Estonia: cost of living

Why are fuel prices rising in Estonia?

Petrol in Estonia was 33.8% more expensive and diesel 58% more expensive in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to Statistics Estonia on 7 October 2026. Statistics Estonia attributes the increase to the armed conflict in the Middle East. Between August and September alone, petrol rose 9.5% and diesel 9.3%.

Fuel was the main reason transport costs pushed up the consumer price index, which rose 3.5% over the year. The index measures price changes, not price levels, so it does not show pump prices in euros per litre.

Official sources: Statistics Estonia: The consumer price index increased faster in September

Are food prices rising in Estonia?

Food and non-alcoholic drink prices in Estonia were 1.2% lower in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to Statistics Estonia on 7 October 2026. Food products rose 0.5% from August to September, led by vegetables (1.8%) and fruit and nuts (1.9%).

Food has the largest weight in the consumer price index, so the yearly fall held down overall inflation, which was 3.5%. The index does not compare Estonian price levels with other countries; Eurostat publishes comparative price levels for that.

Official sources: Statistics Estonia: The consumer price index increased faster in September

How much is electricity and gas in Estonia?

Households in Estonia using 2,500 to 4,999 kWh a year paid an average of €0.2118 per kWh for electricity, including taxes, in the first half of 2026, down from €0.2303 in the second half of 2025, according to Eurostat.

Statistics Estonia reports that in September 2026 electricity prices were 6.1% higher than a year earlier, natural gas through networks 44.5% higher and wood fuel 10.6% higher. Mixed municipal waste collection cost 56.6% more. Half-yearly averages do not capture month-to-month changes.

Official sources: Eurostat: Electricity prices for household consumers · Statistics Estonia: CPI, September 2026

What is the poverty rate in Estonia?

19.5% of people in Estonia were at risk of poverty in 2025, meaning their disposable income was below 60% of the national median, according to Eurostat. 21.8% were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, a wider measure that also counts severe deprivation and very low work intensity, according to Eurostat.

The figures come from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions, run in Estonia by Statistics Estonia. The poverty line is relative, so it moves with median income.

Official sources: Eurostat: At-risk-of-poverty rate · Eurostat: People at risk of poverty or social exclusion

What is the inflation rate in Estonia?

According to the IMF, consumer price inflation in Estonia was 4.8% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 19.4%; its low point was 2015, at -0.5%. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7%; Estonia is 11th highest of 48. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 37th highest.

What is household spending per person in Estonia?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $11,187. Since 2005 it has ranged from $7,284 (2005) to $11,491 (2022). It is 24th highest of 44 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $11,266. Worldwide: 32nd of 124.

How many people in Estonia live on under $3 a day?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Estonia was 0.3% in 2023. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 19th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.4%. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 42nd highest.

What share of Estonia lives below the poverty line?

22.5%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Estonia for 2022, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 22.8%; its low point was 2009, at 15.8%. Europe & Central Asia median: 17.9%; Estonia is 2nd highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 21st of 52.

What is Estonia's Gini coefficient?

In 2023, the Gini index in Estonia was 30.7, according to the World Bank. The peak was 35.1 in 2013 and the low 30.3 in 2018. Europe & Central Asia median: 31.5; Estonia is 19th highest of 34. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 41st highest.

What is food insecurity in Estonia?

In 2024, moderate or severe food insecurity in Estonia was 13.1%, according to the FAO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2015. It is 10th highest of 45 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 7.6%. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 84th highest.