Kotka, Finland
A port city on the Gulf of Finland, known for its maritime museum, parks, and sea fortress ruins.
Overview
Kotka is a city in Kymenlaakso with a population of 52,000. A port city on the Gulf of Finland, known for its maritime museum, parks, and sea fortress ruins. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Finland Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Kotka vs Finland Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 24.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €30,000
- Unemployment: 9.0%
- Population: 52,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 70°F
- Winter Low: 20°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: €2,000,000
- 1BR Rent: €6000/mo
Cost of Living
Kotka's cost of living index is 92 (Finland average = 100).
| Category | Kotka | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
| Housing | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
Data source: Statistics Finland / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €2,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €6000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €7,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €1,333 |
Data source: Oikotie / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kotka:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €50 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €186 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €25 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €30 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | €291 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Energiavirasto, Helen, Elisa 2025
Remote Work Score
Kotka scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kotka has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 20°F | 2.5" |
| April | 55°F | 35°F | 2.8" |
| July | 70°F | 45°F | 1.5" |
| October | 50°F | 38°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Kotka faces the following natural hazards:
Finland experiences severe winter storms and extreme cold.
River and lake flooding.
Northern Finland with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 24%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Kotka per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Hiihtoloma (ski break) in February/March varies by region.
Demographics
The population of Kotka is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Finland (2022)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kotka, Finland?
The cost of living index in Kotka is 92, which is Lower the Finland national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kotka?
The median home price in Kotka is €2,000,000. The housing index is 92.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kotka is approximately €6000/mo.
Does Kotka, Kymenlaakso have income tax?
Kotka is in Kymenlaakso, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Kotka?
Kotka enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 70°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Finland / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Oikotie / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Finland Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Energiavirasto, Helen, Elisa 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.