12 Best Places To Live In Estonia

Estonia is a northern European country that borders the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. Known for its spectacular woodlands, charming old town and rich history, Estonia has become a popular destination for expats looking to relocate in recent years.

We’ll be taking a look at the best places to live in Estonia for work, families, immigrants and more.

Let’s start by taking a look at the best places to live in Estonia.

Sections

Best Places To Live In Estonia

City	Reason
Tallinn	Best for work
Viljandi	Best for affordability
Tallinn	Best for families
Parnu	Best for immigrants
Hiiumaa	Best for retirement
Tallinn	Best for young adults
Tartu	Best for students
Tallinn	Best for food and nightlife
Tartu	Best for singles
Viljandi	Best for weather
Saaremaa	Best for beaches

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Work

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and one of the best cities for expats to consider if hoping to relocate somewhere with good job opportunities. Located on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is also known to be a cultural hub for the country and has a unique heritage.

The main work industries in Tallinn are the energy sector, the industry sector and the services sector. There is also a big market for English teachers in Estonia and those looking for a job in this field with find many opportunities.

Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and is another good option for expats who are hoping to find a job.

Cheapest Places To Live In Estonia

Estonia is considered to be quite an affordable country with a low cost of living and reasonable housing costs. If you’re hoping to relocate on a smaller budget, then Estonia could be the perfect country for you.

One of the most affordable towns in Estonia is Viljandi which is located in the south of the country between Pärnu and Tartu. It’s got a charming atmosphere with plenty of green spaces and beautiful lakes.

There’s a lot of history in Viljandi and the town has castles and museums, plus there are several festivals which take place annually.

Pärnu is another good city which has more affordable costs than some of the other cities in the country and has a fun and lively vibe with good amenities.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Families

When it comes to relocating with a family in tow, it’s important to make sure the location you choose has all the factors you’d need to keep your family safe and happy. The capital of Tallinn is one of the best cities to consider for expats relocating with their families.

It’s known as the cultural and social capital of the country and has affordable living costs as well as access to free public transportation for residents. English is widely spoken in the city and there are several good schools for international students.

Tartu is another good city to consider for expat families. Tartu is a university city with a large student population and is also a good choice for those who enjoy the nightlife scene.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Immigrants

Parnu is located in southwestern Estonia and is primarily known as a resort city. It’s roughly eighty miles from the city centre and draws in plenty of tourists each year with its dramatic beaches.

Parnu is a great option for immigrants who might want to avoid living in the city centre and opt for a more relaxed town. The residents of Parnu are friendly and English is widely spoken; it’s also known to be a family-friendly city.

Tallinn is another good option for immigrants. As the capital city, there is a large existing expat community and plenty of job opportunities.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Retirement

Hiiumaa is one of the larger islands of Estonia and is a great option for those hoping to retire in the country. As the island is so remote (you can catch the ferry over to the mainland or there is a small airport) it’s best for those relocating here or for those who have a remote working position.

With endless coastlines, Hiiumaa has several lighthouses which draw in plenty of tourists and those who enjoy the outdoors will find there are plenty of outdoor activities. The ci

For those looking for something a little more slow-paced, the city of Haapsalu is a perfect choice because it’s a coastal town enjoying outstanding scenery and its spa culture; there are several mud spas, wooden buildings and restaurants.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Young Adults

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is by far the best city in the country for young adults. English is widely spoken in the country and it’s also considered the cultural hub as there are several festivals and events held throughout the year.

The stunning architecture of the city adds to its charm and there are several places one can go to find new community and meet like-minded people. There are several bars, nightclubs and eateries throughout the city and you’ll find Tallinn to be relatively affordable in comparison to some other European countries.

Young adults who are hoping to be closer to the seaside should consider the city of Parnu. The coastal resort is ideal for those who love the beach and still has all the affordable amenities one would expect in a modern city.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Students

Tartu is the best city in the country for international students who are hoping to study in the country. As well as its outstanding educational institutions the city also has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of cafes, clubs and bars.

The city is home to the University of Tartu which is one of the oldest educational institutes in the country and works with the Erasmus program to support students hoping to study in the country. Tartu is close to the capital and has a lively atmosphere with a large student population.

Tallinn is another good city for international students to consider – the city is home to the Tallinn University of Technology which currently hosts international students from more than 60 countries. The capital’s free public transportation system and affordable housing also make it a good option.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Food and Nightlife

Tallinn is the best city in Estonia for both food and nightlife lovers. With a charming yet vibrant atmosphere the city has events and venues for all kinds of partiers, as well as many different eateries for national and international cuisine.

The capital is famous for the national dish of räim (Baltic dwarf herring) and many dishes include potatoes, fish and meat. A special sandwich named kiluvõileib is one of the most well-loved dishes and is made of butter, gherkins, salad, poached eggs, and more.

When it comes to nightlife, Tallinn has the most active and vibrant party scene, with varying different venues such as bars, clubs, and raves. There are also plenty of festivals held in the city throughout the year which draw in plenty of tourists each year.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for Singles

Tartu is one of the best cities in Estonia for singles who are hoping to find new friends and form new communities. There are plenty of entertainment venues in the city such as cafes, wine bars, theatres, museums and more.

As well as providing a rich culture, the city is one of the best when it comes to cost of living and affordable housing. There are several different neighbourhoods to choose from when it comes to Tartu and there is a large expat community already established within the town.

Tallinn is another good city for those who are hoping to relocate to Estonia to make new friends and establish a community with one another. The housing is affordable in the capital and there are several expat communities already established across various neighbourhoods.

Best Places To Live In Estonia for the Weather

Those who want to enjoy the Estonian summers are encouraged to move to the city of Viljandi. Estonia’s climate is temperate and mild with warm summers and quite severe winters.

As the country is quite close to the Baltic Sea, the weather can be changeable and often there are quite strong breezes. Located in the south, Viljandi is one of the better options for expats hoping to relocate somewhere to enjoy the warm sunshine.

Viljandi is surrounded by mountains, lakes and outstanding natural views as well as being an important cultural spot in the city. Those hoping to be closer to the coast can choose from the numerous islands that make up the country, including Hiiumaa Island and Kihnu Island.

Best Places To Live In Estonia Near Beaches

Saaremaa is Estonia’s largest island and is one of the best options for expats who hope to spend as much time as possible around the coastline. The capital, Kuressaare, is a popular location for those new to the island and is easy to walk around.

Tuhkana is one of the best beaches in Saaremaa and is one of the best places for swimming and other water sports. There are a lot of galleries, museums and other cultural spots for residents to visit as well as eateries.

Parnu is another excellent option for those hoping to relocate close to the coast. There are plenty of beaches around the city including Pärnu Beach, Valgerand and Kabli Beach. There’s also plenty to do in the city and the cost of living is affordable.