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Cost of Living in Jelgava

Jelgava, Jelgava, Latvia · Population 54,834

▼ -6% vs Latvia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)€615 ($668)
Couple, monthly€1,098 ($1,193)
Family of four, monthly€1,426 ($1,550)

Estimated Prices in Jelgava

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€6.35 ($6.90)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€25.39 ($27.60)per meal
Cappuccino€1.90 ($2.07)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€144 ($156)per month
Monthly public transport pass€23.28 ($25.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€61.36 ($66.70)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€17.77 ($19.32)per month
Fitness club membership€17.77 ($19.32)per month
Cinema ticket€4.66 ($5.06)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€275 ($299)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€191 ($208)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€574 ($624)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Jelgava is €1,288 ($1,400) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of €615 ($668) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly €799 ($868) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (€191 ($208)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Jelgava

Jelgava vs RigaJelgava vs DaugavpilsJelgava vs LiepājaJelgava vs JūrmalaJelgava vs VentspilsJelgava vs Rēzekne

Nearby Cities

Olaine

20 km away · Olaine

Dobele

27 km away · Dobele

Mārupe

35 km away · Mārupe

Jūrmala

35 km away · Jūrmala

Ķekava

36 km away · Ķekava

Bauska

39 km away · Bauska

Riga

40 km away · Rīga

Salaspils

45 km away · Salaspils

Other Major Cities in Latvia

Riga

Rīga · pop. 615,764

€816 ($887) / mo

Daugavpils

Augšdaugava · pop. 78,126

€615 ($668) / mo

Liepāja

Liepāja · pop. 67,421

€615 ($668) / mo

Jūrmala

Jūrmala · pop. 52,001

€615 ($668) / mo

Living in Jelgava

Jelgava is one of the key cities in Latvia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is €615 ($668), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around €191 ($208) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to €1,426 ($1,550) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately €1,098 ($1,193) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Jelgava is €1,288 ($1,400). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least €799 ($868) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jelgava expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated €615 ($668) per month in Jelgava including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Latvia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Jelgava?
A net salary of around €799 ($868) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Jelgava with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Jelgava is €1,288 ($1,400).
How much is rent in Jelgava?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated €275 ($299) per month in the city centre and €191 ($208) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about €574 ($624).
Is Jelgava cheaper than Latvia on average?
Yes — Jelgava is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Latvia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Jelgava?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at €144 ($156) in Jelgava. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €6 ($7) and a cappuccino runs around €2 ($2).
How do transport costs in Jelgava compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Jelgava is estimated at €23 ($25). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Jelgava are estimates based on Latvia national averages adjusted for city size (population 54,834). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.