Latvia flag

Jurmala, Latvia

Jurmala, Latvia Hero Image
Wikipedia Contributor, CC BY-SA
🌊 Coastal

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

Follows Latvia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

70
FIRE
61
Retiree
74
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 74)

Jūrmala's economy centers on tourism and hospitality, with a robust service sector driven by wellness tourism and luxury real estate. The city attracts high-net-worth visitors from Russia and Baltic countries, creating significant economic opportunities in hospitality, property management, and leisure services. Major employers include resort hotels, spa complexes, and tourism-related businesses that capitalize on the city's maritime location and historic architectural charm.

Living in Jūrmala requires a moderate budget, with rental costs around $850 monthly and higher living expenses compared to other Latvian cities. Public transportation is excellent, with direct rail connections to Riga and frequent bus services. Healthcare is accessible through Latvia's public system, and while Russian is widely spoken, knowing basic Latvian helps integration. Housing options range from historic wooden Art Nouveau properties to modern apartments near the beach.

The lifestyle in Jūrmala revolves around its beautiful coastline and wellness culture, with numerous beaches, spa resorts, and outdoor recreational activities. The city hosts multiple summer music and arts festivals, creating a vibrant social scene for locals and tourists. Summers are warm and pleasant, attracting international visitors, while winters remain mild due to the maritime climate. The expat community is small but growing, primarily consisting of professionals in tourism, real estate, and hospitality sectors.

Estimate the cost of moving to Jurmala, Latvia

Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Jurmala, Latvia. Takes 10 seconds.

How much are you shipping?

When are you moving?

Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$991/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Jurmala on a mid-range budget comes to about $991 a month for one adult, with $364 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $125 on groceries, $140 on dining out, $57.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $285 on utilities and connectivity and $20.00 on transport.

Rent

$364/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$125/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$140/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$57.00/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$285/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$20.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$627/mo

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 $448.57/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

See low-fee transfers

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Jurmala's cost of living compares with Gulbene

Be the first to report costs in Jurmala

Share

🛡️ Safety & Crime

85
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

15
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Jurmala is a very safe coastal resort town with minimal violent crime and strong police presence. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur occasionally in crowded areas, but serious crime affecting residents is rare. The main concerns are typical for Baltic expats: occasional scams targeting foreigners in bars and dating apps, plus winter driving hazards. Avoid isolated areas after dark and use registered taxis. Overall, this is an excellent choice for remote workers and retirees seeking a secure, peaceful environment with good infrastructure and proximity to Riga.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
No
English-Speaking Doctors
Limited

See how Jurmala's healthcare compares with Gulbene

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Continental
Summer Temp
18°C
Winter Temp
-3°C
Humidity
75%
Air Quality Index
35
Annual Rainfall
813 mm

Best Months

MayJunSep

Climate Notes

Jurmala has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers (around 18°C) and cold winters (around -3°C), featuring high humidity year-round and frequent precipitation typical of the Baltic coast.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$14/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
74/100

Community Notes

Jurmala offers a relaxed environment with good amenities for digital nomads.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Workland TeodorsLocated in a modern building in the heart of Jurmala, Workland Teodors offers a professional environment with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a community-focused atmosphere. Its central location provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and the beach, making it ideal for digital nomads.
Regus JurmalaSituated on Jomas street, Regus Jurmala provides a reliable and well-equipped workspace with various office solutions. It offers a professional setting with administrative support, meeting rooms, and a convenient location near the main attractions of Jurmala.

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 Jurmala long-term? Latvia Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.

View full requirements →

Working remotely from Jurmala? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

See nomad insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Jurmala's digital nomad life compares with Gulbene

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Majori, Dzintari
Banks Nearby
0
ATMs Nearby
8

Expat Life Notes

Latvia's premier resort city. It has a large community of Russian-speaking expats and wealthy summer residents.

Pros

  • ✓ Beach access
  • ✓ High safety
  • ✓ Proximity to Riga

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive property
  • ✗ Very seasonal activity
  • ✗ Language can be complex (Latvian/Russian)

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Jurmala

Areas of Jurmala 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.

Majori

Bustling central beach district

Majori is the heart of Jurmala, known for its lively atmosphere, pedestrian street (Jomas iela), and proximity to the beach. It's popular with tourists and expats, offering numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. Expect higher prices and more noise during peak season, but excellent walkability and access to amenities.

Dzintari

Upscale residential cultural hub

Dzintari is an upscale area known for its beautiful wooden architecture, the Dzintari Concert Hall, and well-maintained parks. It's quieter than Majori but still offers good access to the beach and amenities. Ideal for those seeking a more refined and peaceful environment, but expect higher rental costs.

Dubulti

Quiet residential family area

Dubulti is a more residential area with a mix of apartments and private houses. It's quieter and less touristy than Majori or Dzintari, making it suitable for families or those seeking a more local experience. While less English is spoken, it offers a more authentic Latvian atmosphere and potentially lower rental costs.

Jaundubulti

Relaxed seaside residential area

Jaundubulti is located further from the central areas, offering a more relaxed and peaceful environment. It's primarily residential, with a mix of older and newer buildings. While it may require a bit more effort to get around without a car, it offers a quieter lifestyle and potentially more affordable housing options.

Page 1 of 2

Could living/working in Jurmala cut years off your work life?

With a 1-bedroom in the center at $449/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.

Calculate My FIRE Date →

🛂 Visa Options for Latvia

Latvia Digital Nomad VisaLatvia Self-Employed Residence Permit· From $2,299/mo income requiredLatvia Golden Visa

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

Compare health insurance

We 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.

Find My Visa →

More Cities to Consider instead of Jurmala

Gulbene, Latvia↔ Compare with Jurmala
Dobele, Latvia↔ Compare with Jurmala
Tamási, Hungary↔ Compare with Jurmala
Porto, Portugal↔ Compare with Jurmala
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Jurmala

Click any question to expand the answer.

Jurmala has a population of approximately 52,001 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $1,121 per month in Jurmala, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $449/month.
The nearest airport to Jurmala is RIX, approximately 9.4km away.
Jurmala is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Jurmala has an average internet speed of 150 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Living costs are higher than the Latvian average due to its status as a premium resort destination, with monthly expenses around 20-30% above national standards.
Latvian is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken. English is increasingly common in tourist and business sectors.
Tourism, hospitality, real estate, and wellness industries offer the most opportunities, particularly for professionals with language skills and international experience.
Jūrmala has a temperate maritime climate. Expect warm summers, with average highs in the low 70s Fahrenheit, and cold winters, often below freezing. Be prepared for significant snowfall in winter and pack layers for all seasons.
Jūrmala is generally considered a very safe city with low crime rates. Petty theft can occur, especially during the tourist season, so it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Violent crime is rare.
Jūrmala offers excellent internet connectivity, with fiber optic options widely available. You can expect speeds of 50-100 Mbps or higher, making it suitable for video conferencing and other demanding online tasks. Many cafes and co-working spaces also offer reliable Wi-Fi.
While not all doctors are fluent in English, you can find English-speaking medical professionals, especially in private clinics. The larger hospitals in Riga, a short train ride away, also have staff who speak English. It's always a good idea to confirm beforehand.
Jūrmala is very walkable, especially along the beach and main streets. Public transportation, including buses and trains, is readily available and affordable. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also an option, but can be more expensive.
US citizens can stay in Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which can be based on various grounds, such as investment, employment, or family reunification. Consult with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information.
Groceries are generally less expensive than in the US, especially if you shop at local markets. Dining out can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the restaurant. Expect to pay less for local cuisine than for international options.
While not as large as in Riga, Jūrmala has a growing expat community, particularly of retirees and remote workers. Online groups and social events provide opportunities to connect with other expats. Riga's larger expat scene is easily accessible.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can help you exclude a certain amount of your foreign-earned income from US taxes. You may also need to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR). Consult with a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Several options exist for international money transfers, including bank transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and other online platforms. Compare fees and exchange rates to find the most cost-effective method. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
Retiring comfortably on $2500 per month in Jūrmala is possible, but requires careful budgeting. You'll likely need to live outside the most expensive areas, cook at home frequently, and be mindful of healthcare costs. It's definitely more achievable than in many Western European cities.
Majori is the central hub with restaurants and shops, while Dzintari is known for its concert hall and upscale atmosphere. Bulduri is a quieter residential area, and Lielupe offers a more relaxed vibe closer to the river. Your budget and lifestyle preferences will influence the best choice.
Jūrmala offers a relaxed and slower pace of life compared to larger cities. It's a popular resort town, so things tend to be more laid-back, especially outside the peak summer season. This makes it appealing for retirees and those seeking a less hectic environment.

Share This Guide

Compare visa routesIncome, fees, and residency paths for Latvia.