Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 76)
Daugavpils sits in southeastern Latvia, roughly 196 kilometers from Riga International Airport, at an elevation of 120 meters above sea level. Its continental climate brings cold winters and warm summers, a rhythm that shapes daily life. For expats, the practical choice is the Centrs neighborhood, the city's central district, where most services and amenities cluster. The expat community is very few in number, so newcomers should expect a quieter, more local experience rather than an international scene.
Living costs here are remarkably low, especially compared to Western Europe or North America. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $339/mo, while outside the center it drops to $280/mo. A three-bedroom in the center costs $710/mo, but outside the center it is just $314/mo. Utilities run $375/mo, internet $16/mo, and a mobile plan $20/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $50/mo, a gym membership $26/mo, and an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $10. The average monthly net salary is $977/mo, which aligns closely with the budget tier total of $791/mo for a single adult, making the city affordable for locals and newcomers alike.
Safety is a strong point. The safety index stands at 65/100, with a crime index of 35/100, indicating a relatively low level of crime. Healthcare quality is rated as fair, and the air quality index is 35, which is good. While English proficiency is limited, basic interactions are manageable, and the overall expat score of 76/100 reflects a generally positive experience for those who adapt.
For longer stays, Latvia offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $4,213/mo. Getting to Daugavpils means flying into Riga International Airport (RIX) and then traveling the 196 kilometers by road or rail. This city suits budget-conscious travelers, remote workers with a steady income, and those seeking a low-cost, safe base in the Baltics, though retirees might find the healthcare and language barriers challenging, as the retiree score is 52/100.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Daugavpils, Latvia. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Daugavpils at the budget tier comes to about $941 a month for one adult, with $280 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $126 on groceries, $40.00 on dining out, $33.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $412 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$280/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$126/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$40.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$33.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$412/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Daugavpils at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,091 a month for one adult, with $280 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $169 on groceries, $101 on dining out, $79.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $412 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$280/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$169/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$101/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$79.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$412/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Daugavpils at the comfortable tier comes to about $1,413 a month for one adult, with $339 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $236 on groceries, $256 on dining out, $120 on entertainment and lifestyle, $412 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$339/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$236/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$256/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$120/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$412/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $339.23/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Daugavpils's cost of living compares with Kuldiga
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Daugavpils is a moderately safe city for expats, with a Safety Index of 65 indicating lower crime than many Western European cities. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur occasionally in central areas and public transport, particularly targeting tourists and visibly foreign residents. Violent crime is uncommon but property crime warrants standard precautions. The city's Soviet-era infrastructure and economic challenges create pockets of social disorder, especially in peripheral neighborhoods—stick to central districts. As Latvia's second-largest city with a Russian-speaking majority, cultural integration requires sensitivity. Overall, it's a reasonable choice for remote workers or retirees seeking affordability and quiet, though not as polished as Riga. Exercise normal urban vigilance and you'll find it quite livable.
See how Daugavpils's healthcare compares with Kuldiga
Daugavpils has a humid continental climate with cool summers (around 18°C) and cold winters (around -5°C), featuring distinct seasons with significant snowfall from December to February.
Daugavpils is known for its cultural diversity and Soviet history.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Daugavpils Biznesa Inkubators | Located in the city center, Daugavpils Biznesa Inkubators offers affordable coworking spaces and resources for startups and entrepreneurs. It's a good option for budget-conscious digital nomads looking for a basic workspace and networking opportunities. |
| Orkidea | While primarily a training and event space, Orkidea sometimes offers coworking options. Located centrally, it provides a professional environment and potential for collaboration, making it suitable for expats seeking a more structured workspace. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Daugavpils long-term? Latvia Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of €4,538 (≈ $5,076.23)/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Daugavpils? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Daugavpils's digital nomad life compares with Kuldiga
A Russian-speaking stronghold in Latvia. Virtually no Western expat presence.
Areas of Daugavpils that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic heart, lively, central
The city center offers easy access to amenities, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's walkable and well-connected by public transport. Expect some noise and higher prices compared to more residential areas, but it's the most convenient location.
Residential, Soviet-era, affordable
Ķīmiķu is a more affordable residential area with Soviet-era apartment buildings. While not as charming as the center, it offers a quieter environment and lower cost of living. Knowledge of Latvian or Russian is helpful here, as English is less common.
Quiet, residential, family-friendly
Jaunbūve is a residential area known for its parks and green spaces, making it suitable for families and those seeking a peaceful environment. It's a bit further from the city center, so having a car or relying on public transport is necessary. English is not widely spoken.
Historic, riverside, up-and-coming
Located across the Daugava River, Griva is a historic district with its own distinct character. It's undergoing revitalization, with new developments and improved infrastructure. While still a bit rough around the edges, it offers a more authentic and less touristy experience.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $339/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Earning over $2,299/mo? You may qualify for a Latvia visa.
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Daugavpils and the rest of Latvia. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.