Living in Estonia
Last updated on Mar 04, 2024
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," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.
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About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Estonia?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Estonia?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Estonia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Estonia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Estonia like?
- Is the cost of living in Estonia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Estonia?
- What are healthcare services like in Estonia?
- Is the cost of living in Estonia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Estonia?
- What is the weather like in Estonia?
- Are there good restaurants in Estonia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Estonia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Estonia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Estonia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Estonia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Estonia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?