Working in Riga
Riga is the capital of Latvia, along the Daugava River. The city was founded in 1201, which ensures that Riga has a long and intruiging history. Riga’s historic center (Vecrīga) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for the cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
Living and working in Riga offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city has something for everyone. From the affordable life to the vibrant expat culture. Riga is amazing for young expats. Read more to find out why this is.
Life in Riga
The cost of living is relatively low, making it attractive for individuals and families. Riga also has excellent educational institutions, a high standard of healthcare, and great public transportat. The city’s central location in the Baltic region allows for easy exploration of other European destinations. Riga offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities. Start by exploring the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and landmarks such as the Riga Cathedral and House of the Blackheads.
Work in Riga
- Average working hours per week: 40 hours, 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 or 5.00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 20 days / 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by bus, train/tram and trolley-bus
- Work culture: Slightly hierarchical
FAQ
You can move to Riga by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits). Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.
Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together
Riga is a relatively compact city and is generally considered walking-friendly. You can easily explore the main tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants on foot. However, for longer distances or to explore areas outside the city center, you may consider using public transportation or other means of getting around. Costs for public transport in Riga:
- 24-hour ticket: €5
- 3-day ticket: €8
- 5-day ticket: €10
- Monthly ticket, week days only: €30
- Monthly ticket, all week: €50
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly place to live in Riga, the neighbourhoods of Purvciems, Ziepniekkalns, and Imanta are often considered good options. The cost of living in Riga is generally lower compared to many other European cities:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €400-€700 a month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €300-€500 a month
- Room in a shared apartment: ~€250 a month
Riga has a temperate climate:
- Spring: 0-15°C. Cool to mild, rain likely.
- Summer: 17-20°C. Warm and pleasant.
- Autumn: 5-16°C. Cool and wet.
- Winter: −2-+1°C. Cold and snowy.
In Riga, some of the popular mobile network providers with affordable and reliable internet services are LMT, Tele2, and Bite. These providers offer various prepaid and postpaid plans with different data packages to suit different needs and budgets. It’s recommended to compare their offerings and prices to find the best option that meets your specific requirements for both affordability and internet quality.
How expensive is living in Riga?
We told you about the costs for public transport and rent in Riga, but there’s more costs when you actually start living in this city. Here we list the most important costs in Riga:
- Groceries: €180-€280 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €5-€10
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €1,60-€1,80
- Coffee in a café: €2-€4
- Gym membership: €30-€55 a month
- Cinema ticket: €8-€15
- Entrance to St. Peter’s Church tower viewpoint: €9–€10
Still not sure about living and working in Riga?
Whether you’re seeking a bustling city life, a rich cultural experience, or a gateway to natural wonders, Riga has it all. There are several budget-friendly places where you can enjoy affordable and delicious food:
- The Central Market is a great option, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and local products at reasonable prices.
- Lido is a popular chain of self-service restaurants that serve traditional Latvian cuisine at affordable rates.
- Another option is to explore the smaller local cafes and eateries in the city, where you can often find tasty meals and snacks at budget-friendly prices.
Exploring Riga is also a very fun activity. There are a lot of amazing things to see and do:
- Visit the Art Nouveau district and take a stroll in the picturesque Bastejkalns Park or Kronvalda Park.
- Don’t miss Riga Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, where you can experience the vibrant local atmosphere and sample traditional Latvian delicacies.
- Pay a visit to the Riga Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church, two amazing pieces of architecture.
- Go for a day trip to Jūrmala Beach, a long sandy beach on the Baltic Sea.
In summary, living and working in Riga is a great experience. It’s very different from working abroad in Southern European destinations, where the good weather is a big bonus. In Riga, you will enjoy the cultural part of life. Is that something for you? Apply today and start working in Riga!
