Latvia is a small country which has borders with Russia, Estonia, Belarus and Lithuania and has a 313 miles sandy coastline on the Baltic Sea. The country is member of NATO and the EU. Latvia is a nature lover’s dream with its many rivers, lakes, dense forests and gently sloping landscape.
If you are considering moving to Latvia, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Latvia Facts:
- Population: 1,836,003 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language: Latvian or Lettish
- GDP Per Capita: US$20,642.17 (2021)
- Levi Jeans: Jakobs Jufess was a Latvian-Jewish tailor who moved to the US at the age of 23. He got a job in a town called Weaverville and was asked to make hard wearing trousers for a woodcutter. Jacob made them out of duck cloth (a tightly woven type of canvas) and strengthened them with rivets. When Jacob couldn’t keep up with the demand for his ‘jeans’, Mr. Levi Strauss stepped in and backed the project by starting a factory in San Francisco. The rest is history.
- Currency: Euro (EU/€). As of 2024, £1 = €1.20, $1 USD = €0.89, $1 CAD = €0.66, $1 AUD = €0.61
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Latvia
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest global cities, and shipping it to the five largest places in Latvia:
| Origin City | Latvian City | 20-foot Container Rate Range (USD) | 40-foot Container Rate Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Daugavpils | $3,520 - $3,620 | $5,580 - $5,780 |
| Jelgava | $3,560 - $3,660 | $5,640 - $5,840 | |
| Jūrmala | $3,580 - $3,680 | $5,670 - $5,870 | |
| Liepāja | $3,540 - $3,640 | $5,610 - $5,810 | |
| Riga | $3,500 - $3,600 | $5,550 - $5,750 | |
| Berlin | Daugavpils | $2,520 - $2,620 | $4,080 - $4,280 |
| Jelgava | $2,560 - $2,660 | $4,140 - $4,340 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,580 - $2,680 | $4,170 - $4,370 | |
| Liepāja | $2,540 - $2,640 | $4,110 - $4,310 | |
| Riga | $2,500 - $2,600 | $4,050 - $4,250 | |
| Chicago | Daugavpils | $2,020 - $2,120 | $3,330 - $3,530 |
| Jelgava | $2,060 - $2,160 | $3,390 - $3,590 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,080 - $2,180 | $3,420 - $3,620 | |
| Liepāja | $2,040 - $2,140 | $3,360 - $3,560 | |
| Riga | $2,000 - $2,100 | $3,300 - $3,500 | |
| Chongqing | Daugavpils | $3,120 - $3,220 | $4,980 - $5,180 |
| Jelgava | $3,160 - $3,260 | $5,040 - $5,240 | |
| Jūrmala | $3,180 - $3,280 | $5,070 - $5,270 | |
| Liepāja | $3,140 - $3,240 | $5,010 - $5,210 | |
| Riga | $3,100 - $3,200 | $4,950 - $5,150 | |
| Delhi | Daugavpils | $3,020 - $3,120 | $4,830 - $5,030 |
| Jelgava | $3,060 - $3,160 | $4,890 - $5,090 | |
| Jūrmala | $3,080 - $3,180 | $4,920 - $5,120 | |
| Liepāja | $3,040 - $3,140 | $4,860 - $5,060 | |
| Riga | $3,000 - $3,100 | $4,800 - $5,000 | |
| Dubai | Daugavpils | $3,320 - $3,420 | $5,280 - $5,480 |
| Jelgava | $3,360 - $3,460 | $5,340 - $5,540 | |
| Jūrmala | $3,380 - $3,480 | $5,370 - $5,570 | |
| Liepāja | $3,340 - $3,440 | $5,310 - $5,510 | |
| Riga | $3,300 - $3,400 | $5,250 - $5,450 | |
| Houston | Daugavpils | $2,120 - $2,220 | $3,480 - $3,680 |
| Jelgava | $2,160 - $2,260 | $3,540 - $3,740 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,180 - $2,280 | $3,570 - $3,770 | |
| Liepāja | $2,140 - $2,240 | $3,510 - $3,710 | |
| Riga | $2,100 - $2,200 | $3,450 - $3,650 | |
| Los Angeles | Daugavpils | $1,920 - $2,020 | $3,180 - $3,380 |
| Jelgava | $1,960 - $2,060 | $3,240 - $3,440 | |
| Jūrmala | $1,980 - $2,080 | $3,270 - $3,470 | |
| Liepāja | $1,940 - $2,040 | $3,210 - $3,410 | |
| Riga | $1,900 - $2,000 | $3,150 - $3,350 | |
| Madrid | Daugavpils | $2,720 - $2,820 | $4,380 - $4,580 |
| Jelgava | $2,760 - $2,860 | $4,440 - $4,640 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,780 - $2,880 | $4,470 - $4,670 | |
| Liepāja | $2,740 - $2,840 | $4,410 - $4,610 | |
| Riga | $2,700 - $2,800 | $4,350 - $4,550 | |
| New York City | Daugavpils | $1,820 - $1,920 | $3,030 - $3,230 |
| Jelgava | $1,860 - $1,960 | $3,090 - $3,290 | |
| Jūrmala | $1,880 - $1,980 | $3,120 - $3,320 | |
| Liepāja | $1,840 - $1,940 | $3,060 - $3,260 | |
| Riga | $1,800 - $1,900 | $3,000 - $3,200 | |
| Paris | Daugavpils | $2,820 - $2,920 | $4,530 - $4,730 |
| Jelgava | $2,860 - $2,960 | $4,590 - $4,790 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,880 - $2,980 | $4,620 - $4,820 | |
| Liepāja | $2,840 - $2,940 | $4,560 - $4,760 | |
| Riga | $2,800 - $2,900 | $4,500 - $4,700 | |
| Phoenix | Daugavpils | $2,220 - $2,320 | $3,630 - $3,830 |
| Jelgava | $2,260 - $2,360 | $3,690 - $3,890 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,280 - $2,380 | $3,720 - $3,920 | |
| Liepāja | $2,240 - $2,340 | $3,660 - $3,860 | |
| Riga | $2,200 - $2,300 | $3,600 - $3,800 | |
| Rome | Daugavpils | $2,620 - $2,720 | $4,230 - $4,430 |
| Jelgava | $2,660 - $2,760 | $4,290 - $4,490 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,680 - $2,780 | $4,320 - $4,520 | |
| Liepāja | $2,640 - $2,740 | $4,260 - $4,460 | |
| Riga | $2,600 - $2,700 | $4,200 - $4,400 | |
| Shanghai | Daugavpils | $3,220 - $3,320 | $5,130 - $5,330 |
| Jelgava | $3,260 - $3,360 | $5,190 - $5,390 | |
| Jūrmala | $3,280 - $3,380 | $5,220 - $5,420 | |
| Liepāja | $3,240 - $3,340 | $5,160 - $5,360 | |
| Riga | $3,200 - $3,300 | $5,100 - $5,300 | |
| Sydney | Daugavpils | $3,420 - $3,520 | $5,430 - $5,630 |
| Jelgava | $3,460 - $3,560 | $5,490 - $5,690 | |
| Jūrmala | $3,480 - $3,580 | $5,520 - $5,720 | |
| Liepāja | $3,440 - $3,540 | $5,460 - $5,660 | |
| Riga | $3,400 - $3,500 | $5,400 - $5,600 | |
| Toronto | Daugavpils | $2,320 - $2,420 | $3,780 - $3,980 |
| Jelgava | $2,360 - $2,460 | $3,840 - $4,040 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,380 - $2,480 | $3,870 - $4,070 | |
| Liepāja | $2,340 - $2,440 | $3,810 - $4,010 | |
| Riga | $2,300 - $2,400 | $3,750 - $3,950 | |
| Vancouver | Daugavpils | $2,420 - $2,520 | $3,930 - $4,130 |
| Jelgava | $2,460 - $2,560 | $3,990 - $4,190 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,480 - $2,580 | $4,020 - $4,220 | |
| Liepāja | $2,440 - $2,540 | $3,960 - $4,160 | |
| Riga | $2,400 - $2,500 | $3,900 - $4,100 | |
| Vienna | Daugavpils | $2,920 - $3,020 | $4,680 - $4,880 |
| Jelgava | $2,960 - $3,060 | $4,740 - $4,940 | |
| Jūrmala | $2,980 - $3,080 | $4,770 - $4,970 | |
| Liepāja | $2,940 - $3,040 | $4,710 - $4,910 | |
| Riga | $2,900 - $3,000 | $4,650 - $4,850 |
- All figures are in USD;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (September 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
2. Latvia Housing Costs
There’s a good selection of housing available in Latvia – apartments, houses and villas. Riga, the capital, is the most expensive area but if you move out to the rural areas, you’ll find a good selection of property, including deserted houses waiting to be renovated.
Monthly Rental Prices in Latvia
- 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre: €220.00 – €600.00
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre: €150.00 – €400.00
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre: €300.00 – €1,200.00
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: €280.00 – €850.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in the city centre: €700.00 – €3,000.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the city: €500.00– €2,000.00
Source: Numbeo
Latvia Housing Cost Comparison
Below is how rents in Latvia compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 186.18% more expensive
United States is 332.43% more expensive
Canada is 208.61% more expensive
Australia is 231.90% more expensive
France is 132.18% more expensive
Spain is 97.21% more expensive
Italy is 88.40% more expensive
Germany is 138.75% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Sharing a room or flat with a roommate or flatmate is one of the best ways to save on housing costs. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: I roommates, Erasmusu, Jelgava Roommates, OK Roommateand Roommates in Liepaja.
- Different areas – different prices. Living in Ventspils or Riga is expensive for Latvia but cheaper than countries in Western Europe. Jurmala, Liepaja, Jelvaga, and Cesis are in picturesque settings and very affordable but the don’t offer much in the way of employment.
3. Latvia Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Latvia has many traditional dishes and many dishes that are influenced by their time under German and Russian rule. Fish features high on restaurant menus and in the supermarkets and markets, especially at the coast. Latvia grows most of its own food and therefore uses seasonal produce for meals, making changes to home and restaurant menus through the seasons.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: €4.50 – €15.00
- Domestic beer: €1.40 – €5.00
- Coke/Pepsi: €0.70 – €2.00
- 1L of milk: €0.80 – €1.50
- Loaf of Bread: €0.69 – €2.00
- 12 Eggs: €1.20 – €3.12
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: €3.00 – €8.70
- 1kg Beef: €5.50- €13.00
- 1kg Apples€0.50 – €2.00
- 1kg White Rice: €1.00 – €3.50
Source: Numbeo
Below is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major countries in the world.
- UKrestaurants are 52% more expensive and groceries are 22.12% more expensive than in Latvia.
- United State restaurants are 48% more expensive and groceries are 77.77% more expensive than in Latvia.
- Canada restaurants are 89% more expensive and groceries are 61.15% more expensive in Latvia.
- Australia restaurants are 27% more expensive and groceries are 78.59% more expensive than in Latvia.
- France restaurants are93% more expensive and groceries are 61.30% more expensive than in Latvia.
- Spain restaurants are 67% more expensive and groceries are 1.22% more expensive than in Latvia.
- Italy restaurants are 45% more expensive and groceries are 28.71% more expensive than in Latvia.
- Germanyrestaurants are 89% more expensive and groceries are 25.51% more expensive than in Latvia.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Latvia has the usual supermarket chains, plus independently owned grocery stores and some really great fish and fresh produce markets. Popular supermarkets in Latvia are RIMI Express, Mego Supermarket, VESKO, Sky Supermarketand Food Hall.
- Find Cheap Eats:Eating out in Latvia is very affordable compared with most countries around the world but have a look at the following sites for recommendations – Wanderlog, Where to Eat in Jurmala, Trip Advisor, Food and Drink – Jelgava City, and Dinner Restaurants in Kuldiga
4. Latvia Alcohol Costs
Drinking is a big part of Latvia’s lifestyle. Beer is their favourite tipple, especially around the summer solstice and many locals brew their own. Vodka is extremely popular and one of the world’s favourite vodkas is from Latvia – Stolichnaya.
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: €1.50 – €4.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: €1.40 – €5.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: €0.90 – €2.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: €1.00 – €2.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: €5.00 – €10.00
Source: Numbeo
How to drink for less in Latvia
- Have a look online or in local papers to find advertisements for cheaper alcohol in supermarkets, bars, clubs or restaurants.
- Many bars and restaurants in the cities and some rural areas offer happy hours where drinks are offered at incredibly cheaper prices. Also, have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on your favourite tipple – Expedia, Trip Advisor, Fontaine Prison Bar-Liepajaand Riga Happy Hour.
5. Latvia Transportation Fares
Latvia has an excellent transport system consisting of trains, trams, buses and mini buses which are reliable and convenient. Tickets for public transport are affordable, especially if you buy e-tickets from the ticket trade outlets or vending machines and other designated places. Have a look at 1188.Iv for train timetables and prices and Lu.lv for general information on public transport in Latvia.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- One-way ticket (Local transport: €0.60 – €2.00
- Monthly Pass, (Regular Price): €30.00 – €50.00
- Taxi start (normal tariff): €1.40 – €3.00
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): €0.50 – €1.00
Source: Numbeo
How to save money on public transport
- Travelling by bus is cheaper than travelling by train.
- Book e-tickets as they are cheaper compared to usual tickets.
- Cycling is very popular throughout Latvia.
6. Cost of Internet in Latvia
Latvia has excellent internet and ranks 5th in the EU. Here are some sample broadband internet prices for late 2022 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:
- SIA Lattelcom Internet 3– €18.88/Mo for 250 Mbit/s
- Triatel Internet Tariff UNLIMITED– €17.18/Mo for 512 Kbit/s
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Latvia has a temperate climate mostly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. July is the warmest month in the country with average temperatures ranging from 17C to 21.5C. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures ranging from -4.6C to -4.7C. The coldest temperature recorded in Latvia was -43.2C. The annual average rainfall is 667mm and July and August are the wettest months.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: €30.00 – €95.00
- Summer Dress: €20.00 – €65.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): € 50.00 – €100.00
- Business Shoes: €50.00 – €150.00
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): €40
- Deodorant: €3.83
- Shampoo: €6
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): €2.00
- Gym membership per month: €20.00 – €50.00
- Movie (cinema) ticket: €6.00 – €12.32
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Latvia
Most families own at least one car in Latvia. The major roads in Latvia are relatively well maintained but many of the rural roads are either full of potholes or gravel roads. Latvia’s cold winters require mandatory winter tyres.
You can drive on your home country’s driving licence for 12 months, after that you’ll need to swap your licence for a Latvian one. To learn more about driving in Latvia, have a look at the RAC’s website.
Buying a car in Latvia is an easy process. Atomiyme gives you all the information you need regarding purchasing a car.
Below are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Latvia:
- Volkswagen Golf: €18,000.00 – €23,000.00
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol): €1.47 – €2.04
- Other fees: The average monthly cost of owning a car in Latvia is €259 including depreciation.
Source: Numbeo, Latvija, Itcamp.iv
Ways to save money driving in Latvia
- Car sharing or carpooling is a good way to save money. Try City Bee, Labs of Latvia, Ride Guru, and BOLT.
- Taxis can be a cheaper option, especially if you are parking all day. Try Ride Guruand Avoiss Taxi.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Latvia? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Latvia
Personal income tax for residents and citizens of Latvia range from 0% to 32% depending on your salary. Non-residents pay a flat 20% on all income earned in the country. Rental income for non-residents is also taxed at 20%. Property tax varying from area to area and ranges between 0.2% and 3%. The standard VAT rate in the country is 21% for most goods and services. Some essential goods have a 12% or 5% VAT rate.
10. Flight Costs from Latvia
If you do make the move to Latvia, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2022:
- London: €11
- Paris: €23
- New York: €322
- Los Angeles: €388
- Toronto: €340
- Dubai: €304
- Sydney: €475
- Melbourne: €536
- Cape Town: €352
- Hong Kong: €390
Other Latvia Relocation Tips
The above costs and pricing should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Latvia. But perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Latvia Alone
Moving abroad is stressful but moving alone can be more so. However, the countryside and people of Latvia will help you ease into your new life. Below are a few tips about settling in Latvia.
- Meetups:Connect with like-minded souls through Meetup to enjoy activities such as ice skating, fishing or chess.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in Latvia and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Travel Triangle, World Festivals, Latvia Travel, On Latviaand I Explore
12. Moving to Latvia with a Family
Moving abroad with a family is not easy but Latvia has a lot to offer families. There are museums, parks, skating rinks, art galleries, playgrounds and much more.
- New parents (or parents-to-be):Connect your family with many groups like Active Moms and Moms in Prayer for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents-to-be.
- Live in a family-friendly area: Cities and neighbourhoods like Sabile, Kandava, Kuldiva, and Talsi are very popular with families. Riga and Jurmala also have family-friendly areas that expats enjoy.
- Find things to do with the kids:Latvia has many things for children to do. Have a look at the following websites for inspiration – Latvia Travel, Tripelle, Trip Advisor, Wanderlog and Triphobo.
13. Moving to Latvia for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Latvia is slowly growing as a tourist destination and employs many people in the service industry. Other opportunities exist in construction, education, healthcare, engineering and IT.
Below are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:Salaries in Latvia aren’t as high as the rest of Europe. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can check salary ranges on Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Latvia, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Military, Indeed, LinkedIn, Job Board Finderand Europa. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Latvia from Australia
There is a few Australians living in Latvia. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Latvia, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:Australia is 120 times bigger than Latvia. The population of Australia is 25,890,773 whereas the population of Latvia is 1,836,003.
- Join expat groups:MeetUp, Internations and Facebook offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Latvia.
15. Moving to Latvia from Canada
There are a few Canadians living in Latvia. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:Canada is 155 times bigger than Latvia. The population of Canada is 38,929,902 whereas the population of Latvia is 1,836,003.
- Expat groups:Meet fellow Canadians in Latvia through Internations and MeetUp.
16. Moving to Latvia from the United Kingdom
There are a few British Citizens living in Latvia. So, if you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: The UK is 3.8 times bigger than Latvia. The population of the UK is 68,730,050 whereas the population of Latvia is 1,836,003.
- Expat groups:Connect with fellow Brits in Latvia through Internations and MeetUp.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Latvia you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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