If you're planning to move to Estonia in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €650 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €900 | For families |
| Groceries | €180 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €65 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €95 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €10 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €1,070 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €2,031/month |
| Minimum Wage | €820/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €1,381/month |
With an average salary of €2,031 and rent of €650, approximately 32% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 59.7 | Moderately cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 16.7 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 54.1 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 64.9 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 88.3 | Comparable than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €29,500 | €42,000 | €59,000 |
| Retail | €10,500 | €15,000 | €21,000 |
| Finance | €24,500 | €35,000 | €49,000 |
| Education | €13,500 | €19,000 | €26,500 |
| Healthcare | €15,500 | €22,000 | €31,000 |
| Engineering | €19,500 | €28,000 | €39,000 |
| Hospitality | €11,000 | €16,000 | €22,500 |
| Construction | €17,000 | €24,000 | €33,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are utilities in Estonia?
Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment cost approximately €95. Internet typically adds another €20-50/month. In colder climates, heating can significantly increase winter bills.
What is the average salary in Estonia?
The average monthly salary in Estonia is approximately €2,031 gross. The minimum wage is €820/month. Local purchasing power index is 88.3/100.
Is Estonia expensive compared to other countries?
With a cost of living index of 59.7/100 (where NYC = 100), Estonia is moderately cheaper than NYC. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
How much should I save before moving to Estonia?
Based on a monthly budget of €1,070, we recommend saving at least 3-6 months of expenses (€3,210 to €6,420) plus visa/relocation costs. Add a buffer for unexpected expenses during your first months.
Are there hidden costs of living in Estonia?
Beyond the basics, budget for: health insurance (if not employer-provided), visa fees and renewals, tax adviser fees, initial deposits (rent + utilities), furnishing costs if renting unfurnished, and language courses. These can add €500-2,000 to your first months.
Planning to move to Estonia?
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