, just a short ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Finnish Commuter Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SAS and Finnair operate from Vasa Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access via E8 and E12 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Vaasa Railway Station connects to major cities in Finland. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various options, including single tickets and monthly passes, are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available to nearby cities such as Seinäjoki and Kokkola. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Vaasa Central Hospital (Vaasan Keskussairaala) is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Vaasa offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness24Seven is a 24-hour gym with various fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Vaasa Laundromat provides self-service and full laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt is highly popular for food delivery in Vaasa. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kalakukko, a traditional fish pie from the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Metsä is a popular vegan café in Vaasa. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Galleria Kauppakeskus offers a variety of sweet treats and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Vaasa Market Hall features local vendors and affordable produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like Verkkokauppa.com and international sites like Amazon are accessible. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | K-Citymarket offers online grocery shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Vasa Klubb is a popular spot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Hämeen is known for its local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Tasting Room provides a selection of Finnish wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available during markets at the city center. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spaghetteria offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Vaasa Memorial and the Old Market Hall are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ostrobothnian Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the old city and the Vaasa Castle are prominent historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Mary's Church is a notable religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Vaasa Festival, held annually, features music, art, and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is lively with shops, cafes, and cultural spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Vaasa City Theater offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Farmers' market operates weekly at the city square. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like Club Teatria host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around the city center showcase local artists' work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are offered at the municipal community center. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Vaasa Art Hall features local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Town Hall is an example of historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Vaasa is known for its Swedish-speaking culture and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kvarken Archipelago National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Seitseminen National Park offers beautiful hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous biking trails, including paths along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Hietasaari offers stunning coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas and archipelagos are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas are available in nearby parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posti and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Vaasa Electronics Repair offers a range of tech services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community Centers have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions offer Finnish and Swedish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Vaasa City Library is a prime study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Vaasa’s community center hosts cultural events and language exchanges. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Arena Gaming Hub is a popular spot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Vaasa offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €75,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = €154,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 51.5% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Finland has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for residential properties. |