January 28, 2026 
6 mins to read When people think about working abroad in Europe, cities like Berlin, Barcelona or Lisbon often come to mind first. Riga is rarely mentioned in that initial list. And yet, for many people who decide to move there, living in Riga turns out to be one of the most practical and rewarding choices they could have made.
Riga is the capital of Latvia, but it does not feel overwhelming or chaotic. It offers international job opportunities, affordable living and a calm pace that makes everyday life easier. For people considering working in Riga, especially for the first time abroad, this balance can make the entire experience smoother and more sustainable.
Below are five reasons why living in Riga makes working abroad in Europe surprisingly easy, and why this Baltic capital deserves more attention from anyone looking for a realistic and well-balanced move abroad.
Living in Riga feels practical from day one
One of the first things people notice when living in Riga is how manageable the city feels. Riga is compact, well structured and easy to navigate. Most neighbourhoods offer supermarkets, cafés, gyms and green spaces within walking distance, which removes much of the everyday stress that often comes with larger cities.
For people working in Riga, this practicality matters. Commutes are short, traffic is lighter than in many other European capitals, and public transport is reliable and affordable. Many residents walk or cycle to work, which helps create a healthier daily routine.
Living in Riga is particularly appealing if you are moving abroad for the first time. The city allows you to focus on your job and your new environment without constantly feeling overwhelmed. Settling in feels faster, and everyday tasks quickly become familiar.
Work in Riga in your native language
One of the biggest advantages of working in Riga is the opportunity to work in your native language. Many people assume that moving abroad automatically means working in English, but living in Riga offers a different reality.
Through Job Squad, many candidates find roles in Riga where their daily work, internal communication and customer contact are carried out in their mother tongue. At the moment, positions such as German operations manager, Danish game presenter, Swedish customer service agent, Norwegian accounting assistant and Dutch quality analyst are available.
This makes working in Riga particularly attractive for people who want international work experience without giving up the confidence that comes from working in their own language. For many candidates, this lowers the barrier to moving abroad significantly and makes the transition into a new job smoother.
English is generally enough for everyday life when living in Riga. In shops, cafés and social settings, English is widely spoken. However, in the workplace, speaking your native language is often the main requirement, which allows you to focus on your role rather than on language challenges.
Living in Riga offers strong value for money
Affordability is one of the main reasons why living in Riga stands out compared to other European cities. Everyday costs remain manageable, which allows people working in Riga to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without constant financial pressure.
Rent prices are lower than in most Western and Northern European capitals. Groceries, public transport and leisure activities are also reasonably priced. This creates room in your budget to save money, travel or simply enjoy your free time without stress.
A realistic monthly overview for living in Riga often looks like this:
One bedroom apartment in the city centre: around €400 to €700
Utilities and internet: around €100 to €150
Groceries: around €200 to €300
Public transport: around €30
This cost structure makes working in Riga particularly attractive for people who want international work experience while still maintaining financial stability.
Working in Riga supports a calmer work-life balance
Riga is a capital city, but it feels noticeably calmer than many others. Streets are less congested, noise levels are lower and green spaces are integrated throughout the city. For people working in Riga, this calm environment often leads to a better work-life balance.
After work, it is easy to disconnect. Parks, riversides and quiet neighbourhoods are always close by. Nature is not something you need to plan for on weekends only, it is part of daily life. This has a real impact on stress levels and overall wellbeing.
Living in Riga suits people who value structure without constant pressure. The city allows you to focus on your career while still having the energy and time to enjoy life outside of work.
Living in Riga makes building a social life easier than expected
Moving abroad can feel isolating at first, but living in Riga offers a surprisingly welcoming international community. Expats and internationals often connect through work, coworking spaces and social circles that form naturally over time.
Many people working in Riga meet friends through their workplace first and then expand their social life organically. Platforms such as https://www.internations.org/riga-expats provide access to established expat communities, local events and practical advice for people living in Riga. These communities make it easier to settle in and feel connected, even if you arrive without an existing network.
Living in Riga means access to nature without leaving the city
Another often overlooked advantage of living in Riga is how close nature always feels. Parks, forests and rivers are spread throughout the city, and the Baltic coastline is only a short journey away.
For people working in Riga, this means that outdoor activities can be part of everyday life rather than something reserved for holidays. Walks after work, weekend trips to the beach or time spent in green areas become normal routines.
This connection to nature contributes to the calm atmosphere of the city and is one of the reasons many people feel comfortable staying in Riga longer than planned.
What living and working in Riga is like long term
Riga is not a city that tries to impress immediately. It is quiet, understated and sometimes even reserved. But that is exactly why many people who choose living in Riga grow attached to it.
Working in Riga allows you to build a stable routine, gain international experience and still enjoy the benefits of living abroad in Europe. For many, Riga becomes a place where work and personal life feel balanced rather than constantly competing.
If you are considering working abroad in Europe and want a city that offers international job opportunities, native-language roles, affordability and a calm lifestyle, Riga is worth serious consideration.
Sometimes the best place to work abroad is not the most obvious one. Living in Riga often proves that simplicity, balance and opportunity can exist in the same place.
