Backpacker
€40–55 / dayHostel dorm, Central Market and LIDO for food, walking everywhere, mostly free sights. Genuinely comfortable at this level in Riga — this isn't a deprivation budget.
7 min read · Budget Travel
How Much Does a Trip to Riga Cost?
Real prices for the things you'll actually buy — and what a day here costs at three different travel styles.
Quick Answer
Riga is not expensive. Budget travel runs €40–55/day, mid-range €80–120/day, comfortable €150+. A mid-range dinner is €15–25, a beer €3–5, a market lunch €3–5, and a tram ticket €1.50. It's well below Western European capitals and roughly level with Vilnius and Tallinn.
What Things Actually Cost
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | €8–25 | €8 in low season, €15–25 in summer |
| Budget hotel room | €35–55 | Cheapest near Central Market / train station |
| Mid-range hotel | €60–100 | Old Town runs €80–200 |
| Lunch at Central Market | €3–5 | A full plate, not a snack |
| Dinner, mid-range restaurant | €15–25 | Per person, without much drinking |
| LIDO cafeteria meal | €5–8 | Large portions of traditional Latvian food |
| Local beer in a bar | €3–5 | Cocktails run €7–10 |
| Specialty coffee | €2.50–3.50 | Riga has a serious coffee scene |
| Tram / bus single ticket | €1.50 | Day pass €5 |
| Airport → city (Bus 22) | €2 | Taxi/Bolt is €10–15 |
| Train to Jūrmala | €1.80 | About 25 minutes each way |
| Museum entry | €3–8 | St. Peter's tower lift is €9 |
| Guided walking tour | €15–25 | Food tours around €45 |
Daily Budgets by Travel Style
Mid-range
€80–120 / dayA 3-star hotel or hostel private room, restaurant meals, a paid museum or tour most days, the occasional taxi.
Comfortable
€150+ / dayOld Town or 4–5 star hotel, dinners out without checking prices, guided tours and day trips booked ahead.
Where Your Money Actually Goes
Accommodation is the single biggest swing factor, and it moves far more by season than by standard — the same room can cost 40–60% less in February than in July. Everything else stays fairly stable year-round. Food is cheap if you use the Central Market and LIDO for at least some meals; it's mid-range European pricing if you eat every meal in an Old Town restaurant.
Transport barely registers. Riga's centre is compact and flat enough that most visitors walk almost everywhere, and a €1.50 tram ticket or €5 day pass covers the rest. You will not need a car unless you're heading out to the Gauja Valley or the coast.
Want to push costs lower? Our under-€50-a-day guide has the practical tactics, and cheap hotels in Riga covers the accommodation side specifically. For the cheapest time to come, see Riga in January & February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riga expensive?
No. Riga is one of the more affordable capital cities in Europe and is significantly cheaper than Western and Northern European capitals. A mid-range dinner costs €15–25, a local beer €3–5, and a full lunch at Central Market €3–5. It's broadly comparable to Vilnius and Tallinn.
How much does a trip to Riga cost per day?
Budget travellers can manage on €40–55 per day including a hostel bed, food, transport and a couple of activities. Mid-range travel runs about €80–120 per day, and a comfortable trip with an Old Town hotel and restaurant meals is €150 or more.
How much is a beer in Riga?
A local beer in a bar costs about €3–5, and cocktails run €7–10 — noticeably cheaper than equivalent venues in Western European capitals. Supermarket prices are lower again.
How much cash should I bring to Riga?
Very little. Latvia uses the euro and card payment is accepted almost everywhere, including on buses and trams. A small amount of cash is useful for market stalls and tips, but you can get through a trip almost entirely on card.
Pricing up a trip?
Last updated: August 2026. All prices are indicative ranges in euros and shift with season, venue and demand — treat them as planning guidance, not quotes.