What are the housing and living expenses in Estonia in 2023?

The rise in housing prices in Estonia

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in housing prices in Estonia, attracting the attention of many buyers. The average cost per square meter in residential properties ranges from 850 to 950 euros, but this figure can vary significantly depending on the specific locality.

Real estate prices in small towns

In small towns, real estate prices tend to be more affordable. For example, inIda-Viru CountyIn the area bordering Russia, you can find apartments priced from 200 to 500 euros per square meter.NarvaLocated just 150 kilometers from St. Petersburg, the price for a one-bedroom apartment in the center will be around 25,000 euros.

Interest in Tallinn

TallinnTallinn, the capital of Estonia, is the most sought-after city for real estate purchases. Here, the average price per square meter reaches 1300 euros. If you want to buy a small studio on the outskirts of the city, you will need between 30,000 and 35,000 euros. However, the cost of housing in the old town is significantly higher, ranging from 2000 to 3000 euros per square meter. For those who want to enjoy a magnificent view from the window, be prepared for additional expenses — from 10 to 15%.

Real estate in Tartu

A popular area among foreign investors is alsoTartuThe average cost per square meter here is about 1000 euros, while in new buildings it ranges from 1200 to 1500 euros. For 20,000 to 25,000 euros, you can find a compact studio of up to 25 square meters. Private houses can be purchased starting from 10,000 euros, but they are often old buildings in rural areas that need repairs. Modern housing with amenities in Narva will cost around 100,000 euros, while in Tartu, a house with three or four bedrooms will cost between 150,000 and 200,000 euros. To buy similar housing in Tallinn, you will need at least 250,000 euros.

Obtaining a residence permit through investment

If obtaining a residence permit in Estonia is your goal, it is worth considering the options related toinvestments in businessThis can be a good foundation for achieving your goal.

Housing rental

As for renting, Estonian property owners are mainly interested in long-term contracts. Typically, most transactions go through real estate agencies, and it's important to consider additional costs for the realtor's commission, which usually amounts to the cost of one month's rent. Therefore, the first month of living will require significantly higher expenses, as, in addition to the commission, a security deposit for the property will also need to be paid.

• Be prepared for the fact that the total expenses may turn out to be three times higher than the usual rental cost.
• To rent a one-bedroom apartment in Tallinn, you will need to invest at least 300 euros.
• A two-room apartment will cost around 400 euros.
• If you are considering the option of living in the suburbs, you could save 15-20%.
• In Tartu, prices are somewhat lower; you can find a one-bedroom apartment for 200-250 euros.
• In Narva, rent will be more affordable: a studio can be rented for 120 euros, and a one-bedroom apartment for 200 euros.

Real estate taxes

It is worth noting that there are no property taxes in Estonia, but there is a land tax. This tax must be paid regardless of whether you live in an apartment or a private house. The tax rate depends on the region and the specific characteristics of the property.

Land tax in Estonia

In Estonia, the land tax is set between 0.1% and 2.0% of the cadastral value. This rate depends on the size and characteristics of the specific city where the plots are located. For example, in the capital city, Tallinn, the tax rate is fixed at 1.5%, while in Tartu it is only 1%. This tax must be paid once a year, and for apartment owners, the amount usually ranges around 30 euros, whereas for houses, the tax can reach 200 euros or even more, depending on the size of the land plot.

Utility payments

Utility payments also vary depending on the region of Estonia. Let's consider Tallinn as a more expensive city. Here, the rates for basic utility services are as follows:

• Cold water - 2.1 euros per cubic meter;
• Hot water - 4.5 euros per cubic meter;
• Heating - 1 euro per square meter;
• The cost of calling the elevator is €0.55;
• Garbage disposal - 1.3 euros;
• Major renovation of buildings — 0.6 euros per square meter;
• The rent is 0.32 euros per square meter;
• Electricity costs 0.15 euros per kilowatt-hour.

It is emphasized that these rates may vary depending on the service provider.

Heating expenses

During the heating season, expenses for a small one-bedroom apartment of about 35 square meters, where a couple lives, can reach approximately 110 euros. In this case, the majority of the amount goes towards heating, which ranges from 30 to 35 euros. It's important to note that the size of the utility bills does not depend on the number of registered residents in the apartment.water,gasandelectricityIt is carried out based on the readings of the meters, while the other mandatory payments are determined based on the area and location of the property.

Fines and utilities for private homes

Fines have also been established for waste collection and wastewater treatment services for individual houses. On average, the amount spent on waste collection is about 60 euros per year, while the cost of sewage services ranges from 40 to 80 euros depending on the size of the waste containers.

Homeowners' association

Many residential complexes in Estonia operateowners' associationThese organizations are responsible for maintaining the overall infrastructure and ensuring order and convenience both inside and outside the buildings. One of the main advantages of such associations is the ability to take care of apartments in the absence of their owners. In the case of long trips, members of the association can offer assistance with cleaning, watering plants, and taking care of pets for a reasonable fee.

Food expenses

As for food expenses, according to Eurostat data, they are 26% lower in Estonia than the European average. In Tallinn, excluding visits to cafes and restaurants, food expenses can amount to 200-250 euros per month. It's important to note that food prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year, place of purchase, and quality of goods.

Products and their prices

For example, in Tallinn, the prices for some products are as follows:

• Milk and kefir — from 0.6 to 0.8 euros per liter;
• Cottage cheese - about 5.2 euros per kilogram;
• Cheese — from 6 to 10 euros per kilogram;
• White bread - 0.73 euros;
• Rice - 1 euro per kilogram;
• Eggs - 1.23 euros per dozen;
• Fresh fish - from 6 to 12 euros per kilogram;
• Beef - from 6.2 to 8.5 euros per kilogram;
• Pork - around 4.5-5 euros;
• Chicken - from 3 to 5.5 euros per kilogram;
• Bananas cost 1-1.5 euros per kilogram;
• Grapes - from 2.65 euros;
• Apples - from 1 to 1.5 euros;
• Oranges - from 1 to 1.3 euros per kilogram;
• Tomatoes - from 1.7 to 2 euros per kilogram;
• Cucumbers - from 2.6 euros;
• Potatoes - 0.4 euros per kilogram.

Retail chains

It's interesting that in Estonia there are more affordable retail chains, such asGrossiandPrismathen howMaximaandSelverThey are considered more expensive options. For people who do not want to cook, supermarkets offer ready-made services, which significantly reduces the time spent on meal preparation.

Prices for groceries in Tallinn

In Tallinn, the cost of a quick snack like a sandwich is approximately €1.3. If you prefer salads, their price starts at €4.5 per kilogram. Meat products have their own price, starting at €8.5 per kg.

Price characteristics in Estonia

In Estonia, there are unique aspects regarding the prices of goods and services that are worth knowing. First of all, it is important to note that children under seven years old are entitled to free access to many services, as are adults accompanying children under three years old. Additionally, all residents of Tallinn and holders of the Tallinn Card can take advantage of various benefits.

Taxi in Estonia

When it comes to taxis, it's important to note that the starting fare is around €2.5, and the cost for each kilometer of the trip is about €0.5. If you need to wait for a taxi, keep in mind that you'll have to pay €10 for each minute of waiting.

Mobile communication

Now let's take a look at mobile communication in Estonia. It pleasantly surprises with its prices, which are significantly lower than in most European Union countries. One of the most well-known operators is Elisa. For example:

• The cost of a 50 GB internet package per month is about €5.
• Calls within the country and abroad cost about €5-7.
• Thus, the total expenses for mobile communication can range from €10 to €12 per month;
• A home internet package with a speed of 60 Mbps will cost around €20.
• For renting a modem or router, an additional fee of €1 will be charged if multiple devices are connected in the house.

Prices for clothing and footwear

As for the prices of clothing and footwear, they are comparable to Western European standards. For example:

• A pair of Levi's jeans costs from €70.
• A summer dress will cost around €35.
• Shoes, including sneakers and dress shoes, cost between €70 and €90.

In Tallinn, several large shopping centers should be highlighted:

• Rocca al Mare— the largest of all;
• Department store— the oldest department store in the capital;
• Stockmann— a diverse range of products;
• Kristiine— more than 170 boutiques and 18 cafes and restaurants.

Second-hand stores and discounts

Second-hand store chainHumanaIt is popular among the locals. Here you can find affordable and quality items. Owners of old clothes can also bring their items themselves if they are in good condition. Don't forget about the discount periods — it all starts a month before Christmas and in mid-summer, when discounts can reach up to 70%, especially when new collections arrive or at the end of the month during sales.

Leisure and entertainment

If you are interested in leisure activities and entertainment in Tallinn, you may notice that the prices for them are quite reasonable compared to other major cities in Europe. For example:

• A theater ticket costs between €12 and €28.
• Tickets for the concert cost between €8 and €50.
• A visit to the cinema costs between €5 and €7.
• Dinner at a nightclub costs between €7 and €20.
• A gym membership will cost around €50-55 per month.

Group tours for tourists

For tourists who find themselves in the capital of Estonia for just a few days, group bus tours are available, allowing them to quickly get acquainted with the main attractions of the city. The cost of such tours ranges from €15 to €20, depending on the size of the group and the planned stops.

Thus, Tallinn offers a wide range of both budget-friendly and more expensive entertainment options, making it an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a home and living in Estonia are becoming increasingly relevant for many. We have examined a wide range of aspects, including real estate prices, rental costs, utility bills, and food expenses, which are important for those considering a move or investment in this country.

Housing prices in Estonia really vary depending on the region — from affordable options in provincial towns to higher rates inTallinnandTartuUnderstanding the market situation and individual needs will allow for choosing the most suitable living conditions without overloading the budget.

Current aspects of life in Estonia

• Investing in real estate:Interest in real estate investments remains strong, and foreign buyers continue to see Estonia as a reliable place for investment.
• Rental:The rental conditions are also quite attractive, especially in less populated cities, which allows for significant savings.
• Utility costs:Utility costs in Estonia are quite reasonable and depend on the specific region and type of housing.
• Food expenses:The cost of food remains below the average in the European Union, which creates additional advantages for living in the country.

Thus, Estonia represents an interesting destination for those seeking a balance between quality of life, housing affordability, and comfort. Anyone considering the possibility of moving or investing in Estonia will have the chance for a new chapter in life, where modern trends blend with a unique culture.

Therefore, before making a final decision, I highly recommend considering all the aspects described in this article and analyzing them based on your own preferences and financial capabilities.