Is Tallinn a Good Place to Live?

Moving to a new place is a life-altering decision so it’s important to make sure that the destination is right for you. Many people moving to Europe have Tallinn in their list of places to consider due to its wide array of amenities and attractions. But is Tallinn a good place to live?

In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important things you should know before calling Tallinn home. We’ll look at the city’s economy, housing market, job market, transportation system, crime rate, local culture and more. Read on for a comprehensive guide on whether Tallinn is the right place for you.

Economy & Finances

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is the country’s largest, most populous and most important economic hub with a GDP per capita of around 39,000 euros. It is one of the wealthier and most modern cities in Europe today, offering high levels of prosperity. This wealthy economic climate makes it a great place to live and also provides vast opportunities for foreign businesses wishing to settle in Estonia.

The economy of Estonia is mainly driven by the services sector, which represents around 70% of its GDP. Advanced technology and digital sector processes are key components of this sector and are heavily supported by the Estonian government. As such, the economy of Tallinn is very healthy and diverse, offering great opportunities for those looking to settle in the city.

Housing Market

The cost of living in Tallinn is relatively high due to the large number of expats who choose to live here. Rent in Tallinn is higher than in many other European countries and is much higher than in some successor countries and other parts of Europe. The average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Tallinn city center is around 1250 euros.

Despite the high cost of living, Tallinn also offers great value in terms of housing quality as it has many modern apartment buildings and townhouses available. You can expect to find a wide range of accommodations with good quality amenities such as gyms and saunas in residential complexes.

Job Market

The job market in Tallinn is one of the most competitive in Europe due to the presence of many international companies and start-ups that choose to base their operations here. This means there are many great employment opportunities for both local and foreign workers. The job market offers a lot of flexible positions that let you work remotely or even establish your own business.

One of the advantages for foreigners looking for a job in Estonia is that the country offers very attractive tax reliefs and income tax exemptions, making it a great place for digital nomads and entrepreneurs from abroad who wish to benefit from Estonia’s tax system while enjoying the city’s lifestyle and culture.

Transportation

The public transportation system in Tallinn is one of the most efficient and cost-effective in Europe. It consists of buses, trams, and trolleybuses all running regularly across the city. You can purchase tickets in advance at kiosks or pay with your smartphone using the Raha app. Public transport runs from 5 am until midnight and tickets are fairly cheap at around 2 Euros.

Besides public transportation, Tallinn has plenty of taxi services available which you can book through a range of apps like Taxify or EMTakesMe. The taxi fares are cheaper than other larger European cities and shorter journeys cost around 5 Euros.

Crime Rates

Tallinn is generally quite safe when compared to other large European cities. Overall, it has relatively low crime rates overall compared to many other cities, with an average crime rate index at 78 (100 being safest). It has low levels of petty crime such as pickpocketing and mugging as well as violent crimes like assault and murder, so it’s safe to walk around throughout the day.

However, as with any large city, there are certain neighborhoods that have higher crime rates than others so it’s always best to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when traveling alone at night or when frequenting certain areas of the city.

Local Culture

Tallinn has a vibrant cultural scene with something for everyone to enjoy. It is home to a rich architectural heritage with plenty of examples from different periods throughout history. It also offers amazing museums, art galleries and theaters for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The city also plays host to numerous events each year ranging from large music festivals and theater performances to exhibitions celebrating Estonian culture and history. Local events are great ways to get involved with the local community in Tallinn and meet new people while taking in all the wonderful sights worth seeing in Estonia’s capital city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tallinn offers a desirable lifestyle with higher quality of life than most European cities while still boasting relatively low cost of living. The city has a thriving economy, great transportation system, safe environment, thriving cultural scene and plenty of job opportunities for those seeking employment or business opportunities in Estonia.

For those considering a move to Tallinn, our assessment would be that it’s definitely worth considering the move if you want an exciting lifestyle surrounded by beauty, culture and great opportunities for job seekers or digital entrepreneurs wanting an attractive base in Europe. This moving guide will help you better understand what it’s like to live there as a foreigner and answer more questions you may have.