10 Surprising Facts About Helsinki You Probably Didn't Know
i'm still trying to process the fact that helsinki is actually a real city and not just a fictional place i've been reading about in nordic noir novels. as a freelance photographer, i've had the chance to explore this bizarrely beautiful city, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride.
the first thing that struck me was the weather - it's like the city is trying to give you a hug, but also maybe punch you in the face with wind and rain. but hey, that's just part of the charm, right? and when you need a break from the chaos, you can always hop on a plane to stockholm or tallinn, which are just a short flight away.
now, about those surprising facts: did you know that helsinki is actually one of the safest cities in the world? like, you can walk around at 3 am without worrying about getting mugged or anything. it's pretty surreal. and the job market is apparently thriving, with a lot of startups and tech companies setting up shop here. according to some drunk advice i overheard at a bar, the average salary is around 45k euros per year, which is pretty decent.
but what really gets me is the cost of living - it's like, you need to take out a second mortgage just to afford a decent cup of coffee. i mean, i've seen prices on yelp that made my eyes water. and don't even get me started on the rent - it's like, you need to be a millionaire to afford a one-bedroom apartment. i did some research and found this table that breaks down the average costs, but honestly, it just made me want to cry. anyway, if you're thinking of moving to helsinki, i'd say go for it - just be prepared for the sticker shock. and if you're looking for some local tips, i'd recommend checking out the subreddit for some advice from people who actually live here.
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