Cost of Living in Latvia

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 9.07 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 38.2 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.1 USD, a loaf of bread 1.0 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.08 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.1 USD and a monthly pass around 47.75 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 229.48 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 34.1 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 20.04 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 313.94 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 14805.32 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 55.16 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 62.53 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 342.65 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 249.96 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1694.13 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1070.72 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 875.36 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 2.54% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Latvia

Latvia

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing