How Much Does It Cost to Live In Estonia?
Estonia is a country that reflects the cultures and lifestyles of several European states.
It has the charm of France, the austerity of London, the coolness of Finland, religious buildings, and mindblowing nature.
The weather is rather cold but this does not stop travelers from visiting this distinctive country.
Estonia is famous for thousands of small islands and nearly a thousand lakes.
Despite having rich flora and fauna, Estonia is still one of the ten poorest countries in Europe.
The good news is that this country is safe enough and the criminals here are rare.
Estonia : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Food in Estonia is an iconic landmark.
You will love sweet baked goods, local beer, and simple yet delicious national dishes.
There is a great variety of restaurants, bars, and cellars that will make you feel at home.
Of course, fast food can be on the list as far as it costs around $7, but you can have a three-course meal for two in a very good restaurant for $54.
MARKETS
The biggest and the best Estonian markets can be found in Tallinn.
They sell everything from clothes and shoes to vegetables and fruits.
You will also find a flea market with all the possible goods along with outdated things and handmade marvels.
Potato and onion are the cheapest, and you will have to pay much for red meat, chicken, wine, and cigarettes.
TRANSPORTATION
Those who love traveling by tram will find it here.
Those who enjoy buses and trolleybuses can buy a monthly pass and go for a ride whenever it’s needed.
Estonia has a well-developed infrastructure.
Interestingly, taxis for a party of three or four can be way cheaper than public transportation.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The cable/ADSL Internet connection in Estonia at the speed of 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data costs $27.24 which is really cheap considering the salaries countrywide.
At the same time, bills for basic utilities (water, garbage, electricity, heating, cooling) are ten times more expensive.
A minute of a prepaid mobile tariff without discounts and sales is $0.05.
SPORTS & LEISURE
In Estonia, people usually enjoy fishing, yachting, cruising the Finnish gulf, or cycling.
Regular activities like fitness and tennis are also available at reasonable prices.
Good news for football amateurs: is one of the most popular sports here like in the rest of Europe.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Estonians wear warm clothes and shoes because the highest temperature here can reach 22-25 degrees above zero.
In the warm season, they wear T-shirts, skirts, light trousers, sneakers, and trainers.
In the cold season, you should pack your suitcase with woolen things, jeans, cardigans and the like.
RENT PER MONTH
As for the rent, the prices depend on the season, the number of people, the level of equipment and so on.
You will find the place to live according to your needs and budget.
There are some pretty neat hostels as well as luxury apartments to choose from.
The price for one bedroom in the center is $605.99, a three-bedroom in the center is $1,059.53 and one bedroom in the suburbs is $453.46.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Estonia
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $13.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.88 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.64 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.11 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.28 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.63 |
| Monthly Pass | $32.5 |
| Gasoline | $1.98 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $270.00 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.05 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $27.24 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $51.62 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $29.51 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $8.67 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $86.71 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $35.69 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $82.25 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $605.99 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $453.46 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1059.53 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Estonia?
The economic health of the country as well as of its citizens has not changed significantly over the past several years.
The Estonians still have to pay the most for monthly rentals, utilities, and food.
People started spending more on sports and leisure, cutting corners on clothing, shoes, and transportation.
The three most common items of expenditure that people have to save money for are markets, restaurants, and rented houses.
Only 9.4% of the held-back salary is given to utilities.
Average Costs Breakdown
Estonia: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The national minimum wage in Estonia has slightly increased since the past year by as much as 8% and makes now $618.3 against $599.7 in 2018.
This change is not really considerable.
The average monthly net salary is $1,344.02 with such spheres of employment as information technologies, communication, insurance, and finance.
This money can be earned by the person busy eight hours five days a week.
Although, many international and local companies greet employees who are willing to work shifts or prefer getting the job done rather than sticking to the schedule.
Estonia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Estonia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Estonia
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Tallinn | 55.23 |
| Tartu | 49.65 |
I’m right on the border of Estonia in Latvia and it seems like our neighbors are living better than us. Every time I go there the people just seem happier, the streets are cleaner, the cars are newer. Perhaps I should consider moving there myself, I’m not a big fan of Latvia anyway.