How to find affordable student housing in the Helsinki area
Finding affordable housing in the Helsinki region can feel challenging at first, especially if you are an international student unfamiliar with local rent levels and neighborhoods. While Helsinki is considered one of the more expensive student cities in Northern Europe, affordable options are still available across the capital region.
Hoas offers student apartments in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa at below-market prices. Understanding what affects rent levels can help you find more affordable housing options.
Affordable student housing: quick guide
- The cheapest student housing option in the Helsinki region is usually a room in a shared apartment.
- Lower rents are often found in areas farther from central Helsinki.
- Hoas offers student housing in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa with different apartment types and price levels.
- You can compare apartment options and locations through the Hoas apartment search and map service.
What is the cheapest type of student housing?
In the Helsinki region, the most affordable student housing option is typically a room in a shared apartment. In them, residents have a private bedroom while sharing spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom with other students. Shared apartments are usually cheaper than studio apartments.
In general, housing costs tend to increase in this order:
- Shared apartment room
- Studio apartment
- Two-room apartment
For many students, shared housing is one of the simplest ways to reduce monthly living costs. Some also prefer it because shared apartments can feel more social when moving to a new city or country.
Cheapest Hoas housing options
Rental prices vary depending on:
- apartment type
- location
- apartment size
- building age
Lower rents can often be found in older buildings or areas located farther from central Helsinki.
Cheapest Hoas housing options in Helsinki
Rastila: Harustie 7
- Room from 299 €
- Studio from 476 €
- Two-room apartment from 580 €
- Furnished room for exchange student from 503 €
Cheapest Hoas housing options in Espoo
Kilo: Kilonrinne 10
- Room from 208 €
- Studio from 422 €
- Two-room apartment from 470 €
- Furnished room for exchange student from 365 €
Cheapest Hoas housing options in Vantaa
Myyrmäki: Vaskivuorentie 22
- Room from 294 €
- Studio from 449 €
- Two-room apartment from 629 €
- Furnished room for exchange student from 449 €
* Below are examples of Hoas apartment types and rent ranges. Prices checked in May 2026. Hoas reviews rents across all its apartments once a year.
Browse available student apartments, compare apartment types and check current housing options in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa: Hoas apartment search
Explore Hoas locations on a map and compare neighborhoods, transport connections and commuting distances across the Helsinki region: Hoas map service
xplore Hoas locations on a map and compare neighborhoods, transport connections and commuting distances across the Helsinki region: Hoas map service
Why are some student apartments cheaper than others?
- Apartments farther from the city center are often more affordable
Location is one of the biggest factors affecting rent prices in the Helsinki region. Apartments in central Helsinki are typically more expensive, while areas farther away can offer lower rents. At the same time, public transport connections across the capital region are generally good, making it possible to commute from many lower-cost areas.
Many affordable neighborhoods still offer:
- train or metro connections
- cycling routes
- access to local services
- Smaller or shared apartments can reduce housing costs
Apartment size also affects affordability. Smaller apartments generally cost less than larger ones, and shared apartments are usually among the most affordable housing options available for students. Shared apartments may also have better availability than private studios during busy application periods.
- Older buildings can have lower rents
The age of the building may affect rental prices. Older apartments tend to have lower rents than newer buildings. While the interiors may be simpler, they still provide practical and functional housing.
Read more about rent and other payments.
Affordable areas for students in the Helsinki region
More affordable student apartments are often located outside central Helsinki.
Lower rent levels can commonly be found in:
- eastern Helsinki: Kontula, Kurkimäki, Mellunmäki, Rastila
- northern Helsinki: Malminkartano, Kannelmäki
- parts of Espoo: Espoon keskus, Suvela, Kilo
- parts of Vantaa: Koivukylä, Myyrmäki
These areas still usually offer:
- public transport connections
- grocery stores and services
- reasonable commuting times
When comparing locations, it is useful to consider:
- rent level
- commute time
- transport costs
- nearby services
Students can compare locations and travel connections through the map service.
How to improve your chances of finding affordable housing
- Be flexible about location: Applying to several areas may improve the chances of receiving a housing offer more quickly.
- Consider shared housing: Shared apartments are often more affordable than private studios.
- Apply early: Demand for student housing is usually highest before the academic year begins.
- Keep your application updated: Make sure your application details and move-in dates remain accurate.
You can submit your application here.
Need help finding student housing?
Choosing student housing in a new city is not always straightforward, especially when comparing different apartment types and neighborhoods for the first time. You can browse apartments, compare neighborhoods or contact Hoas for guidance.