Riga is the capital of Latvia, situated at the edge of the land, where the Daugava meets the Baltic Sea. Riga is that city where you can find a park in the middle of everything, wander into a church older than your entire family line and feel like you just went back in time while walking through the Old Town. It really is a hidden gem for anyone who is looking for a job abroad.

Not many people know why living in Riga can be the best choice for them… It’s time to discover this best-kept secret for expats and show you that working in Riga can be an absolute dream.

Full of nature, rich history and breathtaking architecture, Riga has become a new hotspot for people searching for a job abroad. It offers a living standard perfect for those who seek peace, health, and balance. Job Squad has many exciting jobs in Riga, so after you read through this article, we hope all our reasons will convince you to start your new adventure of working and living in Riga!

1. The growing job market in Riga

There are plenty of opportunities for working in Riga as the job market has been growing rapidly. The biggest increase in jobs has been in industries like IT, finance and customer service. A lot of international companies have opened offices in Riga recently, creating more new job opportunities for expats.

The economy is projected to grow in 2025 and 2026, increasing the number of jobs
While Latvian is the official language, English is widely spoken in work settings
Companies actively recruit skilled workers from abroad, making working in Riga accessible even if you don’t speak Latvian!

2. Affordable cost of living in Riga

If you’re thinking about working in Riga and are curious about the cost of living – good news! Riga is an incredibly affordable city. It offers a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save money while still enjoying a vibrant urban experience.

Compared to other European cities, living costs in Riga are significantly lower.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €400 to €700 per month
A one-bedroom in the outskirts: €300 to €500
Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and internet: €100 to €150 per month
Groceries: €200 to €300 per month is usually sufficient

Entertainment prices

For those who enjoy cultural experiences, Riga offers inexpensive access to cheap museums and art galleries. For example, entry to the National Art Museum costs just €8 (€4 for students). If you love discovering local flavors, the city’s colorful markets offer fresh produce, handmade goods, and affordable traditional treats. From the budget-friendly Centrāltirgus (Central Market) or Lubānas Tirgus, to the more upscale weekend farmers’ market at Kalnciems Quarter, there’s something for every taste and budget.

3. A vibrant international community in Riga

It is just easier to move to a new city when there is a supportive community. Working in Riga means you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow internationals.

Where to meet people

Riga has a variety of online communities where people can connect, such as:

These groups are great for finding events and workshops designed for internationals. If making friends with locals doesn’t happen right away, these communities can be a great support network.

Fun facts about Latvian people

Latvian people are kind and welcoming, though they can sometimes seem reserved at first. They tend to be a bit quieter and more private until they get to know someone, so be patient! However, once you befriend a Latvian, you’ll find they are incredibly loyal and sincere. Here are some interesting things to know about Latvians:

They cherish pagan traditions and nature, celebrating Midsummer’s Eve with bonfires and folk traditions.
Latvians are among the tallest people in the world, with women averaging around 170 cm in height!
Their favorite alcoholic beverages include beer and wine, often enjoyed at local markets or festivals.

4. Living in Riga is very safe and peaceful

Riga is considered a safe and peaceful city. Despite being home to over 600,000 residents – a third of Latvia’s population – it is much quieter and less chaotic than many other European capitals. Expats and locals living in Riga appreciate its fast-moving yet uncongested roads, walkable distances to amenities, and overall cleanliness.

While every city has areas that require extra caution, Riga generally has low crime rates. Street harassment is rare, as people tend to keep to themselves. However, as in any urban area, it’s always wise to be mindful of potential scammers or less secure neighborhoods.

For those wondering about Latvia’s political security, the country is a NATO member. This means that any act of aggression against Latvia would be treated as an act against the EU, ensuring strong international support and protection. So, looking for jobs in Riga is surely a safe choice.

5. Your free time while working in Riga

While moving to find jobs in Riga, you probably also need to think about what you will do in your free time – because life is not all about working! Riga’s residents are active and love making use of the city’s sports facilities. Many venues offer information in English, making it easy for expats to get involved. Some of the most popular sports in Latvia include: ice hockey, beach volleyball and basketball.

Where to find activities

For fun activities beyond sports, check out the Live Riga website, which lists everything from mini-golf and paintball to go-karting. It also has information on cultural events like food festivals, concerts, workshops, and storytelling nights. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Riga has something to offer!

Here are some cool clubs and activities circles that are very accommodating to expats living in Riga:

MyFitness: This chain has multiple locations in Riga and is known for its inclusive environment. Many trainers and staff members speak English, making it accessible to expatriates and visitors.
Sports Bars: To enjoy live sports broadcasts in a social setting, venues such as The Thirsty Bulldog have an English-friendly atmosphere, making them popular among locals and tourists.
Senā Klēts: Located in Riga, this center for Latvian folk costumes is a haven for knitting enthusiasts. It has traditional and modern knitwear, knitting history books, and yarns suitable for creating Latvian mittens.
Riga English Club: This is a Facebook group that hosts fun, educative events always provided in English. Playing basketball, piano, or maybe learning Latvian? All of this you can do with them!

6. Living in Riga means living in nature

One of the biggest perks of living in Riga is its incredible access to nature. People often talk about the stunning architecture and lively culture, but they also deeply appreciate the city’s green spaces. Wherever you go, you’re never far from a park, a riverbank, or a forest trail. Latvians take great pride in spending time outdoors, and it’s easy to see why!

Here are some of the best natural escapes just a short ride from the city:

Šmerlis Forest – A peaceful, expansive woodland perfect for absolute zen!
Mežaparks – A vast green neighborhood with walking trails, a zoo, and scenic picnic spots.
River Mārupīte – A charming riverside area ideal for walks.
Bulli Beach – A beautiful Baltic coastline where locals sunbathe and play beach volleyball in summer.
Kleisti Meadows – A quiet, rural area that’s great for horseback riding and fresh air.
Lakes in the northeast part of the city – Perfect for kayaking, swimming, or a weekend escape.

However, Latvia’s climate may not be for everyone. Winters can be long, dark, and cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below zero. The sun sets early, making it a great time for cozy indoor activities, but also a reason to invest in a warm winter jacket! Summers, on the other hand, are mild and pleasant, with very few extreme heat waves. If you enjoy sweater weather without excessive sweating, living in Riga’s climate is perfect for you.

Activities with friend while living in riga

7. Stunning architecture everywhere

As Riga is a very old city that was founded in 1201, anywhere you go, you’re sure to be surrounded by insanely breathtaking buildings and architectural sights. And who doesn’t want to experience absolute eye candy on every corner while on their way to work? While living in Riga, you’ll be able to see:

Some of the most striking examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. They simply exist, inhabited by people.
Charming wooden houses of Āgenskalns that you can’t overlook.
The debated architectural gems from the Soviet era.
Neighborhoods packed with monuments, like Grīziņkalns.

And you don’t have to travel far to experience it all! As Riga is extremely walkable and not too big of a city, you’re sure to get some good sights in on each walk.

Ready for your new adventure in Riga?

There is not enough space and time to list all the reasons why working in Riga is such a great choice, but we hope these are enough to make you fall in love with this city! Now that you know everything about why you should choose Riga as your next work abroad destination, it is time to take the next step! Read more about working in Latvia, take a look at our current job offers in Riga or contact us if you have any questions. So, what are you waiting for? Start your new chapter in Riga today!

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7 reasons why working in Riga is a great choice