Cost of Living in Latvia

If you've ever considered moving to Latvia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Latvia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Latvia and whether the reported $1474 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $875.36.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Latvia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

9.07 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

38.2 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.73 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.87 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.24 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.41 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.13 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.03 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.1 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.0 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.99 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.08 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

8.09 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.13 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.14 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.11 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.4 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.68 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.47 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.72 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.58 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.19 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.66 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

6.69 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.29 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.5 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.01 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.1 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

47.75 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.91 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.67 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

9.55 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.77 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

20584.72 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

19420.6 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

229.48 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.1 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

14.8 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

34.1 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

20.04 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

7.64 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

313.94 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

14805.32 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

55.16 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

36.95 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

62.53 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

94.06 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

342.65 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

249.96 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

610.57 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

432.51 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1694.13 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1070.72 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

875.36 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.54 %

Latvia

How Safe Is Latvia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Latvia

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Latvia is overall safe to travel to, the crime rates are relatively low, and even pickpockets are not that common. However, it is advised that you remain vigilant at all times, especially on the streets.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

As in other Baltic countries, traffic is not very safe in Latvia. It is filled with reckless drivers and even crossing the street is dangerous. Some roads are badly kept and riddled with holes. Be very careful when included in Latvia's traffic.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpocketing exists in Latvia but it is not too big of an issue. There are specific areas to watch out for such as Vecriga (Riga's Old Town), Dzelzcela Stacija (central train station), the Autoosta (central bus station) and Centraltirgus (central market) notorious for pickpockets. Be careful and keep your valuables close by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

As for natural disasters, there are no greater risks, apart from flooding caused by heavy rains, mostly in the eastern part of the country.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

It is not likely you will get mugged or kidnapped in Latvia. Still, don't let your guard down and stay away from dark and deserted areas of bigger cities.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Latvia's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are several scams performed in Latvia, especially in Riga, and they are mostly connected to bars and pubs. People lured into a pub or a bar by a pretty lady are mostly ridiculously overcharged. This happens in shady pubs such as Kapsula, Babylon and Sonali Pub to name a few. Never accept drinks from strange people or leave your drink unattended.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Overall, Latvia is very safe for women traveling solo. Just use your common sense and have your wits with you. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night and finding yourself in places filled with drunken people.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

For most countries, visas are not required for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that and you have to obtain a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Euro is the official currency for Latvia and most of Europe. ATMs are very easy to find and credit cards are accepted in many establishments such as hotels and restaurants.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Latvia has a warm temperate humid climate with pleasant summers and reasonably mild winters that last from January until March. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C in winter, but temperatures sometimes drop as low as -6.6°C

flight_takeoff

Airports

Riga International Airport is the biggest international airport of Riga, the capital of Latvia, and it's located in the Mārupe Municipality west of Riga. It is a state-owned joint-stock company, while the owner of all shares is no one other than the government of Latvia.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Latvia since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Latvia with other countries

Cost of living in countries