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Cost of living in Latvia: Food, transport, and more
We show you what the cost of living in Latvia will be in 2026. One of the most affordable destinations in Europe to live comfortably.
Latvia is a Baltic country known for its green landscapes and historic cities like Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most affordable places in Europe to live. If you are planning to stay there for a few months, this guide explains the cost of living in Latvia in a simple and clear way, with updated prices to help you plan your monthly budget, including accommodation such as hotels, apartments, and coliving spaces, as well as grocery costs at popular supermarkets and the average price of eating at local restaurants.
We will also look at the cost of public and private transport, healthcare services, internet access, and some of the most popular leisure activities you can enjoy in the country. So if you are planning to move to Latvia for a while for work, study, or simply to experience it as a visitor, this guide will help you understand how much money you need to live comfortably and how the cost of living there compares with other European cities.
Average cost of accommodation in Latvia
Housing is usually one of the main costs when moving abroad, yet the cost of living in Latvia is generally lower than in many Western European countries, especially when it comes to rent. Prices still depend on the city and the type of accommodation you choose, but overall it can be noticeably more affordable. In fact, compared with countries like Poland, rental costs can be up to 22% lower. Here are a few examples to help you compare:
- Hotel: In the city of Riga, you can stay for $714 for the entire month at ApartHotel Riga or for $866 in a double room at SportHotel in Liepaja.
- Apartment: From $432 in Riga for a one-bedroom apartment, $561 for a two-bedroom apartment, or $709 in Daugavpils for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Coliving: Another option is to share common areas and services with other residents by staying at Youston Living in Riga, where you can rent a private studio from $500, with utilities included, plus access to amenities such as a gym and coworking spaces.
- Hostel: In Meirani, you can stay at Meirānu muiža, from $504 per month, in a shared room with four beds, or from $641 at Imperija 85, in the capital.
How much does it cost to eat in Latvia?
Food is another key part of the cost of living in Latvia, but it is relatively affordable compared to much of Western Europe. If you cook at home regularly, shopping at local supermarkets like Rimi can cost between $150 and $250. Local markets also offer fresh produce like fruits and vegetables at even lower prices. Here is an example of a typical shopping list:
- Milk (1 L): $1.50.
- Eggs (12): $3.43.
- Chicken breast (500 g): $5.
- Local cheese (500 g): $7.69.
- Tomatoes (1 kg): $3.40.
- Apples (1 kg): $2.07.
- Potatoes (1 kg): $1.30.
- Coca-Cola (2 L): $3.16.
- Local beer (0.5 L): $1.75.
Eating out in Latvia can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local restaurants away from the main tourist areas, where prices can be up to 30% lower than in other European capitals like Berlin or Paris. For example, at Restaurant 3 — Bar & Grill on Elizabetes iela 83 in Riga, you can enjoy traditional Latvian dishes at the following approximate prices:
| Type of food | Dish | Price |
| Breakfast | Maize ar sviestu un sieru (cornbread with butter and cheese) + coffee | $4.70 |
| Lunch | Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (bacon and pea stew) | $11 |
| Dinner | Cepta zivs ar kartupeļiem (grilled herring with potatoes) | $17 |
How transportation works in Latvia
Whether you need to get around Riga, Jūrmala, or Liepāja as a digital nomad heading to a coworking space, a student going to university, or simply someone exploring the country, you have several options. You can use public transport, rent a bike, or even buy your own vehicle. Here’s a look at the typical costs for each mode of transport and how they impact the cost of living in Latvia.
Public transportation
Buses and trams are among the most popular ways to get around for both locals and tourists. A single ticket costs about $1.78, while a 24-hour pass in Riga, which allows unlimited rides, is around $5.85.
Taxis and Bolt
A quicker and more convenient way to get around any Latvian city is by taking a taxi, with a starting fare of around $2.94 and an additional cost of about $0.87–0.94 per kilometer. While Uber is not available in Latvia, the ridesharing app Bolt is very popular and usually offers slightly cheaper rates than a traditional taxi.
Bicycle rental
In the summer, renting a bike is a common, eco-friendly, and affordable way to get around, especially for short trips. In larger cities like Riga and Daugavpils, bike lane infrastructure is improving, though it’s still not as developed as in some other European cities. Services like City Bike charge around $1.05 for every 30 minutes or about $3.50 for a full day.
Buy your own vehicle
If you need private transport for longer daily trips, you can consider buying a car, with prices comparable to those in other European countries. On top of that, your monthly budget in Latvia should also include the cost of fuel and mandatory insurance.
- Volkswagen Golf: Around $30,277–34,900.
- Gasoline: Between $1.60–1.83.
- Diesel (1 liter): Around $1.47–1.72.
- Electric charge: Around $0.18–0.2 /kWh.
Healthcare services within the cost of living in Latvia
Another key factor in the cost of living in Latvia is access to healthcare as a foreigner. If you are from the EU or EEA, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and pay only small co-pays for medical services. If you are not an EU resident, it’s best to get health insurance that covers your entire stay, starting at around $175 per year depending on the plan. Here are the approximate costs you would face without insurance or an EHIC:
| Service | Approximate cost (USD) |
| Hospitalization | $116–583 |
| General medical consultation | $17–46 |
| Consultation with a specialist | $58–116 |
| Emergency room (general visit) | $58–116 |
| Major surgery | $3,500–9,334 |
| Prescription drugs | $11 |
Prices for internet and calling plans
In addition to the main expenses we’ve discussed, having a reliable internet connection is important for daily life in Latvia, whether you’re using GPS, checking emails, making video calls, or working remotely. Unlimited home broadband typically costs between $19 and $21 per month, while mobile plans start around $19–26, depending on the amount of data and included call minutes.
If you want a plan that works across different destinations without changing your eSIM, Holafly offers a convenient solution. Their monthly plans range from 25 GB to unlimited data with full 5G coverage throughout the country starting at $49.90 and no contracts required. You can use it on several devices at the same time, and getting started is easy since you can activate your eSIM through the app just minutes after arriving at the airport!
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Enjoy Latvia’s leisure activities
Life in Latvia is not only about paying bills, enjoying yourself is also part of the cost of living. You can spend your free time at reasonable prices, whether exploring cultural events or visiting national parks, rivers, and trails for free. Here is a look at some of the activities you can enjoy in 2026 and what they typically cost.
- Cinema: $8–15 per ticket.
- Theater/concert: $27–64 depending on the event.
- Streaming: $8–16/month per platform.
- Rundāle Palace: $14 for adults, with discounts for students and children.
- Latvian National Museum of Art: $8–14 for adults, depending on ticket type.
- Waterfalls, parks, and historic walks: Many are free or low-cost, such as exploring Riga’s Old Town.
- Gym: $24–61.
- Guided tours/special activities: $52–161.
What is the cost of living in Latvia?
As you’ve seen, living in Latvia is much more affordable than in most other European countries, although costs can vary depending on the city. Overall, low rent allows you to live comfortably in any part of the country. To give you a better idea, here is an estimate of the monthly expenses based on different types of travelers:
| Profile | Details | Approximate monthly cost |
| Single person | Studio apartment rental in Riga, public transportation, food, basic utilities, internet, and moderate leisure activities. | $950–1,200 |
| Couple | Rent for a 1–2 bedroom apartment, food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and subscriptions. | $1,600–2,200 |
| Family of 4 | 3-bedroom apartment, food, transportation, basic education, services, and leisure activities. | $3,000–4,200 |
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Latvia
No, Riga is far more affordable than cities like London, Paris, or Berlin, although it is still the most expensive city in Latvia, with smaller towns and villages offering lower costs.
It’s a good idea to have savings to cover at least two to three months of expenses, including rent, a security deposit, and setting up your home with furniture and groceries. For a single person, this usually comes to around $2,520–3,500.
Riga offers reliable internet for remote work, along with plenty of coliving spaces, coworking spots, and coffee shops where you can work comfortably. Combined with Latvia’s affordable cost of living, it makes staying for a few weeks or several months quite manageable.
Other secondary cities such as Liepāja or Daugavpils are cheaper places to live, with prices up to 40% lower.
It is not really necessary, since public transport in Latvia is reliable and affordable. You might consider it if you plan to live in a rural area or need to travel often to other cities.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
