Are you considering a move to Riga, Latvia, and wondering about the cost of living? Riga is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Riga and help you understand whether $1997 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1208.0.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
13.03 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
65.13 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.63 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.34 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.53 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.09 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.58 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.28 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.46 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.63 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.74 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
10.88 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.31 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.08 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.46 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.74 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.14 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.74 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.89 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.61 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.8 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
7.6 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.88 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.88 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
32.56 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.71 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.05 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
10.85 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.82 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23879.43 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24866.45 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
354.58 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
16.84 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
46.09 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
26.05 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
9.77 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
430.74 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
13374.29 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
73.46 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
46.33 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
80.14 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
113.18 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
525.83 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
334.19 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
886.43 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
588.1 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2653.87 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1677.3 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1208.0 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
3.71 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Riga come to a total of approximately $1997. This includes an average monthly rent of around $525 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $363 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $593 per month.
Living in Riga appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1208.0. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Riga, you would likely need an income exceeding $1208.0.
In Riga, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1208.0, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Riga is approximately $525. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $334.19 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Riga can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $459 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Latvia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Latvia.
Riga 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.
As in other Baltic cities, traffic is not very safe in Riga. It is filled with reckless drivers and even crossing the street is dangerous. Be very careful when included in Latvia's traffic.
Pickpockets exist in Riga 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.
As for natural disasters, there are no greater risks, like volcanoes, earthquakes or tornadoes. You can relax completely.
It is not likely you will get mugged or kidnapped in Riga. Still, don't let your guard down and stay away from dark and deserted areas of bigger cities.
There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Riga's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There are several scams performed 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.
Overall, Riga 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.
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, contact your local Latvian embassy for further information.
Euro is the official currency for Riga and most of Europe. ATMs are very easy to find and credit cards accepted in many establishments such as hotels and restaurants.
Riga 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.
Riga International Airport is the biggest international airport in Riga, 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.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Riga since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°F | 32°F | 40°F | 52°F | 63°F | 68°F | 73°F | 71°F | 62°F | 51°F | 40°F | 33°F |
| Temp | 27°F | 27°F | 33°F | 44°F | 54°F | 61°F | 65°F | 63°F | 55°F | 45°F | 36°F | 30°F |
| Low | 23°F | 22°F | 27°F | 35°F | 44°F | 51°F | 56°F | 54°F | 47°F | 39°F | 32°F | 26°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 0°C | 0°C | 4°C | 11°C | 17°C | 20°C | 22°C | 21°C | 16°C | 10°C | 4°C | 0°C |
| Temp | -2°C | -2°C | 0°C | 6°C | 12°C | 16°C | 18°C | 17°C | 12°C | 7°C | 2°C | -1°C |
| Low | -5°C | -5°C | -2°C | 1°C | 6°C | 10°C | 13°C | 12°C | 8°C | 3°C | 0°C | -3°C |