Cost of Living in Rakvere

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Rakvere helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €250 - €350 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €200 - €300 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €400 - €600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €350 - €500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €800 - €1,200
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €600 - €900
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €1.00
  • Monthly local transport pass: €23.00
  • Taxi starting tariff: €2.50
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: €0.70
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.30
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.70
  • Bread (500g): €0.80
  • Rice (1 kg): €1.50
  • Eggs (12): €1.80
  • Cheese (1 kg): €8.00
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): €5.50
  • Beef round (1 kg): €8.00
  • Apples (1 kg): €1.20
  • Bananas (1 kg): €1.20
  • Oranges (1 kg): €1.50
  • Tomato (1 kg): €1.50
  • Potato (1 kg): €0.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.70
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €6.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.20
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €6.00 - €10.00
  • Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): €30.00 - €50.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent): €5.00 - €7.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €2.00 - €3.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €2.50 - €4.00
  • Cappuccino (regular): €2.00 - €3.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €0.80 - €1.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100.00 - €200.00 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.05
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €15.00 - €25.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: €200 - €400 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €300 - €600 per month
  • Middle school tuition: €400 - €800 per month
  • High school tuition: €500 - €1,000 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Can I live in Rakvere on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rakvere for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The in Rakvere is generally lower than in bigger cities like Tallinn, but you'll still need to be mindful of your expenses.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Tammiku, Pae, or Vaala, where you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300-$400 a month. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Koidu or Kastani, as the rent prices there can be significantly higher.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and heating, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans are relatively cheap in Estonia, so you can get a good package for around $30 a month.Groceries can be a bit expensive, especially if you're used to shopping at discount stores. To save money, I'd recommend shopping at local markets and smaller grocery stores, where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at lower prices. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home.Eating out and entertainment can add up quickly, so you'll want to be mindful of your spending in this area. There are some affordable restaurants and cafes in Rakvere, but you might want to limit eating out to once or twice a week. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10-$15, while a cup of coffee at a cafe will be around $2-$3. For entertainment, you can take advantage of the city's parks, museums, and cultural events, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee.Transportation in Rakvere is quite affordable, with a monthly public transport pass costing around $30. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, which is currently around $1.30 per liter, as well as car maintenance and insurance.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Rakvere is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this charming Estonian city," commented an expat living in Rakvere.

Can I live in Rakvere on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Rakvere for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Tammiku, Pikk, and Võidu, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a slightly older building, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable place to live.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Koidula and Vallikraavi, as the housing prices there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transport is quite affordable and efficient in Rakvere. You can save money by using buses and trains instead of relying on taxis or owning a car. Plus, the city is quite walkable, so you can save even more by walking or biking to your destinations.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in many other European countries. However, you might have to make some adjustments to your eating habits, as imported goods can be more expensive. Try to shop at local markets and cook at home more often to save money.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite affordable in Rakvere. There are plenty of parks, museums, and cultural events that you can enjoy for free or at a low cost. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, like frequent trips to the spa or high-end shopping.Overall, living in Rakvere on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. But in my experience, the city has a lot to offer, and you'll still be able to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life here," said one expat living in Rakvere.

Can I live in Rakvere on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Rakvere for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Rakvere is a small town, so the cost of living is generally lower than in bigger cities like Tallinn. When it comes to housing, you can find some really nice apartments in the city center for around $500 to $800 per month. If you're looking for something more affordable, you can check out neighborhoods like Pikk and Võidu, where you can find apartments for around $300 to $500 per month. I would recommend avoiding the more expensive neighborhoods like Koidula and Tammiku, as they might not fit within your budget.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are quite affordable here. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries, and utilities usually cost around $100 to $150 per month. Eating out at restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person.Transportation is another area where you can save money, as Rakvere is a small town and you can easily walk or bike to most places. If you do need to use public transportation, a monthly pass costs around $30.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options that won't break the bank. You can catch a movie at the local cinema for around $5, or enjoy the beautiful parks and nature trails in the area for free. There are also several gyms and sports clubs in town, with membership fees ranging from $30 to $50 per month.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Rakvere on a $5,000 per month budget is not only doable, but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Rakvere.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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