Tallinn: Surprising Cost of Living Insights for 2025 - More Expensive Than Tokyo!

Tallinn, Estonia has garnered attention in the 2025 Cost of Living index released by Numbeo. This index indicates that Tallinn ranks 138th worldwide with a score of
52.7, making it more expensive than renowned cities like Tokyo, Barcelona, and Rome. This surprising finding highlights the shifting economic landscape and growing consumer prices in the Baltic region. The cost of living index measures consumer goods prices, excluding housing, to help individuals assess living expenses across different cities. Cities such as Abu Dhabi and Taipei remain cheaper than Tallinn, indicating a notable trend in regional affordability.

Key Takeaways

• Tallinn's cost of living is surprisingly higher than major cities like Tokyo and Barcelona.
• The 2025 Cost of Living index ranks Tallinn at 138th, indicating rising expenses compared to regional capitals Riga and Vilnius.
• The index serves as a critical tool for understanding global living costs, excluding housing.

Cost of Living Index Explained: How Tallinn Compares Globally

In 2025, the Cost of Living Index by Numbeo ranked Tallinn, Estonia, as the 138th most expensive city in the world, with an index score of
52.7. This figure highlights that Tallinn is more costly than well-known international cities, including Tokyo at 51, Barcelona at
50.6, and Rome at 5

1. The index compares 327 cities globally, using New York City as the benchmark at
100. Cities like Abu Dhabi, Taipei, Madrid, and Prague offer lower living costs, with indices of
52.6,
47.8,
48.9, and
46.1, respectively. In the Baltic region, Tallinn's neighbors, Riga and Vilnius, rank even lower at 163rd and 165th, with indices of
45.5 and
45.2. The cost of living index focuses on consumer goods prices, leaving housing costs aside, and serves as a useful tool for individuals seeking to understand living expenses around the globe. Founded by a former Google engineer, Numbeo provides valuable statistical insights that help people make informed decisions about where to live.

Regional Comparisons: The Baltic Capitals and Their Affordability

Many residents and potential movers are surprised to learn about the relative costs of living in the Baltic capitals. Tallinn stands out as the most expensive among them, but Riga and Vilnius provide more affordable options. With indices of
45.5 and
45.2, respectively, these cities rank lower on the global scale, offering savings compared to Tallinn. This information will help individuals considering relocation or travel make informed decisions based on their budgets. Moreover, the comparison highlights the affordability of cities like Prague, Madrid, and Taipei, which present alternative living options in Europe and beyond. These findings reinforce how crucial it is to thoroughly evaluate costs when planning to live abroad.