Is Estonia expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Estonia is mid-priced: a budget day costs about €73 per person and a mid-range day about €150, cheaper than Finland or Scandinavia but no longer the bargain it was, and about level with southern Europe. Tallinn's Old Town hotels and restaurants are the main costs; Tartu, Pärnu and Saaremaa are cheaper, and buses between towns are good value.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €30 | €65 | €130 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €45 | €85 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €25 | €45 |
| Local transport | €8 | €15 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €73 | €150 | €300 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Estonia day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Elk soup at III Draakon in the Town Hall | about €4 |
| Coffee in a Tallinn café | €3-4 |
| Tallinn public transport, 1-hour ticket | about €2 |
| St Olaf's Church tower | about €5 |
| Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam) | about €22 |
| Bus Tallinn–Tartu or Pärnu | €8-15 |
| Medieval feast at Olde Hansa | €30-50 |
| Mid-range double in Tallinn Old Town | €100-170 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation in Tallinn's Old Town is the largest cost, at €100-170 for a mid-range double, and restaurants inside the walls charge a premium, with mains of €15-25 or more. Museums such as Seaplane Harbour (about €22), KUMU (about €15) and the Estonian National Museum (about €18) add up. Elsewhere in the country, rooms are cheaper (Tartu and Kuressaare about €70-120) and a car is useful for Lahemaa and the islands.
When it is cheaper
Outside June to August, and especially from October to April (except the December Christmas market weekends), hotel prices in Tallinn are usually lower, often by a quarter or more; Pärnu is much cheaper outside its short summer season.
How to spend less
- Pay for Tallinn buses and trams by contactless card or the Ühiskaart; an hour costs about €2.
- Take tram 4 from Tallinn Airport (15-20 minutes) instead of a taxi.
- Stay in Kalamaja or near Balti Jaam (doubles €50-80) and walk into the Old Town.
- Eat at Balti Jaam Market or Telliskivi rather than on Town Hall Square.
- Book Lux Express buses early on Tpilet for the cheapest fares between towns.
- Consider the Tallinn Card if you plan several museums in a day; check what it includes.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Estonia cost?
About €73 per person on a budget, €150 mid-range and €300 for comfort, sharing a double and including bus and train fares.
Is Tallinn more expensive than the rest of Estonia?
Yes, especially the Old Town. Tartu, Pärnu and Kuressaare have cheaper rooms and restaurants.
Does Estonia use the euro?
Yes. Cards, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere.