Cēsis, Latvia
One of Latvia's oldest towns, a beautifully preserved medieval settlement with a stunning castle complex, a historic old town, and the nearby Gauja National Park.
Overview
Cēsis is a city in Cēsis with a population of 17,000. One of Latvia’s oldest towns, a beautifully preserved medieval settlement with a stunning castle complex, a historic old town, and the nearby Gauja National Park. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Latvia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Cēsis vs Latvia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20.0%
- Sales Tax: 21.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €14,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 17,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 73°F
- Winter Low: 22°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: €90,000
- 1BR Rent: €380/mo
Cost of Living
Cēsis's cost of living index is 75 (Latvia average = 100).
| Category | Cēsis | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 75 | 100 | -25.0% |
| Housing | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
Data source: CSP / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €90,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €380/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €475/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €60 |
Data source: SS.lv / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cēsis:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €40 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €140 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €20 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €25 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €10 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €235 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: SPRK, Latvenergo, LMT 2025
Remote Work Score
Cēsis scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cēsis has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 22°F | 2.5" |
| April | 58°F | 37°F | 2.8" |
| July | 73°F | 48°F | 1.5" |
| October | 53°F | 40°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cēsis faces the following natural hazards:
Latvia experiences severe winter storms.
River flooding.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20%
- Sales Tax: 21%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cēsis per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Spring break varies by region.
Demographics
The population of Cēsis is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cēsis, Latvia?
The cost of living index in Cēsis is 75, which is Lower the Latvia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cēsis?
The median home price in Cēsis is €90,000. The housing index is 72.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cēsis is approximately €380/mo.
Does Cēsis, CES have income tax?
Cēsis is in CES, which has an income tax rate of 20%.
What is the climate like in Cēsis?
Cēsis enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 73°F, while winter lows can drop to around 22°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: CSP / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: SS.lv / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: CSP Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities SPRK, Latvenergo, LMT 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.