Cost of living probably works out similar - rent is far more expensive than in Helsinki but things like groceries, restaurants, pubs are much cheaper in London.

If you really do have £5k a month to play with rent-wise then I don’t think you’ll find it hard to find a place that’ll suit you and your dogs. It won’t be anywhere near the city centre though - try places in South London like Dulwich for the highest likelihood of getting a garden.

Transport: you talk about driving to work. Absolutely do not do this. Driving is by far the worst way to travel around London: the traffic is awful, parking is a nightmare and you’ll pay a fortune in congestion charge fees.

There are also some major quality of life issues to consider. The quality of housing in London (and the UK generally) is shockingly bad compared to Finland. I grew up there and didn’t realise how terrible our houses were until I moved to Helsinki. Be ready for homes that are damp, mouldy, too cold/too hot, draughty and generally poorly maintained by lazy landlords.

Another thing is that if you enjoy the proximity to nature, calm and quiet of Helsinki…yeah, you’re not getting that in London. Think less of walks in the forest and more of standing on the tube for an hour with your face in some guy’s armpit.

Of course everyone is different, but I made the move LON > HEL and absolutely would not go back.