Moving to or residing in the dynamic cities of Helsinki or Milan doesn’t have to break the bank.

The Helsinki & Milan Money Matters: Living on a Budget guide is your essential resource for navigating financial life in two European hubs. It offers practical, actionable advice across every category of daily expenses, designed to empower you with financial literacy and help you make the most of Finnish and Italian resources.

Inside, you will find information on:

• Saving on Shopping: Strategies for maximizing discounts using regional loyalty programs (like S-Bonus and Plussakortti in Finland) and finding the best second-hand and vintage treasures, including major markets like Fiera di Sinigaglia and Mercato di Via Fauche in Milan.

• Affordable Food: Strategies for eating well on a budget, including utilizing food waste apps like ResQ Club, maximizing “red-sticker” discounts in Finnish grocery stores, and taking advantage of Milan’s Aperitivo culture for affordable dinner-and-a-drink options.

• Free Activities & Culture: Discover a wealth of free cultural opportunities, from Helsinki’s stunning Oodi Central Library and extensive nature parks, to Milan’s free-to-visit historical and architectural marvels like the Castello Sforzesco courtyards and the spectacular frescoes of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore.

• Mobility & Transport: Tips on securing student discounts for public transit, including the HSL monthly pass in Helsinki and the reduced-rate ATM Student Electronic Card in Milan, alongside options for affordable city bikes and electric scooters.

• Essential Services: Guidance on important social security and support systems, ranging from Finland’s Kela services to securing key Italian documentation like the Codice Fiscale and utilizing the ISEE indicator to reduce university fees and transport costs in Milan.

Master your budget and enjoy all that Helsinki and Milan have to offer!