Living in Estonia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Estonia

Summary: The approximate population of Estonia is 1.3 million people. The largest cities in Estonia are Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Kohtla-Järve, and Pärnu. Expats love living in Estonia for its high quality of life, low cost of living, and friendly people. Life in Estonia is described as peaceful, safe, and relaxed. Popular foods in Estonia include rye bread, potatoes, pork, and fish. Soups, stews, and porridges are also popular. The cons of living in Estonia include the cold weather, the language barrier, and the lack of job opportunities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

What do I need to know about living in Estonia?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Estonia, they said:

"Before retiring in Estonia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in Estonia, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Additionally, expats should be aware of the healthcare system in Estonia, as private health insurance may be necessary. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for Estonia, as these can vary depending on the individual's nationality," wrote a member in Estonia.

"Come here first and meet the people, and see how you like it. For winter, bring heaps of extremely warm clothes. Culturally it is a dream, with the concert hall and opera house performing 9 mos of the year, and best seats at only 11 dollars. Dining out at fine restaurants is no bargain. Bring Seasoning Salt in abundance, and boxes of seasoned stuffing if you like roast chook )or you'll have to make your own). MORE cigarettes also canä' be found here. You can join the Academic Library and check out books in English and many other languages," commented one expat who made the move to Tallinn.

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How do I meet people in Estonia?

When we asked people living in Estonia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Estonia often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," remarked one expat living in Estonia.

"British Chamber of Commerce American and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. Get a hold of This Week in Tallinn )a bimonthly puiblication) and Baltic Times weekly newspaper to find names of clubs and churches that might be of interest," wrote one member in Tallinn.

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What is life like in Estonia?

When we asked people living in Estonia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Estonia is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with a low cost of living and a vibrant culture. The country is also very welcoming to foreigners, with a large expat community and plenty of opportunities for networking. The country is also very tech-savvy, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work remotely. The capital city of Tallinn is particularly popular with expats and digital nomads, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Overall, Estonia is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work," commented one expat who made the move to Estonia.

"Life here is family oriented up to a point, but many marriages are broken. Young people go out frequently to bars and clubs where English is generally well spoken. Foreigners are received in a friendly and welcome manner. In fact, they are plesantly surprised to see you here. Do not be shy about opening conversations," remarked one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.

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Is there a lot of crime in Estonia?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Estonia is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there have been reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft in some areas, particularly in larger cities. Additionally, there have been some reports of cybercrime, such as online fraud and identity theft," wrote one member in Estonia.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Estonia accepting of differences?

"Estonia is a culturally diverse country, with a population that includes Estonians, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Finns, and Jews. People in Estonia are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of multiculturalism. The government has taken steps to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, regardless of their background," wrote one member in Estonia.

"About 35% are of Russian ancestry, and that is their usual language. They like going to Karaoki bars and paying a little to sing their hearts out. Many businesses function as much in Russian as in Estonian. It is hard to tell Estonians from Russian ancestry people unless you listen to them speaking with each other. Many Estonians do not like this group of people, and have made laws concerning their obtaining a total Estonian passport, with passing an Estonian language test )which the EU will probably rule to be a violation of human rights on Estonia joining that body). The Russian oriented people here are very different from Russians in Russia, in fact they think more or less alike with fellow Estonians. Religion is not strong here. The population is pretty broad minded in a Scandinavian manner in terms of sexual mores, which anyone will find out quickly if they get cable TV, as after midnight anything is shown. They think of sex as a completely norman bodily function, like eating breakfast, and they are not prudes. There is also a high level of gay tolerance, with as many clubs here in this city of only 500,000 as are found in Moscow with its 15m. I do not think black people would find problems here like they do in Russia, but I haven't direct experience on this subject in this 100% white nation. I think there is very little experience here in meeting black people, as they have only been free of the ex Soviet Union for 11 years. I know there is no prejudice against Hispanic peoples," remarked one expat who made the move to Tallinn.

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What are the schools in Estonia like?

"The International School of Estonia (ISE) is one of the best international schools in Estonia. Located in Tallinn, ISE offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISE also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The British School of Tallinn is another excellent international school in Estonia. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish. The International School of Tartu is a bilingual school in Estonia. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish. The International School of Estonia is a great choice for international students looking for a quality education in Estonia. The school offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12, and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Estonia.

"I would encourage anyone considering bring their kids to Estonia to visit the school and see them in action. It is a great little school with a faculty that cares," explained one expat in Tallinn, Estonia with kids at International School of Estonia.

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Is the cost of living in Estonia high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Estonia, they wrote:

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

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"The cost of living in Estonia is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of Tallinn is the most expensive place to live in the country, with prices for goods and services being higher than in other parts of Estonia. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Tallinn is around $600 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost around $800 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Estonia can cost around $15 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Estonia.

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What type of recreational facilities are in Estonia?

When we asked people living in Estonia about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Estonia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and forests. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. Additionally, Estonia is home to a number of spas and wellness centres, offering a range of treatments and services. Finally, Estonia is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from," remarked one expat living in Estonia.

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What is the weather like in Estonia?

"The weather in Estonia is generally mild, with cool summers and cold winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 25°C, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to -10°C. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being May and June. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in January and February," commented one expat who moved to Estonia.

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Are there good restaurants in Estonia?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Estonia is the Olde Hansa, located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town. This medieval-style restaurant serves traditional Estonian dishes such as blood sausage, smoked pork, and herring. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Another popular restaurant in Estonia is the Seaplane Harbour, located in the port of Tallinn. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with its stunning views of the harbor and its delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant also has a bar and lounge area, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. Finally, the restaurant at the Estonian National Museum is a great place to experience Estonian culture and cuisine. The restaurant serves traditional Estonian dishes such as smoked fish, pickled vegetables, and rye bread. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful," commented one expat who moved to Estonia.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Estonia?

"People living in Estonia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, and local markets. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are a variety of specialty stores, such as health food stores, that offer a wide selection of products," mentioned an expat living in Estonia.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Estonia?

"In order to visit Estonia, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from an Estonian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. In order to obtain residency in Estonia, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and any other documents required by the Estonian Immigration Office," said one expat living in Estonia.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Estonia?

"Healthcare in Estonia is generally considered to be of a high quality and is relatively affordable. The Estonian government provides universal health insurance coverage to all citizens and permanent residents, which covers most medical services. Private health insurance is also available, but it is not as widely used as the public system. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Estonia are considered to be reasonably priced and accessible," said an expat in Estonia.

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