Updated Jan 26, 2026
KEY STATS
743K
Population
263 Mbps
Internet
RIX (9km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Riga is the capital, primate, and largest city of Latvia and the second largest in the Baltics. Home to 591,882 inhabitants, the city accounts for a third of Latvia's total population. The population of Riga metropolitan area, which stretches beyond the city limits, is estimated at 847,162. The city lies on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the D...
QUICK FACTS
Country
Latvia
Region
Northern Europe
Population
743K
Currency
EUR
Language
Latvian
Status
Capital City
Airport
RIX
GPS
56.95, 24.11
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
263 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
Economy
45% cheaper than New York City based on overall cost of living index
Travel
RIX airport just 9 km from the city center
INFRASTRUCTURE
12,845 total POIs
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
455
Cafes
441
Bars
264
Fast Food
280
Shopping
Supermarkets
261
Convenience
331
Shopping Malls
54
Healthcare
Hospitals
26
Clinics
253
Pharmacies
281
Education
Schools
390
Universities
73
Libraries
35
Recreation
Parks
422
Playgrounds
840
Sports
206
Cinemas
8
Museums
69
Theatres
26
Transport
Bus Stops
1,489
Train Stations
272
Fuel Stations
157
Services
Banks
48
ATMs
359
Post Offices
33
Police
29
Fire Stations
13
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
263 Mbps
Download
203 Mbps
Upload
9ms
Latency
32,062
Tests
11,007
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jul
-1°
J
1°
F
4°
M
9°
A
14°
M
17°
J
19°
J
17°
A
14°
S
9°
O
4°
N
1°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 9 C Range: -0.6 - 18.5 C Rain: 800 mm/year Sunshine: 2,662 h/year
CITY SCORES
86.4
Nomad Index
C
Livability
37.5
Culture
52.4
Overall
COST OF LIVING
CIndex relative to New York City (NYC = 100)
54.9
Overall
45% cheaper than NYC
14.5
Rent
86% cheaper than NYC
48.4
Groceries
52% cheaper than NYC
59.6
Restaurants
40% cheaper than NYC
AIRPORT
RIX
Riga International Airport
9 km from center
Very close — ~14 min ride
FUN FACTS
Riga ( REE-gə) is the capital, primate, and largest city of Latvia and the second largest in the Baltics.
Home to 591,882 inhabitants (as of 2025), the city accounts for a third of Latvia's total population.
The population of Riga metropolitan area, which stretches beyond the city limits, is estimated at 847,162 (as of 2025).
The city lies on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea.
Riga was founded in 1201, and is a former Hanseatic League member.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Riga known for?
Riga is a city in Latvia. It offers a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
How fast is the internet in Riga?
Riga has an average download speed of 263 Mbps and upload speed of 203 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Riga?
Riga has an average year-round temperature of approximately 9 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Riga?
Riga is served by RIX (Riga International Airport), approximately 9 km from the city center.
What is the population of Riga?
The population of Riga is approximately 743K.
What infrastructure does Riga have?
Riga has 12,845 mapped points of interest, including 455 restaurants, 26 hospitals, 390 schools.
What country is Riga in?
Riga is located in Latvia.