Pros and Cons of Living in Tallinn
Last updated on Apr 16, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Tallinn, Estonia include its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and excellent public transportation system. The city is also known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money. Additionally, Tallinn is a safe and secure city with a low crime rate. On the other hand, the cons of living in Tallinn include its cold climate, limited job opportunities, and language barrier. Additionally, the city can be quite expensive for tourists, making it difficult to explore the city on a budget.
What are the pros and cons of living in Tallinn?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Tallinn responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Tallinn, for several reasons. They appreciate the city's high-speed internet and advanced digital infrastructure, which makes it easy for them to work remotely. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other European cities, making it an affordable option for many. Tallinn's picturesque Old Town, with its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets, offers a charming and unique atmosphere that many find appealing. The city is also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who often speak English, making it easy for expats to communicate and integrate into the community. Tallinn's efficient public transportation system is another aspect that expats and digital nomads enjoy, as it allows them to easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas. The city's location on the Baltic Sea also provides opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration, such as visiting nearby islands and beaches. However, there are also some aspects of living in Tallinn that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The weather can be a significant drawback, as the city experiences long, cold, and dark winters, which can be challenging for those accustomed to warmer climates. Additionally, the job market in Tallinn may be limited for expats seeking local employment, particularly if they do not speak Estonian. Another potential downside is the relatively small size of Tallinn, which may not offer the same level of cultural and entertainment options as larger European cities. Finally, while many locals speak English, expats may still encounter language barriers when dealing with bureaucracy or in more rural areas outside of the city," wrote one expat in Tallinn.
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What do expats in Tallinn appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Tallinn appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its many museums, galleries, and monuments. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's friendly and welcoming locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, expats enjoy the city's stunning natural beauty, with its picturesque parks, forests, and beaches," said a person living in Tallinn.
"Their song festivals, Beautiful native language, Love of Nature, Long lived history, Story of survival of a culture," explained one expat living in Tallinn.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Tallinn often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Estonian is the official language, and while many people in Tallinn speak English, it is not as widely spoken as in other European countries. Additionally, the local culture can be quite different from what expats are used to, with a strong emphasis on tradition and etiquette. This can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those who are not familiar with the local customs. Finally, the weather in Tallinn can be quite extreme, with cold winters and short summers, which can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from warmer climates," said one person in Tallinn.
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:
- What do I need to know before moving to Tallinn?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tallinn?
- What is the average cost of housing in Tallinn?
- How do I meet people in Tallinn?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Tallinn?
- What should I pack when moving to Tallinn?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Tallinn?
- Will I be able to find a job in Tallinn?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Tallinn?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Tallinn?
- What is the social scene like in Tallinn?
- What advice to expats in Tallinn have about housing?
- What are medical services in Tallinn like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tallinn?
- Is the cost of living in Tallinn high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Tallinn?
- Why do people move to Tallinn?