Study in Estonia: Housing & Living Costs

The cost of living has risen in Estonia in recent years, but it’s still one of the more affordable members of the Eurozone. The cost of living is notably lower than in Austria or Estonia’s Baltic neighbor Finland. 

Most international students find themselves in either Tallinn or Tartu, the second city. As the cost of living is higher in Tallinn than in Tartu, these costs will reflect those of Tallinn. 

Some average living costs (in EUR and USD) are:

• Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment): €530 ($630)
• Utilities (monthly average): €180 ($210)
• Monthly public transport pass: €30 ($35)
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant): €9 ($10.60)
• Coffee: €2.80 ($3.30)
• Milk (1 liter): €0.75 ($0.90)
• Vegetables (1kg): €
• Eggs (dozen): €0.50 ($0.60)
• Water (1.5 liter): €0.80 ($0.95)
• Chicken (1kg): €5.50 ($6.50)
• Wine (bottle): €7 ($8.30)
• Bread (loaf): €0.80 ($0.95)

You can drink the tap water across Estonia, so bottled water won’t be an everyday cost.

As in many countries, rent is counted as a separate cost in Estonia. This means that the average cost of living in Estonia is €660 ($780) per month.

Estonia has two healthcare systems: one public, one private. The public system is called the Haigekassa. It’s funded through taxes. It’s open to anyone and everyone who pays taxes in Estonia. To access it, your employer will also need to pay taxes on your employment contract. Haigekassa healthcare is of a high standard with good access across the entire country.

The private system is insurance-based, much like the American healthcare system. The health insurance that you’ll need to get your student visa might give you access to this system. You can check with your insurance provider or with a private provider once in Estonia.

As your student visa allows you to work, many students supplement their income with a part-time job. If you speak English, it’s not too difficult to find work, particularly in the main cities of Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu.