Latvia
Living in Latvia
Last updated on Jun 05, 2023
Summary: The approximate population of Latvia is 1.9 million people. The largest cities in Latvia are Riga (the capital), Daugavpils, Liepaja, Jelgava, and Jurmala. Expats love living in Latvia for its beautiful nature, vibrant culture, and low cost of living. People describe life in Latvia as peaceful and relaxed, with a strong sense of community. Latvian cuisine is a mix of traditional dishes and modern influences. Popular dishes include grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes, and a variety of soups. Latvian desserts are also popular, such as sklandrausis (a type of sweet pastry) and p?r?gi (a type of savory pastry). The cons of living in Latvia 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, transportation, and entertainment.
What do I need to know about living in Latvia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Latvia, they said:
"Expats considering retiring in Latvia should be aware that the official language is Latvian, although English is widely spoken in the capital city of Riga. It is important to research the cost of living in Latvia, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Expats should also be aware of the local laws and regulations, and make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to Latvia. Additionally, it is important to research the healthcare system in Latvia, as well as the availability of international health insurance. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the climate and weather in Latvia," commented one expat who made the move to Latvia.
Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
International Citizens InsuranceInterested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
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How do I meet people in Latvia?
Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
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.
