Cost of Living in Latvia: Rent, Housing & Income

Latvia is a small Baltic country on the eastern edge of the European Union, with Riga as its capital and by far its largest city. Most of the housing market in this guide reflects Riga and a few other towns, and the rest of the country, including coastal resort towns and rural areas, is quieter and cheaper. The data here is for the country as a whole.

The numbers come from Livingcost, which compiles crowd-sourced prices and shows them in US dollars. Latvia uses the euro, so exchange rate swings affect the converted amounts. These figures were taken from a single source, so treat them as one view of the market and confirm them against local listings.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Latvia was 57.0 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 57% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 46,137 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 3.7% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $1,157/mo for one person including rent and $616/mo excluding it. For a family of four it lists $2,918/mo including rent.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $485/mo, while a cheaper one-bedroom is listed at $332/mo. The difference between those two reflects both location and condition, since Riga has many older buildings in a wide range of states.

Three bedroom homes are listed at $914/mo in a city centre and $643/mo for a cheaper option. A cheaper three bedroom unit is likely an older building or one farther from the centre.

Finding a place in Riga

Riga has a historic centre, a quieter inner ring of apartment blocks, and Soviet-era housing districts with larger flats at lower prices that connect to the centre by tram and bus. Renters often compare a smaller modern unit in the centre against a bigger older flat farther out. Visit in person when possible, and check heating arrangements, since central heating is common in apartment blocks and the quality of insulation varies.

Utilities for one person are listed at $158/mo, which is a notable monthly line for a country with a long heating season. A monthly local transport ticket is listed at $37.90/mo, and internet is listed at $19.20/mo.

A lunch menu is listed at $13.10 each. A liter of milk shows $1.32 each and a dozen eggs show $3.55 each. Supermarket chains are widespread in Riga, and markets sell seasonal produce.

For a family of four, Livingcost lists $2,918/mo including rent. The family row is only one figure, so the best way to adapt it is to swap in the rent for the neighborhood you actually want and the school or childcare you will need.

Rent is the largest single line, followed by utilities in winter. Savings from a lower rent can be offset if you drive often, because fuel and car costs are not part of this estimate.

Latvia has cold, dark winters and bright, short summers, and bills follow that pattern. The heating season is long, and in many apartment blocks heating is billed through a district system or the building management rather than metered per flat, so the amount can be steady across months or can jump in winter depending on the arrangement. Ask the landlord how heating is billed and request a recent statement.

Food costs move with the seasons too. Local berries, mushrooms and vegetables are cheaper in summer and autumn, and markets in Riga and other towns sell them directly from growers. Imported fruit is available year-round in supermarkets at higher prices.

If you have children, schooling and childcare belong in the plan. The estimates here do not itemize them, so call the local school or municipality for current fees before you finalize a family budget.

• Health insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs
• Residence permit and visa fees
• Car ownership
• Tuition at private or international schools
• Income tax, which depends on your status

Immigration and residency rules are specific to nationality. Use Latvia's official government sites and a licensed advisor.