What are the housing and living expenses in Latvia compared to Europe?

Housing expenses in Latvia

Housing costs in Latvia seem quite reasonable compared to other European countries. In particular, apartments built during the Soviet era in the capital, Riga, can be purchased for prices starting at €700 per square meter.

New standard-type residential complexes in the suburbs cost around €1200 per square meter, while luxury apartments start at €2000. If we consider premium-class apartments, new or fully renovated properties in the historic part of Riga are priced from €3500 per square meter. Similar price benchmarks are present in Jurmala, but in other regions of Latvia, real estate prices can vary and be 50-70% lower.

Investments and visas

If you decide to invest in property priced from €250,000, it will open up the opportunity for you to obtain a residence visa, which significantly simplifies the process of moving to Latvia for your entire family. Detailed information about current real estate rates can be found in specialized market reports.

Housing rental

Additionally, if purchasing property is not in your plans, you might consider the option of long-term rental. For example, two-bedroom apartments in the center of Riga are offered at prices starting from €500 per month, while in residential areas, the cost starts from €250.

In Jurmala, rental rates are also comparable to those in central areas, while in other cities, prices can be significantly lower.

Utility payments

When renting a property for a long term, tenants should consider the cost of utilities. On average, maintaining an apartment of 60-70 square meters in Riga will cost about €100 per month in the summer and around €200 during the colder months. More information about utility expenses can be found in specialized sources.

Real estate tax

It is also worth mentioning that in Latvia there is an annual property tax that all owners are required to pay. The tax rate ranges from 0.2% to 0.6% per year and is calculated based on the cadastral value of the property.

On average, the property tax for an apartment in Riga ranges from €200 to €300 annually.

Old housing

When considering options for renting or buying old real estate, it's important to note that such properties often cost less than new ones. However, it should be remembered that the maintenance costs for old apartments can be higher, as they usually do not meet modern energy efficiency standards.

Therefore, before buying a property, it is important to carefully analyze how much money will be spent on its maintenance.

Latvian cuisine

When it comes to local cuisine, Latvian dishes are characterized by simplicity and heartiness, resembling the cuisines of neighboring countries such as Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and Germany. However, it also has its own unique traditional treats. Original recipes include:

• bread and beer soups;
• fish casseroles;
• jellied meat made from pig's trotters;
• baked knuckles
• boiled peas with bacon;
• blood pancakes;
• other dishes.

Bread is usually served with every meal, and in Latvia, it is famous for its variety; for example, there are interesting types like carrot bread with dried fruits.

Restaurant prices

Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around €30. The fast food chain Lido is quite popular, where a full meal can be had for €5-7 per person.

In addition, international fast food chains such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Hesburger are available in Latvia, where prices for fast food start from €3 to €5.

Supermarkets and markets in Latvia

In Latvia, various chain supermarkets and hypermarkets are actively operating, where residents can purchase essential groceries on a daily basis. The most well-known and widespread chains include Rimi, Maxima, Supernetto, and Prisma.

In the capital of Latvia, Riga, you can also find many markets offering farm products; among them stand out:

• Central Market
• Vidzeme Market
• Agenskalns market

In addition, the country has many specialized stores, such as those selling meat products in Kekava or dairy products and baked goods in Daugava.

Food prices

As of today, the prices of food products in Latvian supermarkets are as follows:

• Danablu cheese (with mold): €7–10 per kilogram
• Creamy processed cheese Kārum: €1–2 for a 200-gram package
• 180-gram pack of butter: €1.2–1.8
• Actimel yogurt (400 grams): €1.2–1.8
• A dozen eggs: €0.9–1.8
• A kilogram of sausages: €4–5
• Chicken fillet: €2.5–4.5
• Salami sausage (200 grams): €2–5
• A liter of marinated olives: €4–6

As for vegetables and fruits, their prices are as follows:

• A kilogram of tomatoes: €1.5–2.5
• Potatoes: €0.5–1.5
• Peaches and nectarines: €1.5–2.5 per kilogram
• Grapes: €1.7–3.5 per kilogram

The price of a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon wine ranges from €3 to €10, while local beer Livu Pilzenes costs between €0.4 and €0.7 per bottle. Lavazza coffee (250 grams) is purchased for approximately €4–5.

Ways to save on groceries

There are several ways to reduce grocery expenses in Latvia. One of the most sensible approaches is to buy groceries in advance by making a shopping list for several weeks. It is also recommended to visit discount stores like Supernetto, which is known for its low prices due to the minimal services provided to customers.

Public transport in Riga

Transportation and mobility issues in Riga are also important. The city offers various types of public transport, including:

• Buses
• Trams
• Trolleybuses
• Route taxis

On weekends, you can also take advantage of the night buses. For fare payment, there is an electronic ticket available, which can be purchased at specialized service centers or at machines located in various parts of the city. Traditional paper tickets are also available from drivers, but their price is significantly higher.

Fare prices

As for the prices for public transport in Riga:

• Monthly travel pass: €50
• Single ticket: €1.15
• Two rides: €2.30
• Five trips: €5.75
• Ten single tickets: €10.90
• Ticket from the driver: €2

A 24-hour ticket is also available for €5, a 3-day ticket for €10, and a 5-day ticket for €15. The fine for traveling without a ticket ranges from €20 to €50.

Electronic tickets

For the convenience of users, Riga offers both long-term blue electronic tickets and temporary yellow ones.

Transport in Jūrmala

In the resort area of Jūrmala, although it attracts many tourists, there is no station by that name. However, there are several stops in the area, the most well-known of which are Bulduri, Dzintari, and Majori.

A train trip from Riga to Jūrmala costs about €1.5, although the final price may vary depending on the distance. For those who prefer taxis, there are various services available in the region, such as Avoiss Taxi, Free Taxi, BalticTaxi, Smile Taxi, Eco Taxi, and SOS Taxi.

The base fare for a taxi ride ranges from €0.57 to €1.70, while the charge per kilometer varies from €0.35 to €0.65. For example, a taxi ride between the center of Riga and the airport will cost between €7 and €15, and regular customers can expect special offers and discounts.

Internet access

When it comes to internet access, the situation in Latvia is quite favorable: it has one of the largest numbers of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the world. Free internet can be found not only in Riga but also in cities like Daugavpils and Liepaja, with availability covering streets, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

There are several mobile operators in the country, including Tele2, LMT, and Bite. There are various tariff plans with different prices, but generally, the monthly cost for mobile communication is around €10-15.

When it comes to a home package that includes television and internet, the cost will range from €15 to €30 depending on the chosen provider and the volume of services.

Shopping in Latvia

When it comes to buying clothes and shoes, Latvia is not the most advantageous place for shopping compared to Germany or Poland, where the selection is wider and prices are lower. However, in Riga, there are enough shopping centers where you can refresh your wardrobe.

• Galerija Centrs is located near the central train station.
• Stockmann – with well-known European brands;
• The Alfa shopping center is located on the way out of Riga towards Pskov.
• Domina Shopping offers 160 boutiques of fashionable clothing.
• Origo – 200 stores, cafes, and restaurants;
• Spice is one of the largest centers in Riga, located on the way to the airport.

Prices for clothing and footwear in Latvia are generally lower than in major cities in Russia. A complete outfit from brands like Zara, Mango, Benetton, and H&M can cost between €100 and €200. Almost every shopping center offers the option for tax refund (Tax Free) for purchases of at least €44.

Latvian brands

In addition to the familiar European brands, Latvia also has its own unique brands. Locals recommend paying attention to cosmetics from companies like Stenders and Dzintars, as well as knitted goods and amber products.

It is also important to highlight local designers whose collections have repeatedly ranked highly on the international stage. Some of these brands include:

• Mareunrol's;
• Narciss;
• KatyaKatyaShehurina;
• Anna Led;
• Natalija Jansone;
• Amoralle (formerly Sockbox);
• Qooqoo;
• Frazzo.

These are just some recommendations for those interested in the Latvian fashion industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to note that the real estate market in Latvia offers a variety of opportunities for both purchasing and renting housing. Despite some high prices for elite properties, affordable options such as old apartments and new builds in residential areas remain quite attractive. Interestingly, the possibility of obtaining a residence permit when purchasing real estate from...€250,000opens doors for international families looking to move to this beautiful country.

Rent and utilities

When it comes to renting, there are plenty of options, and even in the center of Riga, you can find reasonable offers. It's important to keep in mind that tenants are responsible for utility bills, which vary depending on the season and the size of the apartment. Therefore, when choosing a place to live, it's wise to calculate the maintenance costs in advance.

Gastronomic features

Latvian cuisine, with its simple and hearty dishes, adds variety to life in this region. Here are some popular dishes:

• Beer soups
• Bakery products
• Fish casseroles
• Pork jelly from pig's trotters

I'm sure that even a meal at a traditional restaurant won't break the bank, especially if you choose something from a fast food chain.

Transportation costs

As for transportation, the city offers a convenient public transport system with affordable fares. The choice between buses, trams, and minibuses, as well as the option to use commuter trains, makes getting around Riga easy and comfortable.

Overall, Latvia is a country with attractive living conditions, offering competitive housing prices, a variety of cultural and gastronomic experiences, as well as convenient transportation. By exploring the market, one can find numerous advantageous offers that will meet the needs of both new residents and temporary renters. I sincerely hope that this information has been helpful to you and will assist you in making an informed choice.