Pros and Cons of Living in Riga
Last updated on Apr 05, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Riga, Latvia include its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and low cost of living. Riga is a great place to explore, with plenty of museums, galleries, and parks to visit. The city is also well connected, with an international airport and excellent public transportation. Additionally, the city is very safe and has a low crime rate. The cons of living in Riga include the cold weather and the language barrier. Although English is widely spoken, the official language is Latvian, which can be difficult to learn. Additionally, the city can be quite expensive for certain items, such as food and clothing. Finally, the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season.
What are the pros and cons of living in Riga?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Riga responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Riga, for several reasons. They appreciate the city's rich history and beautiful architecture, which includes a mix of medieval, Art Nouveau, and Soviet-era buildings. The city's compact size and walkability make it easy to explore and navigate, while the efficient public transportation system is also a plus. Riga's relatively low cost of living is another attractive feature for expats and digital nomads, as it allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The city offers a variety of affordable housing options, as well as reasonably priced food, entertainment, and other amenities. The thriving expat community in Riga is another draw, as it provides opportunities for networking, socializing, and making new friends. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and events throughout the year. Riga's location in the heart of the Baltic region makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby countries, such as Estonia, Lithuania, and Finland. The city's international airport offers convenient connections to many European destinations, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to travel for work or leisure. However, there are also some aspects of living in Riga that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The weather can be a significant drawback, as the city experiences cold, dark winters with limited daylight hours. The language barrier can also be challenging, as Latvian is the official language, and not everyone speaks English fluently. However, younger generations and those working in the tourism and service industries are more likely to speak English. Additionally, some expats and digital nomads may find the job market in Riga to be somewhat limited, particularly for those seeking employment in specific industries or fields. Finally, while Riga is generally considered safe, petty crime and pickpocketing can be an issue in some areas, so it's essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions," remarked one expat in Riga.
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What do expats in Riga appreciate most about the local culture?
"The people can be a bit sour, but considering their history, I can't blame them. That said, the country itself with its nature and scenery should be promoted more by their government because it's really special," said one expat in Riga.
"The Latvian culture is beautiful and interesting - as are the people. I appreciate that most Latvians work in Riga (or other city) and then immediately disappear to the woods in their other homes to be out in nature. They are fine, decent people. They sort of just keep to themselves, like most Europeans, and this can be seen by us Americans as being stand-offish or even rude," said a person living in Latvia.
"Expats in Riga appreciate the city's vibrant cultural scene, with its many museums, galleries, and theatres. They also enjoy the city's rich history, with its cobblestone streets, old churches, and historic buildings. The city's nightlife is also a draw, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Expats also appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, as well as the city's affordability and its excellent public transportation system," explained one expat living in Riga.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Riga often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. As Latvian is the official language, many locals do not speak English, making it difficult for expats to communicate and integrate into the local community. Additionally, the local culture is quite conservative, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more traditional values and customs. Finally, the weather in Riga can be quite extreme, with cold winters and hot summers, which can be a challenge for expats who are not used to such temperatures," said a person living in Riga.
"The languages. They're tough. This winter was very cold/snowy but being a Minnesota girl, just took a few weeks to remember this is what I grew up in even though I'd done the last 4.5 years in the tropics! It was beautiful too even with the mounds of snow. Just dress warm," explained one expat living in Riga.
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:
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