Cost of Living in Riga

Summary of cost of living in Riga, Latvia:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 10.00 € 7.00-15.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 60.00 € 50.00-78.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 7.50 € 7.00-8.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 4.50 € 3.00-5.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 3.80 € 2.00-5.00
Cappuccino (regular) 3.05 € 1.29-4.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 1.48 € 0.90-3.00
Water (12 oz small bottle) 1.14 € 0.70-2.30
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 4.29 € 3.03-5.49
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 1.21 € 0.73-1.81
Rice (white), (1 lb) 1.19 € 0.56-1.71
Eggs (regular) (12) 2.58 € 2.04-3.60
Local Cheese (1 lb) 4.64 € 3.18-6.80
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 3.01 € 1.81-3.63
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 4.78 € 3.18-6.35
Apples (1 lb) 0.64 € 0.36-0.91
Banana (1 lb) 0.76 € 0.54-0.91
Oranges (1 lb) 0.94 € 0.54-1.36
Tomato (1 lb) 1.32 € 0.81-1.81
Potato (1 lb) 0.35 € 0.25-0.45
Onion (1 lb) 0.45 € 0.32-0.59
Lettuce (1 head) 1.51 € 0.99-2.50
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 0.80 € 0.55-1.36
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 7.00 € 6.00-11.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 1.61 € 1.19-2.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 1.78 € 1.30-2.20
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 4.60 € 4.25-5.50
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 1.50 € 1.50-2.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 30.00 € 30.00-40.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 2.50 € 2.00-3.50
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 1.57 € 1.13-3.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 9.80 € 8.40-15.00
Gasoline (1 gallon) 6.30 € 5.94-6.81
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 25,490.00 € 20,000.00-28,500.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 24,145.71 € 22,000.00-28,400.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 323.52 € 221.00-500.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data 17.58 € 12.00-22.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 15.58 € 10.00-22.00
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 42.62 € 20.00-52.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 24.38 € 15.00-35.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 9.20 € 7.00-12.00
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 429.09 € 250.00-700.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 12,608.57 € 7,000.00-18,516.00
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 76.21 € 40.00-110.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 40.84 € 24.99-70.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 81.29 € 50.00-120.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 111.32 € 69.99-180.00
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 480.95 € 400.00-650.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 320.86 € 250.00-400.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 834.29 € 700.00-1,200.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 556.00 € 450.00-750.00
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 227.42 € 185.80-278.71
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 139.38 € 92.90-204.38
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 1,127.11 €
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 4.12 2.00-6.00

Prices in Riga

This city had 2139 entries in the past 12 months by 231 different contributors.
Last update: March 2024
Sources and References
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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66 Comments so far
Luna on Mar 02, 2024:
You have to see median salary. In 2023/2024 its 900€ netto. And a small 1 bedroom rent = ~400€ + ~250€ for utilities which makes it a total of 650€ per month. Just rent and utilities ALONE account for 60% of your salary. Your distribution of Expenses is totally wrong. It is a nightmare to live here moneywise. You cannot afford to do anything.
Anna on Mar 02, 2024:
well, I can say that utilities and rent is right. I live in a small 45m flat just outside city center for 400 rent and the utilities are around 250€ monthly. Sooo, I can imagine that a 2x bigger space would be 350€
Arturs on Jan 06, 2024:
Utilities up to 325 euro? Are you kidding me?
50m square apartment in the center in the middle of the winter - 130 euro includes heating and electricity.

Half of comments are insane, gg haters
Ally on Sep 26, 2023:
There are more men than women. In fact, a girl there may not marry an Indian unless your money to "support" the family. The general standard of living in Latvia is low. Finding a job is not easy. you must well known Latvian and Russian language .

By the way, if you want to settle in Latvia for a long time, you must take the official language exam. This is a requirement for long-term residence. As for many people thinking of getting permanent residence in Latvia and then moving to other European regions, it may actually be different from what you think...
Nancy on Apr 10, 2023:
The previous foreigners were all investor's immigrants, but it was later discovered that they were scams. The government and agency did not fulfill their promises. Many people were wasted time and money. Most of them were Russians, Indians, Pakistanis and a small number of Chinese. Now they are affected by the war. Foreign immigrants are almost zero. High cost prices, strict taxes, and insufficient resources make it not an ideal place to live.
X on Mar 07, 2023:
I read the hideous comments so I decided to leave one too. Can clearly tell most of them are written by a single person that hates that city for some reason. First of all, 1 man to 10 woman-how do you even imagine that to work? There are more boys born every day everywhere, Riga is no different. Secondly, job opportunities. Unemployment rate is about 4%, so the ones unemployed are unemployed by choice. And thirdly, it's the largest city in Baltics with amazing art nuveau architecture and medieval old town.
Anonymous on Jan 02, 2023:
The majority of Riga and Latvia are Russians about 90% of them are.How are India people treated in Riga you ask?

Russians don't like brown people so if you move there expect to get beatings from Russians often.
Sbk on Dec 01, 2022:
I am an it professional and got a job in riga in a reputated company.

Should I move to riga?how riga treats with indian people?can I get a chance to apply jobs in other eu countries while working?
Anonymous on Nov 23, 2022:
We visited Riga and the countryside stayed 1 month.Riga is modern but the countryside not so much.But it's much quieter than Riga somewhat melancholy with poverty widespread throughout the countryside.It was very quiet just the same.Ofcourse Latvia cannot compare to Britain where we're from with all amenities and money flowing freely at will.
Anonymous on Aug 24, 2022:
Hurry ladies nato men are guarding Riga now better grab a husband so you won't need to resort to large male dogs anymore.
Anonymous on Aug 02, 2022:
Latvia is full of rude people especially towards any foreigners visiting. From the airport to our hotel to just trying to get served at restaurants the whole experience was bloody rogue. Brits aren't liked and Latvians will tell you so. But we saw that happen to other foreigners visiting too.But still they want our tourist money.As for the women supposedly being so gorgeous that's just a myth.We went into a supposedly high-end pub to have a pint.The bouncers watched us finish our drinks then ordered us out. Bear in mind we were polite to the bartender even tipped him before we were forced to leave.Shopping was another chore total rudeness. We wouldn't recommend ever visiting Latvia to anyone. We are married in our early 70's.
Anonymous on Jul 17, 2022:
Once away from Riga prices drop dramatically for land etc.However infrastructure is severely lacking as in horrible roads power outages are the norm not just for a few hours though but instead at times 24 hours. Once you drive outside of Riga it's totally different,but whores,are abundant though.
Sir Kevin Parr Bt on Feb 26, 2022:
It seems Riga under your figures is an expensive place to reside. I built a house in rural parts of Latvia and on British pension can live and save 200 pound a month to build my acres of English gardens. Fear is Putin and less Nato protection . This was once stolen land under Russia . Putin said he wanted all of it back to resteal it all. Then Latvia has no standing army no real defense so is it worth coming. One can say no. Without Russian treat maybe yes but London is on par with Riga prices you talk of. My guess is your way out of line with costs. Riga is as cheap its rates on house that build up costs.Food is half the price in Riga than out here in the wilds. I have friends I often stay with in Riga and they say half the price of lining in England .So there we are your facts are vastly wrong.
Ngabonziza adiel on Feb 18, 2022:
I,m driver man so i surching the job like transport
Sir Kevin Parr Bt on Feb 08, 2022:
I built a house here in 2013-17. Working on gardens all summer can get up passed 90f easily. Winters can get down to minus 34c .Snow lasts most of winter. Short summers compared to England. The average wage in rural parts is 300 a month untrained 430 with skills. Rents not often offered but property if your handy man can be bought for third of price outside of nation. City life is far more expensive. Im on British pension now and still find can survive and buy plants when needed .I have savings but reserve the cash and life well on two pensions .Run car have all life needs .Yes if you can stand winters in warm house this place is really worth living in. Wood timber homes all spotted all over the place but finding who owns them so to buy is never easy unless you know someone here . Cabin with 5 acres can be bought reasonable but doing them up is same cost as in UK unless your a joiner or builder. I was a lawyer but found can turn my hand to most jobs .Only self employed here can make 2000 e a month . I know many who will work for 30 euro day brick laying or woodworking. Many tradesman have made a living out of us expats as plumbers and electricians I had to call in after the build was ready .One sharp learning curve of freeze to death first year here .Would i do it again,yes
Anonymous on Dec 03, 2021:
Riga has 7 to 10 women to 1 man. Latvia as a whole has many more women than men. In reference to the other comment concerning wife hunting don't waste your time hunting for a wife or Latvian gf if visiting. It's a woman's world in Latvia and Latvian women don't have positive opinions about men. Women take care of each other intimately so the majority of women hate men this is true.At times Latvian women do need satisfaction but that's not a problem. Many women have large male dogs to make up for the discrepancies in men plus dogs are better than men ever could be.

Irina
Anonymous on Oct 26, 2021:
Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia are cut from the same mold,just like Russia is different country names that's all.I've lived in Ukraine all of my life and it's no different than the countries I've mentioned above.I've visited all of these countries including Serbia,Moldova,Belarus,Macedonia, Armenia,Georgia,Hungary,Bulgaria Bosnia,also the same as Ukraine.All of these countries seems to be a magnet for wife hunters,from what other foreigners have told me from America,Africa,Australia,UK and China while they were visiting Ukraine.My point being there's no perfect country no matter where it's at.Everyone lives until they stop breathing and that's the only bright spot of their existence,to be forgotten, no longer existing,but the cycle of life repeats itself for those still living, obviously,which is a tragedy until the end.
Amit on Jul 30, 2021:
Young Latvians work as prostitutes and street laborers in Western Europe,sometimes they don’t even get paid. Even so, they don’t return to Latvia.

Richer people in Latvia is Russian ( from Russia).
Poor people in Latvia is Russian ( Latvia Russian).
Many Latvians are actually Russians. In order not to be discriminated against, they changed their names to Latvian names.
They don't even recognize their relatives, how can they accept a foreigner.
A country without status.

Just keep away there. The Best option.
Amit on Jul 30, 2021:
A very disgusting place. Avoid this area: Lithuania Latvia Estonia...
A country separated from the Soviet Union and later joined the European Union. Cost are very expensive and the economy is very poor. Perhaps the worst in Europe. All the good things are boasted by immigration companies, mainly immigrants are from India and Pakistan. Most of them are fake student for the purpose of work doing delivering food for a living. Almost all investment immigrants have been defrauded. Be careful, spend a lot of money, and get nothing. legally deceived.

Be careful all the lawyers, immigration companies in Latvia. They will fuxk you till die
Jeff on Jun 09, 2021:
Latvia is a dump. Old Town in Riga is pretty and that is where it ends. So many Eastern foreigners come here to try and get into the rest of Europe. Ever Lativan wants out and every Russian Latvia heads East. Easter foreigners coming here are shocked. A racist country if you are black or brown skin. The population is majority Russian. The work ethic is horrific. The government is extremely corrupt. If you move to Latvia be prepared for no services and everyone will want your money. Rent is far too high for ugly tiny apartments and utilities are far too expensive. It's more expensive in Latvia than many Western European countries. Food is affordable at some supermarkets, but that is about it. DO NOT COME HERE TO STUDY!!! I cannot say enough how not worth it, it is. Try to get into Germany or go elsewhere. The prices above aren't true to the reality here.
Anonymous on Mar 21, 2021:
Like I said before I lived in Riga for 1 year then I left. I suppose you're another female from Latvia looking for a foreign man like the rest to take care of you.
Rene on Mar 21, 2021:
Latvia is almost the poorest country in the EU. and the country looks worse than Ukraine. Half of the population are Russians. A large part of the country's income depends on foreign investment from immigration, and there are many scams. The gov is not concerned about other than collecting money. Most of young Latvians go to Western and Nordic countries to work as low-level workers, sometimes even without a salary. But it's better than staying in Latvia without a job opportunity. The prices in Latvia are not low, it can be said that the cost of living is relatively expensive(except rental, because their properties have no values). When you walk out of the airport, you mistakenly think that it is a developed country. After living for a period of time, you will understand how poor they are.
Anonymous on Mar 20, 2021:
I lived in Riga for exactly 1 year.
There must be atleast 14 or more women to one man is what a woman told me when I first arrived. I rarely saw very many men while living there.Alot of times I'd eat at restaurants and I'd be the only man at the restaurant.At times women would follow me around Riga and they were in groups of 5 or more often.Honestly I've never seen so many ugly looking women in my life at banks restaurants at parks or just walking around. Latvian women take ugly to a whole new level promise and they smell bad.If you're a single man don't visit Latvia unless you like fat hideous looking women with missing teeth etc.
Sri on Mar 12, 2021:
How much would be the decent amount to survive in Riga as a single person
Anonymous on Jan 25, 2021:
I cannot get the bubble gum out of my hair since falling asleep at a candy store in Riga.
Camel on Jan 19, 2021:
Riga is biggest city among Baltic states with 700 thousand inhabitants. Life there is nice and beautiful, old town is amazing. Salary for simple workers is around 800 and for specialist 1200 €, rent of apartment is around 400€ for simple flat and 600€ for better ones website city24...LOL
Anonymous on Jan 18, 2021:
I lost my dog in Riga maybe he's on here.He's a doctor in Riga and gets paid in dog biscuits.
Camel on Jan 18, 2021:
The city is international as half of inhabitants are russians and other part local latvians...two languages are used for communication...LOL
Camel on Jan 17, 2021:
You can find easly jobs there in IT field, more international companies establishing offices and living conditions is quite cheap can be found city24...LOL
Anonymous on Jan 16, 2021:
I fell from a ladder last week in Riga at 20 years old on Thursday. I woke up in Tbilisi Georgia 8 days later aged 47.
Camel on Jan 16, 2021:
Riga is a nice place to live and to work, average salary is around 1000 € international companies can pay more like TELE2, ATEA, Accenture and more...LOL
Camel on Jan 16, 2021:
Anonymous, Riga is more beautiful city compared with UK...LOL
Anonymous on Jan 13, 2021:
Riga is a smorgasboard for shag parties it's a British thing we like it ofcourse.
Camel on Jan 12, 2021:
A very beautiful place to live and work, more international companies establishing offices there...LOL
Camel on Jan 11, 2021:
---> Anonymous, the rent has wide range of prices and can be found on the website city24...LOL
Anonymous on Jan 08, 2021:
Rent is very high in Riga but food at open markets is half the price of supermarkets
Camel on Dec 09, 2020:
---> Anonymous. The information is wrong from your side, note that Riga is modern city with many opportunities and salaries are growing very fast, and you can earn about 1000 €...LOL
Anonymous on Dec 07, 2020:
Riga is rapidly turning into a ghost town and I noticed small villages are deserted for the most part during my visit last September.Several people in Latvia told me many have left permanently due to skyrocketing costs imposed but government.But people seemed nice during my visit but I don't blame them for leaving Latvia especially since there's no real opportunities.
Camel on Nov 02, 2020:
Average salary for simple work is around 700 € and for professionals around 1000 €...LOL
Camel on Oct 10, 2020:
There are many nigh clubs and you can have good choice any time...LOL
Camel on Oct 06, 2020:
Average salary is around 1000 € after taxes due to reason of shadow economy...LOL
Camel on Sep 19, 2020:
The city is changing very fast, many kind of apartments can be afforded, many jobs, many opportunities...LOL
Camel on Sep 12, 2020:
Salaries are much higher compared with data from this site...LOL
Camel on Aug 23, 2020:
English speaking specialist have high opportunity to find job with comfortable salary...note, that there are high range of choices of accommodation...LOL
Camel on Jul 25, 2020:
The unemployment rate is very low with 4% and it means that it is quite easy to find job there...LOL
Camel on Jul 11, 2020:
The salaries is much higher as the shadow economy is quite huge...LOL
Camel on Jun 14, 2020:
The city has a wide range of choice for rent apartments starting from expensive ones to cheap at last...LOL
Riga on Jun 06, 2020:
Riga is beautiful place to stay when you salary is more than 1000 € after taxes and you can have comfortable life, otherwise you need to have your own apartments that you would be able to have comfortable life...LOL
Camel on May 24, 2020:
Next city after Tallinn among Baltic states by living popularity and attractiveness...LOL
Camel on May 13, 2020:
More and more latvians are going to work in Tallinn while there are better and higher salaries around 300 €...LOL
Camel on May 06, 2020:
Latvia has to reduce taxes more to get be attractive place for investors...LOL
Camel on May 03, 2020:
Riga is very comfortable place for living to couple when each of other has jobs with salaries 800 € and per both getting home 1600 € that means that for rent can be spent 400 €, for food 300 €, clothes 100 €, for transportation 100 € for gasoline and for free time 100 and the rest of 600 € for saving...of course local persons can work for less due to reason that has accommodation...LOL
Camel on May 03, 2020:
Salaries are much higher as there are showed due to the reason of "shadow" economy and it should be closer to Tallinn around 1000 € after taxes...note, that Riga is bigger compered to Tallinn and more flexible city with future growth...LOL
Camel on May 01, 2020:
There are many kinds of beer for a reasonable price 1 € in markets for one bottle and 3 €/glass in bars...enjoy...LOL
Camel on Apr 30, 2020:
There are more jobs in Tallinn compared with Riga and you can have higher salary...but Riga is bigger with 800 thousand of inhabitants...LOL
Camel on Apr 29, 2020:
Tallinn can afford 400€ higher salaries, that means there in Riga exist shadow economy still...LOL
Camel on Apr 11, 2020:
---> Ahsan, there are some true in your words, but you have to notice the bright side of living in the city. The old town is amazing with great architecture and many bars, coffees, restaurants...More over again economy is developing very fast and many jobs can be afforded. This place become more western with high rate of freedom...LOL
Ahsan on Apr 09, 2020:
Camel: the fastest economy growing in Latvia that made banks closed down offices??? You don't know how to make a perfect story.
Economic growth is 5%, but it is still a small economy. Even if the growth is 20%, the people still can not feel it.

If you decide to migrate to Latvia then move to western part, better to forget this plan. Unreal.

Some EU countries already NO MORE issue EU permanent residency card.
With local Latvian PR not possible legally working in other countries.
And there are many conditions to apply for Latvian local PR:

To stay in Latvia for 4 years and 2 months in 5 years period.
With language exam ,some taxes payment records for past years.

Foreigner students are not possible to apply for PR.

Be careful, full of scams there. Be clear before moving there.
Camel on Apr 03, 2020:
Keep in mind that Riga is fates growing city among Baltic states and many companies are going to establish offices there...Salaries for educated persons starts from 1000 € net after taxes...LOL
Danil Vetrov on Mar 30, 2020:
If you an Indian and trying to immigrate to Latvia this service will help you out http://www.immigration-residency.eu/immigration-to/latvia/for-indians/
Camel on Mar 21, 2020:
There is very large range selection of accommodation with very cheap and luxurious expensive apartments, just everything belongs of you earning and availability...LOL
Camel on Mar 19, 2020:
Riga has biggest job market among Baltic states and it looks that more international companies are going to establish offices there...high improvement, but still some soviet mentality still exist and more time is required to achieve the level of Tallinn...LOL
Camel on Mar 13, 2020:
The unemployment rate was 6.3% in 2019 and still going to reduce in 2020 keep going latvians as it's very high achievement in economy LOL
Camel on Mar 07, 2020:
---> Ahsan, but economy is growing very fast and becoming a modern western EU standards country...LOL
Ahsan on Mar 07, 2020:
Not a wealthy country. Not cheap to live. Many scammers in the country.
Few banks closed down one after another in past years.
Camel on Mar 04, 2020:
Latvia - Riga economy is growing very fast at nowadays 5% per year and more opportunities are coming.