Living in Estonia
Last updated on Jun 25, 2023
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 are the pros and cons of living in Estonia?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Estonia responded:
"I lived in Tartu for several years, married my Ex Estonian wife here in the US, where we had two daughters then moved to Tartu. My work schedule on TV 7-8 hours ahead meant being up at 2-3am, and 4 satellite hops, which were expensive. A lot of what has been said is true. Tartu is really nice and quaint, changing rapidly. I remember when the first Mcdonald's went in, and it's been invaded since then with all the junk food you can imagine. I spoke extremely little Estonian, which at times was difficult. My daughters and ex are fluent in English and Estonian, so I often had a translator. I grew up in Mn and Chicago, so Estonia is cold in Winter, but I have been colder. DARK, though, is absolutely pitch black. It can be depressing. There are indoor spas and things, but the darkness can take a toll. The opposite is true in summer when it's constantly light. I mean, at midnight, the sun is up, 2 am. It bothered me more than the dark. The good news and bad news is Tartu is small. With 120k people or so and the second biggest city in Estonia, well, anyone who dislikes small-town life, it's not for you. In fact, the entire country may not be, except for a visit. I remember when Estonia joined the EU and NATO. I remember when they didn't use the Euro, it all happened pretty fast. The Estonian economy changed rapidly. Prices came in line with Western Europe. Wages didn't meet the needs. And still don't for many people. In Tartu, employment can be hard to find. Anyway, I have mixed emotions about Tartu, little too small for me, but nice," said one member in Tartu.
"Expats and digital nomads living in Estonia appreciate the country's high quality of life, with its low cost of living, excellent public transportation, and vibrant cultural scene. They also enjoy the fact that Estonia is a tech-savvy nation, with a strong digital infrastructure and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier to be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. Additionally, the long, dark winters can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from warmer climates," remarked one expat in Estonia.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Estonia?
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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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?