Cost of Living in Estonia

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 10, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

In Estonia, the estimated total monthly cost is around €1,456 for a single person, while for a family of four, it's approximately €3,921 (Source: Numbeo).

Let’s break down the expected cost of living in Estonia. We’ll look at costs for food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you plan and manage your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in Estonia?

Estonia is the 18th most expensive country in Europe, with total living costs for a family of four estimated at €3,921 per month, including €1,058 for rent. For a single person, the total monthly cost is €1,456.

In comparison, living costs in Germany are higher, with a family of four spending around €5,048 per month and a single person about €1,880. The Netherlands is even more expensive, with a family of four paying €5,589 per month and a single person spending €2,352 (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Estonia?

The most expensive city to live in Estonia is Tallinn, where the total monthly cost for a single person is approximately €1,594. In Tartu, the second most expensive city, the monthly cost is around €1,383.

Cheapest city in Estonia

The cheapest city in Estonia is Narva, with an estimated monthly cost of around €740. Other affordable cities include Viljandi at €827 and Kohtla-Järve at €849. These cities offer lower living costs compared to the capital, and are great alternatives for those looking to save on living costs (Source: Livingcost.org).

Cost of living in Estonia vs the UK

When comparing the cost of living in Estonia with the UK’s, it's clear that Estonia is a much cheaper option. A family of four in Estonia spends about €3,921 per month, significantly less than the UK’s hefty €5,338. For singles, the difference is also stark, with monthly costs at €1,456 in Estonia compared to €2,210 in the UK.

Rent is where the gap really shows — while a one-bedroom in Estonia’s city center averages €534, the UK demands more than double at €1,249. Even for larger spaces, Estonia stays modest with three-bedroom rents at €942, far below the UK’s steep €2,076 (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average and the Estonian average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Estonia vs the US

When comparing the Estonia cost of living with the US, Estonia generally offers a more affordable lifestyle. A family of four in Estonia spends around €3,921 per month, excluding rent, compared to €3,754 in the US. For singles, the difference is similar, with monthly costs at €1,456 in Estonia versus €1,055 in the US.

However, rent is considerably higher in the US, particularly in city centers. A one-bedroom apartment in the US averages €1,580, while in Estonia it’s much lower at €534. Including rent, a family of four in the US might spend about €5,334 per month, whereas in Estonia, it’s closer to €3,921, making the overall cost of living in Estonia significantly more manageable (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Depending on size and location, the average monthly rent in Estonia is as follows (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €607
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €436
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: €1,058
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €758

Expats renting in Estonia should know that prices are continuing to rise, even with lower demand. In 2024, apartment prices went up by 11.05%, and house prices increased slightly too. With fewer new apartments being built, the rental market is expected to stay competitive. If you're looking for a place, it's a good idea to act quickly (Source: Integra-Dom).

How to find an apartment in Estonia

Renting in Estonia can be competitive (especially in Tallinn), so it's important to act quickly when you find a property you like. Start by checking the top real estate portals daily, such as KV.ee, City24.ee, and Kinnisvara24.ee, where new listings are added regularly. Most rental properties in Estonia require a security deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months’ rent, and you may also need to cover a broker's fee (this usually comes up to 1 month’s rent) — if using a real estate agent. Be prepared to act fast by contacting landlords or brokers as soon as you see a listing that you like, as the best properties get picked up quickly.

Social media can also be a great tool for finding rentals, especially Facebook groups like Üürikorterid OTSE OMANIKULT ("Rentals straight from owners") or Üürikorterid (ILMA MAAKLERITA) ("rentals without brokers"). These groups are particularly useful for finding deals without paying broker fees. If you're an expat, consider joining groups like Expats & Foreigners in Estonia for tips and support. Be sure to have your documents ready, such as proof of income and identification, and remember that many landlords in Estonia speak English, so communication is generally easy.

We’re here to assist you and provide a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have helped many users find housing in Estonia. Whether you’re searching for short-term rentals or long-term apartments, we have reliable contacts to make your search smoother.

Utilities

Average monthly costs for utilities in Estonia (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €270
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €16.50
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €27

To cut utility costs in Estonia, check if you're on the best electricity plan by comparing rates on Energiaturg.ee, especially if your usage changes throughout the day. You can also visit the Estonian Competition Authority to keep up with current prices and find more ways to save on energy and water.

Public transport

Public transport in Estonia is straightforward and affordable. Registered Tallinn residents get free public transport, while other cities have low-cost fares you can manage through apps. You can plan your trips easily using the Peatus.ee journey planner. For more info, visit the Estonian Transport Administration.

Here’s an overview of ticket prices for public transport in Estonia (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: €2
• Regular monthly pass: €30
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €3
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €12.50
• Gasoline: €1.73 per liter

Food

In Estonia, you have grocery options ranging from budget stores like Rimi, Maxima, and Prisma to upscale choices like Stockmann and Solaris. Many offer loyalty cards for savings, and online delivery is available via Barbora and Coop Eesti.

Groceries in Estonia cost around (Source: Quora):

• For a single person: €200-€300
• For a couple: €400-€600
• For a family of four: €600-€800

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €12
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €60
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €8.75
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €5
• Cappuccino (regular): €3.43
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.12
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €1.90

Mobile phone plan

When setting up a mobile phone in Estonia, you can choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. To sign up, you’ll need proof of identity, proof of address (for contracts), and a bank account.

Major providers:

• Tele2: affordable plans with good coverage, from €5 to €25.
• Elisa: reliable 4G and 5G services, from €10 to €30 per month.
• Telia (EMT): has the best coverage in Estonia, from €15 to €35 per month.

Cheaper options:

• Smart by Tele2: prepaid plans starting from €5 per month.
• Levikom: budget plans for occasional users, with prices starting at €3 per month.

eSIMs:

• Tele2, Elisa, and Telia offer eSIMs, perfect for compatible phones. Activation fees are usually around €10.

Childcare

Childcare options include public, private, and international facilities, with public options being affordable for most families. Municipal daycare and kindergartens are common, while private and international schools offer more specialized programs. You can find more details on childcare and subsidies here, support by the government can really help with your cost of living in Estonia if you have a family. If you're on parental leave or unemployed, your child can attend municipal daycare for up to 15 hours a week with income-based fees.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Quora):

• Public daycare (Sõim): Around €45 per month, plus €1.50-2 daily meal fee
• Municipal kindergarten (Lasteaed): Around €45 per month, plus meal fees
• Private daycare/kindergarten: €250-€600 per month
• International preschools: €500-€1,000 per month
• Nannies: €5-€15 per hour, find local nannies via Pere24
• Au pairs: €300-€500 per month (plus room and board), you can look for au pairs at AuPairWorld

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €306
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €7,885

Gym

Estonian gyms offer flexible contracts, including monthly memberships or pay-as-you-go options. Prices vary depending on the gym, with many offering extras like saunas or pools. Most gyms in bigger cities are English-friendly, and there are often discounts for longer-term memberships that can help with your cost of living in Estonia.

Major gym brands and monthly prices:

• MyFitness: From €30
• Sparta Spordiklubi: From €32
• Reval-Sport: From €45
• Golden Club: From €85
• 24/7 Fitness: From €20
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €46