Cost Of Living in Estonia 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Estonia

Whether you're living in Estonia or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

3,400 EUR

per month
$3,700

260 EUR   $280
$37,000   34,000 EUR

Single

2,300 EUR

per month
$2,500

780 EUR   $850
$17,000   16,000 EUR

Couple

3,900 EUR

per month
$4,200

1,300 EUR   $1,400
$23,000   21,000 EUR

Family

5,200 EUR

per month
$5,700

1,800 EUR   $2,000
$31,000   29,000 EUR

Student

1,600 EUR

per month
$1,800

650 EUR   $700
$3,200   2,900 EUR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Estonia is 2,300 EUR. Expenses can range from 780 EUR at the minimum level to 16,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Estonia is 3,900 EUR. Expenditure can range from 1,300 EUR to 21,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Estonia is 5,200 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,800 EUR to 29,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Estonia is 1,600 EUR. Students spend from 650 EUR to 2,900 EUR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Estonia


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.42 EUR 0.48 EUR 0.55 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.46 $0.52 $0.60
Fast food combo meal
3.6 EUR 7.2 EUR 12 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $7.8 $13
Restaurant meal for one
12 EUR 18 EUR 36 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $39
Fine dining meal for one
24 EUR 36 EUR 140 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $160
Soda or Soft Drink
0.51 EUR 0.60 EUR 0.72 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.56 $0.65 $0.78
Cappuccino or latte
3 EUR 4.8 EUR 7.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5.2 $7.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
2.4 EUR 2.9 EUR 3.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.1 $3.9
Loaf of bread
0.43 EUR 0.49 EUR 0.57 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.53 $0.62
12 eggs
1.8 EUR 2.4 EUR 3.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.9
Fresh whole chicken
4.1 EUR 5.3 EUR 7.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.7 $8.1
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
4.8 EUR 7.2 EUR 14 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $7.8 $16
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
1.9 EUR 2.6 EUR 3.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.1
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.72 EUR 0.96 EUR 1.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $1 $2
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
1.3 EUR 1.7 EUR 2.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
3 EUR 3.6 EUR 7.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $3.9 $7.8
Average car full tank
18 EUR 24 EUR 48 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $52
Average car 1-day rental
18 EUR 24 EUR 36 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $39
Average car price
9,000 EUR 18,000 EUR 24,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9,800 $20,000 $26,000
Bus ticket one way
0.60 EUR 0.90 EUR 1.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.65 $0.98 $2
Car Service
24 EUR 36 EUR 72 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $78

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
47 EUR 140 EUR 940 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $150 $1,000
Utility Bill - Couple
65 EUR 200 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $210 $1,100
Utility Bill - Family
55 EUR 160 EUR 860 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $170 $930
Internet and cable
18 EUR 36 EUR 48 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $39 $52
Mobile phone charges
14 EUR 24 EUR 72 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $26 $78

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
9 EUR 12 EUR 18 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $13 $20
One month gym membership
29 EUR 36 EUR 72 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $39 $78

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
21 EUR 30 EUR 45 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $33 $49
Woman dress
20 EUR 28 EUR 90 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $98
Woman shoes
19 EUR 26 EUR 60 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $65
Men's shoes
16 EUR 20 EUR 40 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $43
Men suit
18 EUR 23 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $24 $130
Regular t-shirt
9 EUR 12 EUR 36 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $13 $39

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
300 EUR 450 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300
1-bedroom apartment
450 EUR 720 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $780 $2,000
2-bedroom apartment
600 EUR 900 EUR 2,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $980 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
60,000 EUR 90,000 EUR 180,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $98,000 $200,000
1-bedroom apartment
72,000 EUR 120,000 EUR 450,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78,000 $130,000 $490,000
2-bedroom apartment
120,000 EUR 360,000 EUR 720,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $390,000 $780,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
360 EUR 450 EUR 600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $490 $650
Double Bed
240 EUR 360 EUR 450 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $390 $490
Single Bed
210 EUR 280 EUR 360 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $300 $390
Living Room
400 EUR 510 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $560 $2,000
Dining Table
180 EUR 240 EUR 450 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $490
Sofa or Couch
240 EUR 330 EUR 720 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $350 $780

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
240 EUR 360 EUR 720 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $390 $780
Fridge or Freezer
210 EUR 330 EUR 450 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $350 $490
Washing Machine
280 EUR 400 EUR 720 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $430 $780
Stove or Cooker
260 EUR 330 EUR 450 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $350 $490
Mobile Phone
300 EUR 360 EUR 510 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $390 $560
Laptop or Computer
330 EUR 400 EUR 720 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $430 $780

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Estonia

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

83%

75% to 92%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%15%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Estonia is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
83%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
87%

Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
97%

How do people spend their money in Estonia?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW$85   78 EUR
AVERAGE$1,100   1,000 EUR
HIGH$11,000   10,000 EUR
Per Month

People living in Estonia typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,000 EUR with expenditure ranging from 78 EUR to 10,000 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$14   13 EUR
AVERAGE$180   170 EUR
HIGH$1,800   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Estonia ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 170 EUR with 13 EUR and 1,700 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$28   26 EUR
AVERAGE$370   340 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 26 EUR to 3,400 EUR on commuting with 340 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$71   65 EUR
AVERAGE$920   850 EUR
HIGH$9,200   8,500 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Estonia is 850 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 65 EUR to 8,500 EUR. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$20   18 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$2,600   2,400 EUR
Per Month

People in Estonia allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 18 EUR to 2,400 EUR with 240 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$11   10 EUR
AVERAGE$150   140 EUR
HIGH$1,500   1,400 EUR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 10 EUR to 1,400 EUR with 140 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   16 EUR
AVERAGE$220   200 EUR
HIGH$2,200   2,000 EUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 200 EUR per month with 16 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 2,000 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$37   34 EUR
AVERAGE$480   440 EUR
HIGH$4,800   4,400 EUR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Estonia every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Estonia manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
66%
Not Saving
34%

Almost 66% of the surveyed people in Estonia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 34% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Estonia

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles68%32%
Couples63%37%
Families58%42%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

11% 20% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

99 EUR
$110
1,300 EUR
$1,400
13,000 EUR
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,300 EUR on average with savings ranging from 99 EUR to 13,000 EUR.

68% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Estonia?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

300 EUR
$320
890 EUR
$970
5,900 EUR
$6,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 890 EUR with 300 EUR and 5,900 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

500 EUR
$540
1,500 EUR
$1,600
7,900 EUR
$8,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,500 EUR with 500 EUR and 7,900 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

690 EUR
$750
2,000 EUR
$2,100
11,000 EUR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Estonia can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,000 EUR with 690 EUR and 11,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Estonia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Estonia?


Yes
71%
No
29%

Around 71% of surveyed residents think that living in Estonia is affordable with proper budgeting while 29% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Estonia

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the people living in Estonia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Estonia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes70%

No30%


Based on the survey, 30% of the people living in Estonia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 70% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Estonia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy66%


We asked residents of Estonia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 34% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 66% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Estonia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance27%

Easily manages finances73%

Financial goals of people in Estonia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Estonia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction32%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 32% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Estonia

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Estonia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Estonia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Estonia

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Estonia and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Estonia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Estonia:
AgeAmount
259,400 EUR
3019,000 EUR
3533,000 EUR
4047,000 EUR
4570,000 EUR
5098,000 EUR
55120,000 EUR
60150,000 EUR
65170,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Estonia about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job9%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Estonia

570 EUR
$610
1,700 EUR
$1,800
11,000 EUR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Estonia


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the people in Estonia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Estonia

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Estonia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Estonia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Estonia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan36%

14% of debtors in Estonia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Estonia.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Estonia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Estonia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Estonia

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Estonia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
300 EUR 450 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300
1-bedroom apartment
450 EUR 720 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $780 $2,000
2-bedroom apartment
600 EUR 900 EUR 2,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $980 $2,600
3-bedroom apartment
720 EUR 1,200 EUR 3,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780 $1,300 $3,500
Furnished apartment
1,400 EUR 3,600 EUR 7,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $3,900 $7,800
Townhouse
1,200 EUR 1,800 EUR 5,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,600
House
1,400 EUR 3,600 EUR 7,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $3,900 $7,800
Villa
1,800 EUR 4,500 EUR 7,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $7,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Estonia ranges between 300 EUR and 1,200 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 450 EUR to 1,800 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 600 EUR and 2,400 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 720 EUR to 3,300 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Estonia is around 1,800 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 3,600 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,800 EUR to 7,200 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Estonia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
60,000 EUR 90,000 EUR 180,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $98,000 $200,000
1-bedroom apartment
72,000 EUR 120,000 EUR 450,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78,000 $130,000 $490,000
2-bedroom apartment
120,000 EUR 360,000 EUR 720,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $390,000 $780,000
3-bedroom apartment
400,000 EUR 600,000 EUR 1.8M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430,000 $650,000 $2M
Townhouse
510,000 EUR 1.2M EUR 4.5M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560,000 $1.3M $4.9M
House
600,000 EUR 3.6M EUR 5.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650,000 $3.9M $5.6M
Villa
720,000 EUR 4M EUR 6M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780,000 $4.3M $6.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Estonia can range from 60,000 EUR to 180,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 72,000 EUR to 450,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 4M EUR on average with prices ranging from 720,000 EUR to 6M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Estonia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


41 x121 monthly income 213
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Estonia can be x121 to x213 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x121 multiples of the average monthly salary in Estonia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Estonia is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


5.2 EUR 68 EUR 680 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Estonia

Housing33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$310   280 EUR
AVERAGE$920   850 EUR
HIGH$6,100   5,600 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$51   47 EUR
AVERAGE$150   140 EUR
HIGH$1,000   940 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$68   63 EUR
AVERAGE$200   190 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$140   130 EUR
AVERAGE$410   380 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$76   70 EUR
AVERAGE$230   210 EUR
HIGH$1,500   1,400 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$42   39 EUR
AVERAGE$130   120 EUR
HIGH$850   780 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$17   16 EUR
AVERAGE$51   47 EUR
HIGH$340   310 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$150   140 EUR
AVERAGE$460   420 EUR
HIGH$3,100   2,800 EUR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Estonia

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$470   430 EUR
AVERAGE$1,400   1,300 EUR
HIGH$7,500   6,900 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$71   65 EUR
AVERAGE$210   200 EUR
HIGH$1,100   1,000 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$170   160 EUR
AVERAGE$510   470 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$200   180 EUR
AVERAGE$590   550 EUR
HIGH$3,200   2,900 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$160   140 EUR
AVERAGE$470   430 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$85   78 EUR
AVERAGE$250   230 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$28   26 EUR
AVERAGE$85   78 EUR
HIGH$450   420 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$240   220 EUR
AVERAGE$720   670 EUR
HIGH$3,800   3,500 EUR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Estonia

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$630   580 EUR
AVERAGE$1,800   1,700 EUR
HIGH$10,000   9,200 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$160   150 EUR
AVERAGE$450   420 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$360   330 EUR
AVERAGE$1,000   940 EUR
HIGH$5,600   5,200 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$160   150 EUR
AVERAGE$450   420 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$99   91 EUR
AVERAGE$280   260 EUR
HIGH$1,600   1,400 EUR
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$280   260 EUR
AVERAGE$790   730 EUR
HIGH$4,400   4,000 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$240   220 EUR
AVERAGE$680   630 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Estonia

Housing21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$170   160 EUR
AVERAGE$420   390 EUR
HIGH$760   700 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$28   26 EUR
AVERAGE$70   65 EUR
HIGH$130   120 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$49   45 EUR
AVERAGE$120   110 EUR
HIGH$220   200 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$140   130 EUR
AVERAGE$350   320 EUR
HIGH$630   580 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$42   39 EUR
AVERAGE$110   97 EUR
HIGH$190   170 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$35   32 EUR
AVERAGE$88   81 EUR
HIGH$160   150 EUR
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$330   310 EUR
HIGH$600   550 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$110   97 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$470   440 EUR
Per Month
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