Cost Of Living in Latvia 2024

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

Whether you're living in Latvia 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

2,500 EUR

per month
$2,700

190 EUR   $210
$27,000   25,000 EUR

Single

1,700 EUR

per month
$1,900

580 EUR   $630
$13,000   12,000 EUR

Couple

2,900 EUR

per month
$3,100

970 EUR   $1,000
$17,000   15,000 EUR

Family

3,900 EUR

per month
$4,200

1,400 EUR   $1,500
$23,000   21,000 EUR

Student

1,200 EUR

per month
$1,300

470 EUR   $510
$2,300   2,100 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 Latvia is 1,700 EUR. Expenses can range from 580 EUR at the minimum level to 12,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Latvia is 2,900 EUR. Expenditure can range from 970 EUR to 15,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Latvia is 3,900 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,400 EUR to 21,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Latvia is 1,200 EUR. Students spend from 470 EUR to 2,100 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 Latvia


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.31 EUR 0.35 EUR 0.40 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.34 $0.38 $0.44
Fast food combo meal
2.6 EUR 5.3 EUR 8.8 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $5.7 $9.5
Restaurant meal for one
8.8 EUR 13 EUR 26 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.5 $14 $28
Fine dining meal for one
18 EUR 26 EUR 110 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $28 $110
Soda or Soft Drink
0.38 EUR 0.44 EUR 0.53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.48 $0.57
Cappuccino or latte
2.2 EUR 3.5 EUR 5.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.8 $5.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
1.8 EUR 2.1 EUR 2.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.3 $2.8
Loaf of bread
0.32 EUR 0.36 EUR 0.42 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.34 $0.39 $0.45
12 eggs
1.3 EUR 1.8 EUR 2.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $2.8
Fresh whole chicken
3 EUR 3.9 EUR 5.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.2 $5.9
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
3.5 EUR 5.3 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5.7 $11
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
1.4 EUR 1.9 EUR 2.7 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2.1 $3
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.53 EUR 0.70 EUR 1.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.57 $0.76 $1.4
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
0.94 EUR 1.2 EUR 2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.3 $2.2

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
2.2 EUR 2.6 EUR 5.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $2.8 $5.7
Average car full tank
13 EUR 18 EUR 35 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $19 $38
Average car 1-day rental
13 EUR 18 EUR 26 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $19 $28
Average car price
6,600 EUR 13,000 EUR 18,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,100 $14,000 $19,000
Bus ticket one way
0.44 EUR 0.66 EUR 1.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.71 $1.4
Car Service
18 EUR 26 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $28 $57

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
35 EUR 100 EUR 700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $110 $750
Utility Bill - Couple
48 EUR 140 EUR 770 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $160 $840
Utility Bill - Family
41 EUR 120 EUR 640 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$44 $130 $690
Internet and cable
13 EUR 26 EUR 35 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $28 $38
Mobile phone charges
11 EUR 18 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $19 $57

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
6.6 EUR 8.8 EUR 13 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.5 $14
One month gym membership
21 EUR 26 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $28 $57

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
15 EUR 22 EUR 33 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $24 $36
Woman dress
15 EUR 20 EUR 66 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $71
Woman shoes
14 EUR 19 EUR 44 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $47
Men's shoes
12 EUR 15 EUR 29 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $16 $32
Men suit
13 EUR 16 EUR 88 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $95
Regular t-shirt
6.6 EUR 8.8 EUR 26 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.5 $28

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
220 EUR 330 EUR 880 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $360 $950
1-bedroom apartment
330 EUR 530 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $570 $1,400
2-bedroom apartment
440 EUR 660 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $710 $1,900

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
44,000 EUR 66,000 EUR 130,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47,000 $71,000 $140,000
1-bedroom apartment
53,000 EUR 88,000 EUR 330,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57,000 $95,000 $360,000
2-bedroom apartment
88,000 EUR 260,000 EUR 530,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $280,000 $570,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
260 EUR 330 EUR 440 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $470
Double Bed
180 EUR 260 EUR 330 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $280 $360
Single Bed
150 EUR 200 EUR 260 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $220 $280
Living Room
290 EUR 380 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $410 $1,400
Dining Table
130 EUR 180 EUR 330 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $190 $360
Sofa or Couch
180 EUR 240 EUR 530 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $260 $570

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
180 EUR 260 EUR 530 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $280 $570
Fridge or Freezer
150 EUR 240 EUR 330 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $260 $360
Washing Machine
200 EUR 290 EUR 530 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $320 $570
Stove or Cooker
190 EUR 240 EUR 330 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $360
Mobile Phone
220 EUR 260 EUR 380 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $280 $410
Laptop or Computer
240 EUR 290 EUR 530 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $320 $570

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Latvia

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

84%

76% to 93%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
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 Latvia is 84% This means that on average, people spend around 84% 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
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
88%

Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
98%

How do people spend their money in Latvia?

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 Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$63   58 EUR
AVERAGE$820   750 EUR
HIGH$8,200   7,500 EUR
Per Month

People living in Latvia typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 750 EUR with expenditure ranging from 58 EUR to 7,500 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, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$10   9.7 EUR
AVERAGE$140   130 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Latvia ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 130 EUR with 9.7 EUR and 1,300 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$21   19 EUR
AVERAGE$270   250 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 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 19 EUR to 2,500 EUR on commuting with 250 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$52   48 EUR
AVERAGE$680   630 EUR
HIGH$6,800   6,300 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Latvia is 630 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 48 EUR to 6,300 EUR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$15   14 EUR
AVERAGE$190   180 EUR
HIGH$1,900   1,800 EUR
Per Month

People in Latvia allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 14 EUR to 1,800 EUR with 180 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

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

LOW$8.4   7.7 EUR
AVERAGE$110   100 EUR
HIGH$1,100   1,000 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 7.7 EUR to 1,000 EUR with 100 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

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

LOW$13   12 EUR
AVERAGE$160   150 EUR
HIGH$1,600   1,500 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 150 EUR per month with 12 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 1,500 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

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

LOW$27   25 EUR
AVERAGE$350   330 EUR
HIGH$3,500   3,300 EUR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Latvia 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 Latvia manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
64%
Not Saving
36%

Almost 64% of the surveyed people in Latvia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 36% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Latvia

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles66%34%
Couples61%39%
Families56%44%

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% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

69 EUR
$75
900 EUR
$980
9,000 EUR
$9,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 900 EUR on average with savings ranging from 69 EUR to 9,000 EUR.

66% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 61% of couples said the same. 56% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Latvia?

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% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 EUR
$230
620 EUR
$680
4,200 EUR
$4,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
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 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 620 EUR with 210 EUR and 4,200 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

350 EUR
$380
1,000 EUR
$1,100
5,500 EUR
$6,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
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 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,000 EUR with 350 EUR and 5,500 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

480 EUR
$530
1,400 EUR
$1,500
7,600 EUR
$8,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Latvia can save anywhere between 10% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,400 EUR with 480 EUR and 7,600 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 Latvia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Latvia?


Yes
66%
No
34%

Around 66% of surveyed residents think that living in Latvia is affordable with proper budgeting while 34% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Latvia

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 options59%

Few low-cost options41%


Based on the survey, 59% of the people living in Latvia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 41% 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 Latvia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes64%

No36%


Based on the survey, 36% of the people living in Latvia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 64% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Latvia

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 Leteracy61%


We asked residents of Latvia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 39% 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 61% 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 Latvia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 33% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 67% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance33%

Easily manages finances67%

Financial goals of people in Latvia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Latvia, 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 Fund7%
Debt Reduction34%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 34% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Latvia

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 10% 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. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% 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. 11% 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 Latvia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Latvia

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

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Latvia 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 Latvia:
AgeAmount
256,800 EUR
3014,000 EUR
3524,000 EUR
4034,000 EUR
4551,000 EUR
5072,000 EUR
5585,000 EUR
60110,000 EUR
65130,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Latvia

420 EUR
$460
1,300 EUR
$1,400
8,400 EUR
$9,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Latvia


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
26%
Debt Free
74%

According to the survey, 26% of the people in Latvia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 74% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Latvia

Debt to income ratio

29%

20% to 38%

( 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 29% of the people's monthly income in Latvia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Latvia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Latvia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Latvia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Latvia.


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 Latvia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Latvia 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
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Latvia

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


Rent Cost in Latvia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
220 EUR 330 EUR 880 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $360 $950
1-bedroom apartment
330 EUR 530 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $570 $1,400
2-bedroom apartment
440 EUR 660 EUR 1,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $710 $1,900
3-bedroom apartment
530 EUR 880 EUR 2,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570 $950 $2,600
Furnished apartment
1,100 EUR 2,600 EUR 5,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $2,800 $5,700
Townhouse
880 EUR 1,300 EUR 3,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950 $1,400 $4,100
House
1,100 EUR 2,600 EUR 5,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $2,800 $5,700
Villa
1,300 EUR 3,300 EUR 5,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,600 $5,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Latvia ranges between 220 EUR and 880 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 330 EUR to 1,300 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 440 EUR and 1,800 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 530 EUR to 2,400 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Latvia is around 1,300 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 2,600 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,300 EUR to 5,300 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Latvia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
44,000 EUR 66,000 EUR 130,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47,000 $71,000 $140,000
1-bedroom apartment
53,000 EUR 88,000 EUR 330,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57,000 $95,000 $360,000
2-bedroom apartment
88,000 EUR 260,000 EUR 530,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95,000 $280,000 $570,000
3-bedroom apartment
290,000 EUR 440,000 EUR 1.3M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320,000 $470,000 $1.4M
Townhouse
380,000 EUR 880,000 EUR 3.3M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410,000 $950,000 $3.6M
House
440,000 EUR 2.6M EUR 3.8M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470,000 $2.8M $4.1M
Villa
530,000 EUR 2.9M EUR 4.4M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $3.2M $4.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Latvia can range from 44,000 EUR to 130,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 53,000 EUR to 330,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 2.9M EUR on average with prices ranging from 530,000 EUR to 4.4M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Latvia 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


39 x112 monthly income 207
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Latvia can be x112 to x207 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x112 multiples of the average monthly salary in Latvia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 41%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Latvia is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% 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
29%

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
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4.1%

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.


3.9 EUR 50 EUR 500 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 Latvia

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$230   210 EUR
AVERAGE$680   630 EUR
HIGH$4,500   4,200 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$38   35 EUR
AVERAGE$110   100 EUR
HIGH$750   700 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW$50   46 EUR
AVERAGE$150   140 EUR
HIGH$1,000   930 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$100   93 EUR
AVERAGE$300   280 EUR
HIGH$2,000   1,900 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$57   52 EUR
AVERAGE$170   160 EUR
HIGH$1,100   1,000 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

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

LOW$31   29 EUR
AVERAGE$94   87 EUR
HIGH$630   580 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW$13   12 EUR
AVERAGE$38   35 EUR
HIGH$250   230 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

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

LOW$110   100 EUR
AVERAGE$340   310 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,100 EUR
Per Month


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

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$350   320 EUR
AVERAGE$1,000   960 EUR
HIGH$5,500   5,100 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$52   48 EUR
AVERAGE$160   140 EUR
HIGH$840   770 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$380   350 EUR
HIGH$2,000   1,900 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$150   140 EUR
AVERAGE$440   410 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,200 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$120   110 EUR
AVERAGE$350   320 EUR
HIGH$1,800   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$63   58 EUR
AVERAGE$190   170 EUR
HIGH$1,000   930 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW$21   19 EUR
AVERAGE$63   58 EUR
HIGH$340   310 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

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

LOW$180   160 EUR
AVERAGE$530   490 EUR
HIGH$2,900   2,600 EUR
Per Month


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

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$470   430 EUR
AVERAGE$1,300   1,200 EUR
HIGH$7,400   6,800 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$120   110 EUR
AVERAGE$340   310 EUR
HIGH$1,800   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$260   240 EUR
AVERAGE$750   700 EUR
HIGH$4,200   3,800 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$120   110 EUR
AVERAGE$340   310 EUR
HIGH$1,800   1,700 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$73   68 EUR
AVERAGE$210   190 EUR
HIGH$1,200   1,100 EUR
Per Month

Education14%

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

LOW$210   190 EUR
AVERAGE$590   540 EUR
HIGH$3,200   3,000 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

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

LOW$180   160 EUR
AVERAGE$500   460 EUR
HIGH$2,800   2,600 EUR
Per Month


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

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$120   110 EUR
AVERAGE$310   280 EUR
HIGH$550   510 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW$20   19 EUR
AVERAGE$51   47 EUR
HIGH$92   85 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$36   33 EUR
AVERAGE$90   83 EUR
HIGH$160   150 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$100   95 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$460   430 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$31   28 EUR
AVERAGE$77   71 EUR
HIGH$140   130 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$26   24 EUR
AVERAGE$64   59 EUR
HIGH$120   110 EUR
Per Month

Education19%

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

LOW$97   90 EUR
AVERAGE$240   220 EUR
HIGH$440   400 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

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

LOW$77   71 EUR
AVERAGE$190   180 EUR
HIGH$350   320 EUR
Per Month
Riga  
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