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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Tallinn 2024
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Aerial View of Old Town Tallinn, Estonia


Cost of Living in Tallinn

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Tallinn, understanding the the cost of living in Tallinn helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Tallinn is €600-€800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Prices can be higher or lower depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Tallinn is €1,500-€2,000 per square meter. Prices can be higher or lower depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Transportation Public transportation in Tallinn is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket costs €1.60 and a monthly pass costs €20. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is usually around €5-€10.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Tallinn is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk costs around €0.90, and a dozen eggs costs around €2.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Tallinn is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-€20 per person. Fast food meals cost around €5-€10 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Tallinn is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage is around €50-€60.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Tallinn varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition is usually around €200-€300 per month, elementary school tuition is usually around €400-€500 per month, middle school tuition is usually around €500-€600 per month, and high school tuition is usually around €600-€700 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tallinn

"The cost of living in Tallinn is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other European cities. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, and there are plenty of affordable options for entertainment. Overall, Tallinn is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life at a reasonable cost," said one expat living in Tallinn.

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

"I've been living in Tallinn 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. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Lasnamäe, Mustamäe, or Õismäe, as they tend to have lower rent prices compared to more central areas like Kesklinn or Vanalinn. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $400-$600 a month.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and heating, depending on the season and your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans are quite affordable here, with good quality services for around $30-$40 a month.For transportation, I'd recommend getting a monthly public transport pass, which costs around $30. This will give you unlimited access to buses, trams, and trolleys within the city. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices can be a bit high, and parking in the city center can be expensive.Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at discount supermarkets like Maxima or Rimi. I usually spend around $200-$250 a month on groceries, but this can vary depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be relatively cheap if you stick to local cafes and fast food places, but fancier restaurants can quickly eat into your budget.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Tallinn, like visiting parks, museums, and cultural events. However, if you're used to going out to bars and clubs frequently, you might need to cut back on that, as alcohol prices can be quite high.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Tallinn is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your transportation choices, and cutting back on eating out and entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Tallinn.

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

"I've been living in Tallinn for a few years 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. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it's a great city to live in.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in the city center, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for rent. However, there are some more affordable neighborhoods just outside the city center, like Kalamaja, Pelgulinn, and Uus Maailm. These areas have a nice mix of old wooden houses and newer apartment buildings, and they're still close to the city center. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around €500-€700 per month, depending on the location and condition of the apartment.As for utilities, they're generally not too expensive. You can expect to pay around €100-€150 per month for electricity, water, and heating, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, with unlimited data plans costing around €20-€30 per month.When it comes to transportation, Tallinn has a good public transport system, and if you're a resident, you can even use it for free. However, if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices can be a bit higher than in some other countries. Parking in the city center can also be expensive, so you might want to consider using public transport or biking instead.Eating out in Tallinn can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local restaurants and cafes. You can find a decent meal for around €5-€10, and even fancier restaurants usually won't cost you more than €20-€30 per person. Groceries are also reasonably priced, and you can find a good selection of local and international products in most supermarkets.As for entertainment, there's plenty to do in Tallinn without breaking the bank. There are many free or low-cost events, like concerts, festivals, and exhibitions, as well as beautiful parks and nature areas to explore. Movie tickets and other entertainment options are also quite affordable, usually costing around €5-€10.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Tallinn on $3,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some small sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," said one expat living in Tallinn.

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

"I've been living in Tallinn for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Tallinn is a beautiful city with a mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences, and the cost of living is quite reasonable compared to many other European cities.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options available in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out areas like Lasnamäe, Mustamäe, and Õismäe. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more budget-friendly housing options while still providing access to public transportation and other amenities.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Kalamaja, Kadriorg, or even the Old Town. These areas are closer to the city center and offer a more picturesque living experience, but they can be a bit pricier.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are all quite affordable in Tallinn. Eating out at restaurants can be a bit more expensive, but there are still plenty of budget-friendly options if you know where to look. Plus, with the money you're saving on housing and other expenses, you might find that you can afford to splurge on a nice meal every now and then.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Tallinn without breaking the bank. There are numerous parks, museums, and cultural events to enjoy, many of which are free or low-cost. And if you're a fan of the outdoors, Estonia has some beautiful natural landscapes to explore, including national parks and beaches.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Tallinn on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few small sacrifices, like choosing a more affordable neighborhood or being mindful of your spending when it comes to dining out, but I believe you'll find that the quality of life here is well worth it," commented an expat living in Tallinn.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Aerial View of Old Town Tallinn, Estonia

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