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Riga
#72 of 124
Europe

Riga

Latvia

Salary & Cost of Living

View purchasing power ranking

How do salaries and expenses in Riga compare to Mexico City?

Purchasing Power Comparison

An engineer in Riga is 28% better off vs in Mexico City

This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Riga compared to Mexico City, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.

Median Salary
$54,829
+$14K (+34%) vs Mexico City
Based on 42 data points from levels.fyi
Net Salary
$35,639
+$7K (+26%) vs Mexico City
Tax Rate: 35%

Community Insights

New

Riga offers a compelling value proposition for software engineers who prioritize disposable income and work-life balance over the hustle of a major metropolis. With a median salary that stretches far due to low living costs, engineers can afford a high quality of life that would require double the income elsewhere. The tech scene is English-first and welcoming, but the city requires resilience against long, dark winters and a somewhat reserved social culture. It is a "hidden gem" for those who enjoy a quieter pace of life but may feel limiting for career-climbers seeking top-tier global salaries.

Resident Sentiment

Current residents, particularly expats, often express pleasant surprise at the high quality of life and affordability, frequently describing it as a "best-kept secret" in Europe. However, a recurring theme in discussions is the mental toll of winter, with many emphasizing the need for Vitamin D and winter hobbies. While some regret the salary limitations compared to the US or Germany, few regret the lifestyle, praising the safety and ease of living.

The Good

Living Environment

Weather•Safety•Pollution•Events

A quick look at climate, safety, pollution, and tech community compared to Mexico City.

Rankings

Cost of Living

Top 28%

#35

of 124 cities

37/100

Current value (lower is better)

Pollution Score

Top 28%

#35

of 124 cities

37.2/100

Current value (lower is better)

Home Affordability

Middle of the pack

#42

of 124 cities

≈5.9 yrs to buy 80m²

Current value

Housing Affordability

View affordability ranking

How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Riga compared to Mexico City?

Avg. Property Price
$2,616 / m²
8% cheaper than Mexico City
View detailed property prices on Numbeo

Salary Converter

Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Riga to maintain the same standard of living.

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Do you have kids?

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than Mexico City
View detailed cost breakdown on Numbeo

Top Paying Companies in Riga

Ness Digital Engineering logo
Ness Digital Engineering
Evolution Gaming logo
Evolution Gaming
Accenture logo
Accenture
  • High Purchasing Power: Local SWE salaries provide a very comfortable lifestyle with a high savings rate due to the low cost of living (#35 global rank) and affordable rent.
  • English-Friendly IT Sector: The tech industry (e.g., Swedbank, Accenture, various startups) largely operates in English, making it accessible for foreign engineers without Latvian fluency.
  • World-Class Internet: Latvia consistently ranks high for internet speeds, a crucial benefit for remote work and tech professionals.
  • Nature Accessibility: Riga is very green with easy access to forests and the sea (Jūrmala is a short train ride away), offering a great work-life balance for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Emerging Tech Hub: A growing ecosystem of co-working spaces and accelerators fosters a tight-knit but expanding tech community.
  • Clean Environment: With a Pollution Index of 37.2, the air quality and general cleanliness are superior to many larger European tech hubs.

The Bad

  • Winter Darkness: The most significant complaint is the lack of sunlight in winter (sometimes ~6 hours/day in December), which can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • Salary Ceiling: While adequate locally, salaries are significantly lower than in Western Europe or the US; senior engineers may hit a "glass ceiling" in earning potential.
  • Language Barrier in Daily Life: While work is in English, navigating bureaucracy, medical services, or interactions with the older generation often requires Latvian or Russian.
  • Social "Coldness": Locals are often described as introverted and reserved, making it difficult to break into social circles without active effort or joining expat groups.
  • Limited Urban Bustle: Compared to metropolises like Berlin or London, Riga is small and can feel "sleepy," with fewer nightlife or cultural event options.
  • Weather Volatility: Winters are often described as "wet and grey" rather than snowy, which can be gloomy.

The Verdict

You'll love it if...

The pragmatic saver and nature lover. This city is ideal for mid-level engineers or remote workers earning foreign wages who want to maximize their savings while living in a safe, green European capital. It is perfect for introverts who appreciate personal space and quiet efficiency, as well as families looking for affordable housing and clean air.

Skip it if...

The ambitious career climber seeking FAANG-level compensation or a fast-paced urbanite who needs constant stimulation. Individuals sensitive to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) should avoid it, as the winter darkness is intense. Social butterflies who expect instant warmth from strangers may also find the local culture isolating.

Updated 11/29/2025

Weather2.7/10-68% vs Mexico City
Safety62+87%
Pollution37-54%
Events0-100%
2.7/10TechCities weather score vs 8.5/10 in Mexico City

0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.

Weather snapshot

Average High
11°C(vs 24°C in Mexico City)
Average Low
3°C(vs 11°C in Mexico City)
Sunshine Hours
1,754h/yr-801h/yr(-31%)
Hottest Month High
23°C(vs 26°C in Mexico City)
Coldest Month Low
-6°C(vs 6°C in Mexico City)
Rainy Days
83/yr-34/yr(-29%)

Community & Quality

Riga community pulse

Riga has 0 Luma events listed.

100% fewer events than Mexico City.

Safety Index

Middle of the pack

#45

of 124 cities

62.4/100

Current value

Purchasing Power

Middle of the pack

#72

of 124 cities

Net Income

Bottom 30%

#88

of 124 cities

$35,639/yr

Current value

Tax Rate

Bottom 29%

#89

of 124 cities

35%

Current value (lower is better)

Comfortable Weather

Bottom 17%

#104

of 124 cities

27/100 weather score

Current value

Community Events

Bottom 10%

#113

of 124 cities

0 events on luma

Current value

SWE Affordability
5.9 years
2.2 years quicker than Mexico City
Muggy Days
3/yr+3/yr(+Infinity%)
Cloud Cover
60%(same as Mexico City)