Is it expensive to live in Estonia?

Answer 1

It is now in the EU but their average salary is about $800 a month. So I figure life there should be geared towards that salary. Which means it is still not very expensive. Maybe like living in a southern state in the US somewhere. A bit cheaper.

Why not get on a google newsgroup:

soc.culture.estonia and aks for exact figures there?

Answer 2

A few years back staying in Estonia was really inexpensive compared to the UK or the USA. But since the country has joined the EU in 2004 the prices and the cost of living have been rising constantly. (And the property market is one of the fastest developing in the world!)

You'll probably find that the ACCOMODATION in Tallinn (the capital) is quite expensive, but in other towns the cost is much lower. The same goes for the hotels.

The FOOD and especially ALCOHOL are still very cheap in comparision with most other countries. The tourists from the neighbouring countries, Finland in particular, often come to Estonia to stock up on beer and spirits.

An overview of the cost of living and SHOPPING in Estonia can be found here: http://www.smartestonia.ee/index.php?page=292

And here you can get an idea about prices in Tartu - the second largest city in Estonia and a popular students' location:
http://www.ut.ee/17682

The salaries vary a lot. But if you're going to be working in Tallinn for some international company which is likely to pay you a salary much higher than the country average, you'll have a relaxing and pleasurable experience in Estonia!