Photo: Viivi Handolin
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Housing costs in Finland remain highly dependent on location, with significant differences in electricity, water, and waste disposal fees, as well as property taxes. A new report by Omakotiliitto compares municipal housing costs across 100 cities, covering 84% of Finland’s population.
The report found that Nurmijärvi has the highest housing costs, followed by Lempäälä, Ylöjärvi, Sastamala, Asikkala, Laukaa, and Parikkala.
Seinäjoki was the least expensive, with Pietarsaari, Kauhava, Turku, Forssa, Kittilä, and Kokkola also ranking among the most affordable municipalities.
A resident in Nurmijärvi pays an average of €6,986 per year in municipal housing-related costs, while a resident in Seinäjoki pays €4,554. The national average is €5,836 per year.
The price gap between the most and least expensive municipalities was €2,432, slightly lower than last year’s difference of €2,607.
The primary reason for Nurmijärvi’s high costs is its higher electricity prices. The report compared general electricity contracts from local providers.
Nurmijärven Sähköverkko Oy charges €0.2023 per kWh, while Seinäjoen Seiverkot Oy offers the lowest price at €0.0901 per kWh. The national average is €0.1374 per kWh.
Electricity prices have fallen by 14% on average since last year, offering some relief to consumers.
“Comparing electricity contracts is essential to finding the most cost-effective option for your home,” said Marju Silander, Executive Director of Omakotiliitto.
Water prices also vary significantly. Parikkala has the highest annual water fees at €1,686, while Kempele has the lowest at €579.
Water fees have risen more than other housing costs, driven by investment needs in infrastructure. Some municipalities have seen sharp price hikes, such as Rantasalmi, where water prices have increased 80.5% in seven years. In contrast, Raisio has reduced water prices by 11.6% over the same period.
“Municipalities recognize the need for upgrades to water infrastructure. A pending water law reform will require utility companies to publish investment plans detailing future network improvements,” Silander said.
She encouraged local homeowner associations to discuss upcoming infrastructure investments and their impact on water costs with municipal officials.
“With municipal elections coming up in spring, residents have a chance to influence local decision-making,” she added.
In contrast to rising water fees, waste collection costs have increased more modestly compared to last year, when the introduction of mandatory biowaste collection led to sharp price hikes.
Some municipalities still saw major changes. Kauhajoki raised biowaste collection fees significantly, causing a 62% increase in total waste charges. In contrast, Mikkeli managed to reduce waste fees by 32%.
The highest waste collection fees are in Raahe at €609 per year, while the lowest are in the Tampere region (including Kangasala, Lempäälä, Nokia, Pirkkala, and Tampere) at €223 per year.
The comparison is based on a 120 m² detached house with electric heating and a 1,000 m² plot. KTI Kiinteistötieto Oy conducted the study on behalf of Omakotiliitto to improve cost transparency for homeowners.
The electricity prices used in the comparison reflect general electricity contracts from local providers. According to Energiavirasto, 24% of contracts signed in 2023 were general electricity contracts, 31% were exchange rate-linked contracts, and 45% were fixed-term contracts.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
