Riga

LatviaGMT+2

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

79.6/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

2,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,370/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

90Mbps

About Riga

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a city where history meets modernity. Founded in 1201, it boasts a rich heritage reflected in its stunning architecture, particularly the Art Nouveau style that graces many of its buildings. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and lively squares, offering a glimpse into the past while the city's modern districts showcase contemporary design and innovation.

For digital nomads and expats, Riga is an attractive destination due to its affordability and high quality of life. The cost of living is significantly lower than in many Western European cities, making it possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The city is well-connected with high-speed internet, and there are numerous coworking spaces and cafes that cater to remote workers. Additionally, Riga's strategic location makes it easy to explore other parts of Europe, with direct flights to major cities across the continent.

Riga experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from -3°C in January to 18°C in July, with rainfall distributed throughout the year, peaking in summer. The changing seasons add to the city's charm, with each season offering unique experiences, from winter's snowy landscapes to summer's vibrant festivals.

The digital nomad community in Riga is burgeoning, with many choosing the city for its blend of work-friendly environments and cultural richness. There are regular meetups, events, and social gatherings that help newcomers integrate into the local scene. The city's compact size means that most attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to balance work and leisure. Whether it's enjoying a coffee in a historic cafe, exploring the Central Market, or taking a stroll along the Daugava River, Riga offers a fulfilling experience for those who call it home, even temporarily.

Demographics

Population860,142
LanguagesLatvian, Russian

Location

CountryLatvia
TimezoneGMT+2
Airport to City20 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Ride-sharing

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa Cost$86
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,370
/mo
22.9% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Riga, Latvia is $1,370, which is 22.9% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$500
36.5% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$230
16.8% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$300
21.9% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$60
4.4% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$180
13.1% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
7.3% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Riga has a well-developed internet infrastructure with high-speed broadband available in most areas. The city ranks highly in global internet speed indexes, with median fixed broadband speeds around 90 Mbps and mobile speeds around 50 Mbps. Major providers include TET, Balticom, LMT, and Tele2, offering both fiber-optic and mobile internet services. Public WiFi is widely available, including in public libraries, transport, and many cafes, ensuring connectivity for digital nomads and residents alike. The internet is generally reliable, with occasional issues during peak usage times.

Riga has a growing digital nomad community, with 24 coworking spaces catering to remote workers. The city is known for its high-speed internet, affordable living costs, and vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Regular meetups and events help foster a sense of community among nomads.

90Mbps
4G, 5G
4providers
2,000
Nomads
24+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Riga has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from -3°C in January to 18°C in July, with rainfall distributed throughout the year, peaking in summer.
Temperature Range
-3°C - 18°C
Avg: 7°C
Annual Rainfall
480mm
Monthly Avg: 40mm
Jan
01
-3°C
🥶
20 mm
Feb
02
-3°C
🥶
20 mm
Mar
03
1°C
🥶
20 mm
Apr
04
7°C
30 mm
May
05
12°C
40 mm
Jun
06
16°C
☀️
60 mm
Jul
07
18°C
☀️
60 mm
Aug
08
17°C
☀️
60 mm
Sep
09
13°C
50 mm
Oct
10
7°C
50 mm
Nov
11
2°C
🥶
40 mm
Dec
12
-1°C
🥶
30 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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