Living in Latvia is simply about cold winters and a quiet, small country. But what if life here is much more than this? According to the 2021 press release from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSB), 12,700 foreigners immigrated to Latvia from other countries, representing 0.68% of the total population. This data shows that Latvia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for living in Europe. In this guide, we will explain life in Latvia and its main pros and cons.
Quick Facts About Latvia
- Location: Baltic region of Northern Europe
- Capital City: Riga
- Famous for: Known for Art Nouveau architecture and historic Old Town
- Latvian Currency: Euro
- Language: Latvian
- Population: 1.86 million
- Weather: Cold, snowy winters around -6 °C; warm summers from 17-25 °C.
- Income Tax Rates: 25.5% to 36%
- Quality of Life Index: 168.1 (High)
- Safety Index: 63.4 (Moderate)
What to Discover in This Guide?
Is Latvia a Good Place to Live in 2025?
Before relocating to a specific country, expats wonder about its general conditions, economy, cost of living, purchasing power, and access to healthcare services. Located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, the Republic of Latvia combines its vibrant culture with a modernizing lifestyle.
Latvia’s economic situation remains moderately stable. To support this, the IMF states that Latvia’s GDP per capita is approximately US $24,223 (nominal) and US $43,527 (PPP), reflecting the country’s wealth. Moreover, its economy is expected to grow by around 1% in 2025.
Another major concern for an expat is living costs. In Latvia, you can expect to spend less on basic life expenses than in any other Western country. You can spend around $3,280.8 to live in Riga, the capital of Latvia. Compared to Seattle, it is 40.6% less expensive. However, the average consumption per capita reflects limited purchasing power, with around 76% of the EU average.
When it comes to healthcare, Latvia offers both public and private options. On condition that you become a resident here, you can benefit from its publicly funded system by contributing a small percentage of your income through health insurance. While you may encounter waiting times in public healthcare, you can opt for private options for faster processing.
Pros and Cons of Living in Latvia
| Pros of Living in Latvia | Cons of Living in Latvia |
|---|---|
| Beautiful Nature | Language Barrier |
| Rich Culture | Cultural Differences |
| Art Nouveau Architecture | Depressing Weather Conditions |
| Affordable Living & Accommodation | Low Wages |
Pros of Living in Latvia
Now that we have a glimpse of what it is like to live in Latvia, let’s move on to the pros of living in Latvia.
1. Beautiful Nature
Latvia’s biggest coast is home to the Baltic Sea. This creates an amazing ecosystem where forests, marshes, and lakes combine with the country’s natural beauty. Apart from this, it has around 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes.
You can take a boat trip or even go on stand-up paddleboards in the Riga Canal or the River Daugava. You can also consider Gauja National Park for hiking and skiing. Plus, fishing is popular, and yes, there are still fishing towns.
In the meantime, around 53% of Latvia is covered by forests. That’s why many Latvians prefer to take a stroll through the forests. Additionally, it is very sensitive to the protection of its biodiversity, with around 658 species specifically protected.
2. Great Culture
The Latvian culture is deeply rooted in nature thanks to its beautiful forests, sea, meadows, rivers, and seasonal cycles. Here, locals see themselves as a part of nature, not apart from it. This understanding has influenced their daily life, from the great outdoors to a strong commitment to environmental protection.
Reflecting the strong bond with nature, Latvia’s traditional culture, folklore, and celebrations also come directly from natural rhythms. This has given rise to Latvia’s most important holiday, Jāņi, which marks the midsummer solstice and honors the sun. For folk songs, we see the sacredness of nature and its living spirit.
Today, in modern Latvia, nature still protects its place. Many locals can easily escape to the forests and the seaside. You can still see how natural materials influence design and crafts.
3. Art Nouveau Architecture
Art Nouveau is an early-20th-century artistic movement. It is characterized by flowing, organic lines, intricate ornamentation, and motifs inspired by nature. We mostly see it in architecture via curved facades, decorative sculptures, stained glass, and detailed façades.
In Latvia, especially its capital, Riga, has become one of the world’s richest centers of Art Nouveau architecture. Streets such as Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela are especially famous, attracting many tourists.
4. Affordable Living and Accommodation
Living and accommodation costs tend to be lower than in many Western European countries. The overall cost of living is moderate. This makes it an attractive place to live for students, remote workers, and newcomers. Plus, utility costs are manageable, around €270.87 per month.
Finding an accommodation is also relatively affordable, especially outside Riga. You can find rental prices ranging from budget-friendly shared apartments to modern flats. You can find prices ranging from €409.87 in the city centre to €290.66 outside the city centre.
Cons of Living in Latvia
There are some bad things about living in Latvia, including a language barrier, cultural differences, depressing weather conditions, and low wages.
Language Barrier
The official language is Latvian; therefore, the language barrier is a common problem for many newcomers. However, most young people speak English, which makes everyday communication easier, especially in cities.
In Riga and other urban areas, English is widely spoken in cafes, shops, universities, and by professionals. However, as you move into rural towns, English is less widespread. Additionally, Russian is also widely understood and spoken by many due to historical ties.
Cultural Differences
If you are coming from a culture where people are outwardly expressive or warm, you may experience culture shock in Latvia. Locals are mostly described as reserved, quiet, and slow to open up. This can mainly be read as “cold.”
However, it is always good to know that this behavior is not meant to be unfriendly. It is basically their cultural norm, where people value personal space, privacy, and modesty in social interactions. Once you establish a relationship, they are known to be kind, loyal, reliable, and genuinely helpful. It just takes time to get past the initial layer of formality.
Depressing Weather Conditions
You can feel depressed in Latvia due to the weather conditions, especially during the long autumn and winter months. Temperatures are cold but not extreme, yet the combination of darkness, rain, and wind can make the atmosphere feel heavy.
Low Wages
Latvia is known for having relatively low wages compared to many Western European countries. As of 2025, the national minimum monthly wage is €740. Most people who work in sectors like retail, hospitality, and manual work often sit close to that level. This can make it challenging to cover all expenses comfortably, especially if they live in rented housing.
Cost of Living in Latvia
So far, we have covered the essentials you need to know and the pros and cons of living in Latvia in 2025. Latvia’s cost of living is 49.0, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Europe. However, grocery shopping can be expensive, so you may need to contact local farmers to get affordable prices on meat, milk, or vegetables.
Below you will find the table explaining the monthly expenses:
| Category | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Single Person Monthly Costs (Excl. Rent) | €799 |
| Family of 4 Monthly Costs (Excl. Rent) | €2,732 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | €12 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment, City Center | €410 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment, Outside Center | €291 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | €30 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water) | €271 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary | €1,129 |
| Minimum Monthly Wage (2025, Gross) | €740 |
Cost of Living in Latvia vs The USA
| Category / Cost Type | Latvia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost for one person (including rent) | $1,171 | $2,516 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) rent | $563 | $1,598 |
| Monthly food expenses (groceries + eating out) | $423 | $651 |
| Monthly transport costs (public transport, etc.) | $65 | $101 |
| Utilities + housing costs (rent & basic bills) | Rent above + utilities generally lower than US | Varies by city/season |
Cost of Living in Latvia vs The UK
| Category / Cost Type | Latvia | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost for one person (including rent) | $1,171 | $2,100 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) rent | $563 | $1,200 |
| Monthly food expenses (groceries + eating out) | $423 | $500 |
| Monthly transport costs (public transport, etc.) | $65 | $120 |
| Utilities + housing costs (rent & basic bills) | $270 | $200–250 |
Living in Latvia as a Foreigner
As an expat, you need to know a few essential things about life in Latvia. These are highlighted below in detail.
1. Education System
If you are considering moving to Latvia with your family or on your own for educational purposes, you should also research the local education system. Among the countries with the best education systems, Latvia ranks 46th. However, it is widely accessible, structured, and generally of good quality. The system is divided into:
- Pre-school: Typically for children aged 1-6 years.
- Basic Education: Compulsory for children aged 7-16
- Secondary Education: After grade 9, students may attend general secondary schools (grades 10–12) or vocational schools, depending on their interests.
- Higher Education: Affordable public universities for locals and foreign students, including the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.
Moreover, you can see that while Latvian is the primary language of education, English, Russian, and other languages are also gaining more importance, especially in private schools.
2. Healthcare Systems
Latvia offers a state-funded healthcare system that provides its residents with access to a wide range of medical services. It is primarily financed through the National Health Service (NHS) via mandatory social contributions.
There are also private options. However, public healthcare is mainly preferred for its low cost or being free. Consequently, this can lead to long waiting times. Therefore, you can choose private healthcare for faster processing.
3. Taxes
If you are an expat, you may be wondering about the tax outcome of living in Latvia. Well, Latvia uses a progressive personal income tax system:
| Annual Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to €105,300 | 25.5% |
| Above €105,300 | 33% |
| Above €200,000 | 33% + an additional 3% on excess |
| Non-taxable allowance | €510 per month |
Note that capital income, such as interest or gains, is generally taxed at the standard 25.5%, and dividends from already taxed companies may not be further taxed. Plus, Latvia has double tax treaties with more than 66 countries, meaning that you cannot be taxed twice on the same income. These countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
4. Working
In Latvia, the working life is a mix of opportunities and challenges. Initially, the country has strong labor demand, especially in sectors such as IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare. Although 74% of employers report that it is challenging to find skilled workers, you can benefit from job opportunities if you are a qualified professional.
The average gross monthly wage in 2025 is over €1,800, while the median net monthly salary is around €1,342. This reflects a modest but steady rise in income levels, according to LSM.lv.
When it comes to work-life balance, employees are often entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid vacation, parental leave, and paid sick leave. Moreover, many companies offer flexible schedules, remote work options, and health insurance.
If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you do not need a visa to work and live in Latvia. All you have to do is register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and declare your residency. If you are not, you need to apply for a Latvian residence permit or a visa.
5. Renting or Buying Property
For a smooth relocation, you must know how to handle your accommodation. To start, you must decide whether to rent or buy property. The process is similar. You first find a property, check its legal status, sign a preliminary agreement, then sign a notarized sale contract, and finally register your ownership.
In the meantime, you need to pay additional costs, such as registration fees and property taxes, at around 0.2% to 3%. If you rent, you may also be required to pay a security deposit.
In terms of market prices, you can follow the table below for Riga:
| Property Type / Location | Rent (€ / month) | Purchase Price (€ / m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre | 500–700 | 1,800–2,300 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment, Outside Centre | 250–450 | 850–1,000 |
| Standard Apartment (Residential) | 400–600 | 853–865 |
| New / Premium Apartment (Central) | 700–1,200 | 2,300–2,600 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre | 800–1,200 | 1,800–2,400 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment, Outside Centre | 500–900 | 850–1,200 |
How to Move to Latvia?
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can move to Latvia without any visa requirements. If you are not, you must apply for a residence permit or a visa.
For instance, US citizens and UK nationals can stay 90 days within a 180-day period with their valid passport. If they want to stay longer than that, they need to get a visa or a residence permit.
Latvia Golden Visa: The Cheapest Golden Visa in the EU
Latvia offers the most affordable Golden Visa program in Europe. With a minimum investment threshold of €50,000, the Latvia Golden Visa is the most economic route to European residency and visa-free access to the Schengen area. To qualify for this program, you can choose one of the following investment options:
- Real estate investment: €250,000
- Bank deposit: €280,000
- Business investment: €50,000
- Government bonds: €250,000
Processing time typically takes 1 to 3 months from the initial application date. After the applicants make their investment and meet the criteria, they receive a 5-year residency permit. Although the program is a residency-by-investment program, it also offers a possible path for citizenship if you live there full-time for 10 years.
Other Options for Residency
- Work: Requires a work visa, usually sponsored by an employer; needs a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, and financial stability.
- Study: Students need a study visa with proof of admission, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
- Retirement: Retirees can get a residence permit if they show sufficient funds and health insurance coverage.
- Family Reunification: Spouses, children, and dependents of Latvian residents or citizens may apply for a family visa.
Get Golden Visa: How We Can Help Your Latvian Golden Visa Journey?
As one of the leading advisory firms for Latvian residency-by-investment, Get Golden Visa guides you through the Golden Visa process with clarity and confidence. We help you understand the requirements, choose the correct investment route, and prepare all necessary documentation.
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To get started on your Latvia Golden Visa journey with Get Golden Visa, fill in the form below.
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Best Cities to Live in Latvia as an Expat
1. Riga: The Capital City
The capital and largest city, Riga, is best for expats seeking career opportunities, especially in IT, finance, and international business. It offers modern infrastructure, international schools, healthcare, and cultural activities. Plus, there are many expat communities that can help you relocate easily.
2. Cēsis
As a small, historic town, Cēsis is great for expats who prefer a slower pace of life, a strong sense of Latvian community, and close contact with nature. Here, your new life can be more about lower living costs and peaceful surroundings. That’s why it’s becoming increasingly attractive to families, retirees, and remote workers.
3. Jūrmala
The coastal resort town of Jūrmala is perfect for expats who enjoy seaside living, beaches, and a wellness-focused lifestyle. It is still close enough to Riga for work or services. It is still close enough to Riga for work or services. You can reach the capital in about 30 minutes by car or train.
FAQs on Life in Latvia
Is Latvia a safe place to live in 2025?
Yes, Latvia is generally safe for residents and expats. In 2025, it has a Safety Index of 63.4, reflecting moderate safety levels. However, it is always best practice to take standard precautions, especially in urban areas.
Do you have to pay social security contributions in Latvia?
Yes, both employees and employers contribute to the social security system. Contributions cover pensions, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and other social protections. The rates depend on employment type and income level.
What is it like to live in Latvia as an American?
You can live in Latvia as an American and enjoy a comfortable, safe lifestyle if you’re flexible, enjoy a slower pace, and have a stable income or can work remotely. Keep in mind that winters are cold, local salaries may be lower, and language barriers can be a challenge outside major cities.
Are Latvians friendly to Americans?
You can generally expect Latvians to be polite and helpful, especially in cities and tourist areas. They may seem reserved at first, but once you build trust or friendships, they are warm and welcoming.
Can I speak English in Latvia?
Yes, you can. In fact, it is one of the most spoken languages in the country, along with Latvian and Russian.
