Jelgava, Latvia
A historic city in central Latvia, known for the magnificent Baroque Jelgava Palace, the Lielupe River, and a strong agricultural and educational tradition.
Overview
Jelgava is a city in Jelgava with a population of 55,972. A historic city in central Latvia, known for the magnificent Baroque Jelgava Palace, the Lielupe River, and a strong agricultural and educational tradition. 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
Jelgava vs Latvia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20.0%
- Sales Tax: 21.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €14,000
- Unemployment: 7.5%
- Population: 55,972
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 73°F
- Winter Low: 22°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: €80,000
- 1BR Rent: €350/mo
Cost of Living
Jelgava's cost of living index is 72 (Latvia average = 100).
| Category | Jelgava | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
| Housing | 68 | 100 | -32.0% |
Data source: CSP / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €80,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €350/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €438/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €53 |
Data source: SS.lv / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Jelgava:
| 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
Jelgava scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Jelgava 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
Jelgava 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 7.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Jelgava 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 Jelgava 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 Jelgava, Latvia?
The cost of living index in Jelgava is 72, which is Lower the Latvia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Jelgava?
The median home price in Jelgava is €80,000. The housing index is 68.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jelgava is approximately €350/mo.
Does Jelgava, JG have income tax?
Jelgava is in JG, which has an income tax rate of 20%.
What is the climate like in Jelgava?
Jelgava 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.