Cost of living

There is a legend as how difficult it is to leave Tartu. The second biggest city of Estonia has always been a permanent residence of real student life.

General feedback from foreigners who have spent some time here is that living conditions are similar to those in Western Europe.

One needs approximately a minimum of 200-250 EUR per month in order to cover basic expenses in addition to housing costs.
Housing costs in Tartu largely depend on the location and size of an apartment. On average, the prices range from about 90 EUR, a place in a double room in the residence hall, to 320 EUR or more in private flats.

Here are some prices that might interest someone who is concidering University of Tartu for their destination of education.
Student’s modest budget per month:
Food and other basic costs: 200 - 250 EUR
Housing: approximately 90 EUR (residence hall Raatuse Str. 22)
Local public transport: 8.63 EUR with a monthly ticket (with student card), single ticket for a student 0.51 EUR (1 EUR on the bus), Taxi: starting fee from 1.9 EUR, each km from 0.6 EUR

Additional average costs (changes quite probable):

Entertainment:
Nightclub ticket: 8 EUR
Theatre ticket: 10 EUR
Movie ticket: 6 EUR (4 EUR before 5 PM)
Beer in a pub: 2 EUR
Daily lunches at pubs in the city center: 3-4 EUR

Sports: University Academic Sports Club: group training fees 60-100 EUR per semester,  Fitness Center 35-45 EUR per month

There are many reasonably priced cafeterias and pubs around the town. Entertainment is rather expensive, but a student card (ISIC) entitles to certain discounts including travelling in Estonia.
People who have been living in Tartu and experienced the student life here get somehow addicted to this town, always feeling the need to visit the city again.

Come and see for yourself!

NB! Estonia joined Euro area on 1st of January 2011. More about the currency exchange can be found from Euroweb: www.euro.eesti.ee

For further information on Tartu please visit: www.tartu.ee