Riga, Latvia

Editor

Editor

March 12, 2023

The city of Riga, the capital of Latvia, is an ideal destination for digital nomads. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and low cost of living, Riga is a great place to live and work. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Riga is around 40% lower than in other major European cities, making it an attractive option for digital nomads. Additionally, the city has a strong internet infrastructure, with an average download speed of around 30 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected.Riga is also a great place to explore. The city is home to a variety of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions, as well as a number of parks and green spaces. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore.For digital nomads looking for a place to work and explore, Riga is an ideal destination. With its low cost of living, strong internet infrastructure, and vibrant culture, Riga is a great place to live and work.

Living in Riga, Latvia: Overview

Overall score | Worksplorer index

  • 68%

    Quality of life
  • 35%

    Cost of living
  • 50%

    Connectivity
  • 75%

    Weather

58

General

CurrencyEUR
Population (in millions)1.3
Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200)78
Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA10% cheaper
Best neighborhood to stayOld Town, Centrs
Culture

Number of museums and galleries60
Top selling local beerAldaris
Most popular local dishPelmeni
Travel

Most popular tourist attraction(s)Riga Cathedral, Old Town, Freedom Monument
Discount airlineWizz Air
Major airlineAirBaltic
Largest ride sharing companyBolt
Primary train stationsRiga Central Station, Riga Passazhirskaya Station, Riga International Airport Station
Primary airportsRiga International Airport, Liepāja International Airport, Ventspils International Airport
Best rental car companyEuropcar
Used car costs15000 EUR
Connectivity

Apple store addresses Apple Store Riga, Alfa Centrs, Maskavas iela 127, Riga, LV-1045, Latvia
Internet connection (in Mbps)100 Mbps
Power socket typeC,E,F
Supply voltage 220V
Best electronics storeElvi
Best internet carrierLattelecom
Primary cellular carrierTele2
Average monthly cost for internet25 EUR
Shopping

The best drug storeRimi
Best restaurant chainFolkklubs Ala
The best grocery storeRimi
The most popular fashion brandH&M
Regulatory

GDP per capita$20,845 / year
Average annual income$19,000
Sales tax rate21%
Income tax rate24%
Tourist visa valid (in days)90
Financial

Average mortgage rate2.5%
Suggested ATM take out500 EUR
Bank that has the most ATM machinesSwedbank
Average tip in restaurant15%
Pay using credit or debit cardBecoming more common
Health

Emergency Phone Numbers112 (general), 110 (police), 113 (ambulance), 114 (firefighters)
Polution per square meter1,845
Health quality rank (according to WHO) 25
Main religionLutheran
Quality of life

68%

  • 62%

    Safety, freedom, rights
  • 99%

    Traffic
  • 74%

    Property to income
  • 38%

    Crime
  • 61%

    Healthcare
  • 75%

    Weather
Salaries

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)€1,076
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate2.56%
Childcare

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child€368
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child€14,205
Cost of living

35%

  • Purchasing Power

    57%

     

     

  • Rent

    14%

     

     

  • Food

    43%

     

     

  • Restaurant

    51%

     

     

  • Workspace

    38%

     

     

  • Transport

    31%

     

     

Rent

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month€452.78
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month€311.43
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month€837.50
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month€558.53
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure€21.72
Food

Milk (regular), (1 liter)€1.32
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)€1.19
Eggs (regular) (12)€2.39
Local Cheese (1kg)€9.63
Water (1.5 liter bottle)€0.71
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)€7.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)€1.52
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)€1.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)€4.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)€6.99
Apples (1kg)€1.31
Oranges (1kg)€1.87
Potato (1kg)€0.84
Lettuce (1 head)€1.32
Rice (white), (1kg)€2.21
Tomato (1kg)€2.70
Banana (1kg)€1.51
Onion (1kg)€0.64
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)€10.39
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant€11.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course€50.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)€7.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)€4.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)€3.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)€1.27
Water (0.33 liter bottle) €1.16
Cappuccino (regular)€2.75
Connectivity

94%

Infrastructure

89/100

Internet speed

92/100

Internet cost

95/100

Pre-paid plan

98/100

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment€300.32
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)€0.12
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)€17.73
Sports

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult€39.48
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)€21.72
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat€9.10
Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)€1.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)€30.00
Gasoline (1 liter)€1.90
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)€21,803.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)€22,252.86
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)€2.34
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)€0.80
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)€10.70