Latvia (LV)
Latvia is a parliamentary republic and EU member state on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus.
Capital: Riga
Region: Europe
Language: Latvian
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 48)
Emergency: 112
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Cost of Living
Real prices in Latvia — 2026 data in EUR.
48
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Affordable compared to most Western countries. Good value for the quality of life offered.
Rent
1-bedroom apartment, central Riga (monthly rent) €550–850
1-bedroom apartment, Riga outer districts (monthly rent) €380–580
2-bedroom apartment, central Riga (monthly rent) €800–1,300
2-bedroom apartment, outer Riga (monthly rent) €550–850
Studio apartment, Riga centre (monthly rent) €450–700
House/cottage outside Riga (monthly rent) €300–700
Food & Groceries
Loaf of rye bread (rupjmaize, 500g) €1.50–2.50
Milk (1 litre, Latvian brand) €0.80–1.20
Eggs (12 pack, Latvian) €2.20–3.50
Chicken breast (1 kg) €5.50–8.00
Pork (1 kg, standard) €5.00–9.00
Potatoes (1 kg) €0.50–0.90
Local cheese (200g) €1.80–3.50
Cottage cheese (biezpiens, 500g) €1.50–2.50
Seasonal vegetables (1 kg, market) €0.80–2.50
Beer (500ml, domestic, shop) €0.80–1.50
Bottle of wine (mid-range) €6–15
Riga Black Balsam (500ml) €8–12
Dining Out
Business lunch (biznesa pusdienas, 2 courses + drink) €6–12
Meal at mid-range restaurant (per person) €15–30
Pizza at Latvian pizzeria €8–15
Coffee (espresso/flat white, café) €2.00–3.50
Beer at bar (500ml draft) €2.50–4.50
Lunch at Central Market (Centrāltirgus) €3–7
Street food kebab/shawarma €4–7
Fine dining (per person, 3 courses) €40–80
Transport
Riga public transport single trip (e-Talons) €1.15
Monthly transport pass (Riga) €50
Bolt taxi (Riga airport to centre, ~10 km) €8–14
Petrol (unleaded 95, per litre) €1.55–1.75
Train Riga–Jūrmala (return) €3.64
Train Riga–Sigulda (one way) €2.74
Bus Riga–Tallinn (Lux Express, one way) €15–35
Ferry Riga–Stockholm (Tallink, one way, seat) €30–80
Health & Insurance
GP visit (with state insurance — co-payment) €0 (or €0.71–1.42 co-payment)
Specialist visit (state, with referral) €4.27–7.11 co-payment
Private GP visit (without insurance) €25–60
Private specialist consultation €50–150
Dental check-up (private) €20–50
Prescription medicine (co-payment, subsidised) €1–10 typical
Pharmacy OTC medicine (typical) €3–15
Utilities
Electricity (2-person household) €40–80
District heating (centrālā apkure) — Riga winter months €60–150
Natural gas (where applicable) €30–70
Water and sewage €15–30
Internet (fibre, 100–500 Mbps) €15–25
Mobile plan (20 GB data, calls included) €10–20
Building management fee (mājas apsaimniekošana) €50–150
Childcare
Pašvaldību bērnudārzs (public kindergarten, income-tested, Riga) €0–150/month
Private bērnudārzs (Riga) €200–500/month
International school (e.g., Riga International School, annual) €9,000–18,000
State primary/secondary school Free
Babysitter / au pair (per hour) €5–10
Leisure
Cinema ticket (Riga cinemas) €7–12
Theatre ticket (Latvian National Theatre / Opera) €10–50
Museum entry (national museums) €3–8
Gym membership (monthly, Riga) €25–60
Ski pass (Sigulda slopes, day) €20–40
Bike rental (per day, Riga) €10–20
Jūrmala beach access (via train from Riga) €1.82 train + free beach
Cost of Living
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