Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Estonia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Estonia?" 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 Estonia and whether the reported $1724 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1192.54.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
9.55 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
47.75 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.97 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.3 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.82 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.8 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.61 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.4 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.82 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.93 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.64 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.9 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.24 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.23 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.88 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.48 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.09 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.69 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.25 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.78 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.62 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.2 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.73 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
7.63 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.37 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.78 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.43 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
26.5 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.39 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.76 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
12.42 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.72 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19101.49 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20452.71 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
249.14 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.04 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
23.96 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
42.62 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
24.33 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.64 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
156.18 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
8534.44 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
77.78 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
29.8 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
71.01 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
95.92 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
492.19 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
376.55 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
865.37 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
610.54 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3183.4 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2210.77 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1192.54 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
2.28 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 9.55 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 47.75 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.82 USD, a loaf of bread 0.93 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.9 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.43 USD and a monthly pass around 26.5 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 249.14 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 42.62 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 24.33 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 156.18 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 8534.44 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 77.78 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 71.01 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 492.19 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 376.55 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 3183.4 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 2210.77 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 1192.54 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 2.28% annually.
Estonia
Estonia is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. Its crime rates are relatively low, but it is advised to remain vigilant at all times, keep your valuables in a safe place and be very careful when involved in traffic.
Transportation is a major issue in Estonia, due to many reckless drivers. There is a worrying number of deaths due to traffic accidents per year, and you should be very careful when venturing into Estonia's traffic. Also, weather conditions and potholes can cause problems on roadways, both in cities and smaller towns and villages. Always have your headlights on.You should also avoid hailing taxis directly from the street, since these taxi drivers can overcharge you for their services. Your best bet is to arrange a ride with a taxi company such as Tulika Takso.
Petty crime exists in Estonia, especially in Viru street in Tallinn and areas like Tallinn's Old Town, especially the Town Hall Square, called Raekoja Plats and the Central Market. Never let your guard down and never leave your valuables in plain sight.
There are no threats of natural disasters in Estonia, apart from occasional flooding and storms.
There have been reports of foreigners being mugged or attacked by drunken people near bars and clubs. The most dangerous places at night are the neighborhoods Kopli and Lasnamäe, though crime here is still less of an issue than in other larger countries like America.
Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Estonia's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Estonia is a country where you could get scammed, so you should check your change twice and never let your credit card out of site. Be wary of people trying to distract you offering you unwanted help, since it might be a trick to steal from you.
Estonia is generally safe for women traveling solo. Just follow the rules of common sense such as avoiding deserted and poorly lit streets and areas, and your trip should go smoothly.
Many countries do not need a visa in order to enter Estonia, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Euro is the official currency in Estonia and most of Europe. ATMs are available throughout the country and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. Tipping is expected.
Estonia has temperate and mild climate with warm summers and severe, harsh winters. It is often breezy, chilly and humid in Estonia due to the proximity of the Baltic Sea.
Tallinn Airport often referred to as the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is the largest airport in Estonia, located 5.0 km southeast of the centre of Tallinn, on the eastern shore of Lake Ülemiste.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Estonia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.