Moving to Helsinki: choosing an area, finding housing and organising the move

Short answer: choose a home by everyday journeys, tenancy conditions and total costs. Pasila combines a transport hub with services, while Vuosaari offers metro access and a coastal setting. Apply for Heka housing through the city; International House Helsinki brings together services for arrivals from abroad. Information checked on 12 November 2026.

Pasila or Vuosaari: compare your own journey

The City of Helsinki describes Pasila as a transport crossroads. Development continues in areas including Central Pasila, Ilmala and Northern Pasila. At a viewing, look at construction around the actual block and the walking route to the station. City: Pasila.

Vuosaari has metro service. The city's area description highlights Aurinkolahti's beach and apartment buildings, while Columbus spans Vuotie and the metro tracks. Within one district, the walk to the metro can matter more than the district name. City: Vuosaari.

Use HSL's Journey Planner with the exact home and workplace or campus addresses. Compare the return journey at the time your shift ends too. Transfers and walking sections then become part of your housing decision.

How do you apply for Heka housing?

Heka rental applications go through the City of Helsinki. Housing need, assets and income matter in tenant selection. An application's age does not give it a queue position, and contacting the advice service does not accelerate an offer. City application guidance.

Select areas where you would actually move. Refusing an offer cancels the application, so continuing the search requires a new one. Keep private rentals and other housing options in the search if your moving date is already fixed.

Calculate daily journeys using HSL zones

HSL divides its service area into zones A, B, C, D and E. Your ticket must cover every zone travelled through; single-zone tickets are not sold. The Journey Planner shows the ticket needed for the suggested journey. HSL's zone guidance.

For two possible homes, record the rent and the ticket product for the same commuting needs. Add the walk to the stop, transfers and possible waiting. Lower rent with a longer commute becomes a concrete choice you can assess against your weekly routine.

Moving budget and household contracts

Helsinki's moving checklist highlights electricity, address notification and resident parking where applicable. Arrange electricity for the new address before moving. Using resident parking spaces in the inner city requires the appropriate permit. City moving checklist.

Fill this personal budget with the amounts from your contracts. For water and waste services, the relevant question is whether the housing company arranges them or they are your responsibility. The tenancy agreement and building instructions describe the arrangement for the property.

A service point for arrivals from abroad

International House Helsinki lists its address as Ratapihantie 7, 00520 Helsinki. Its network includes Migri, DVV, Vero and Kela. Desk services are mainly by appointment. International House Helsinki.

Book the specific service you need and assemble its documents. A visit to register personal details should not automatically be treated as a tax-card or benefit application: authorities in the same network still decide their own matters.

Accommodation and services for viewing days

Helsinki covers a large housing-search area, so locations in the hotel directory can help you choose a base for viewing days. Set the actual arrival and departure dates before comparing accommodation totals.

The Helsinki restaurant directory offers options for meals between viewings. SuomiGuide's place recommendations can help you explore the city. Start around the prospective home so the visit also helps you understand everyday routes.

Official sources

Checked on 12 November 2026.

• City of Helsinki: Pasila
• City of Helsinki: Vuosaari
• City of Helsinki: applying for Heka housing
• HSL: area and zones
• City of Helsinki: moving checklist
• International House Helsinki
• Helsinki housing advice