🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Tallinn, Estonia, my home for several months. This charming city has a unique blend of medieval architecture, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving tech scene, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. With a Nomad Score of 76/100, Tallinn offers a great balance of affordability, safety, and quality of life. The city’s compact size and walkability make it easy to explore, and the friendly locals are always happy to share their insider knowledge. As a Tallinn digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery make it the perfect place to relax and focus on your work.
Tallinn’s rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s vibrant food scene, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional dishes, is a must-try for any foodie. With a Culture Score of 70/100, Tallinn offers a unique blend of traditional and modern cultural experiences, from museums and galleries to festivals and concerts. As a remote worker, you’ll find that Tallinn’s culture and lifestyle are the perfect complement to your digital nomad lifestyle.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in, Tallinn has plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are three of my favorite neighborhoods for digital nomads:
- Kalamaja: This trendy neighborhood is located just west of the old town and is known for its colorful wooden houses, hip cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kalamaja can range from €450-€700 (approximately $500-$770 USD) per month.
- Telliskivi: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just north of the old town and is home to many of Tallinn’s startup companies and coworking spaces. Telliskivi is a great option for digital nomads who want to be close to the action, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from €400-€650 (approximately $440-$720 USD) per month.
- Kristiine: This charming neighborhood is located just south of the old town and is known for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and family-friendly atmosphere. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kristiine can range from €350-€600 (approximately $390-$660 USD) per month.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character and advantages, and I recommend exploring them in person to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Tallinn is relatively low compared to other European cities. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses for digital nomads:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from €350-€700 (approximately $390-$770 USD) per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
- Food: Eating out in Tallinn can be affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around €10-€15 (approximately $11-$17 USD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around €20-€30 (approximately $22-$33 USD) per week.
- Transportation: Tallinn has a well-developed public transportation system, with a single ride costing €2 (approximately $2.20 USD) and a monthly pass costing around €30-€40 (approximately $33-$44 USD).
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Tallinn typically cost around €100-€200 (approximately $110-$220 USD) per month, depending on the amenities and services offered.
Overall, the cost of living in Tallinn is relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
Tallinn has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with fast and reliable connections available throughout the city. The average internet speed in Tallinn is 46 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Some popular coworking spaces in Tallinn include:
- Lift99: Located in the Telliskivi neighborhood, Lift99 is a popular coworking space with a focus on startup companies and entrepreneurs. Membership prices start at around €100 (approximately $110 USD) per month.
- Tallinn Creative Hub: Located in the old town, the Tallinn Creative Hub is a coworking space with a focus on creative industries. Membership prices start at around €150 (approximately $165 USD) per month.
- Garage48: Located in the Kalamaja neighborhood, Garage48 is a coworking space with a focus on tech and startup companies. Membership prices start at around €200 (approximately $220 USD) per month.
Some popular cafes with good internet and a productive atmosphere include:
- Kohvik August: Located in the old town, Kohvik August is a cozy cafe with fast internet and a relaxed atmosphere.
- RØST: Located in the Telliskivi neighborhood, RØST is a popular cafe with a focus on specialty coffee and a productive atmosphere.
- Nai Nai: Located in the Kalamaja neighborhood, Nai Nai is a trendy cafe with fast internet and a vibrant atmosphere.
Tallinn has a growing digital nomad community, with many meetups and events organized throughout the year. Some popular groups and events include:
- Tallinn Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, where digital nomads can connect, share tips, and organize meetups.
- Nomad List: A community-driven platform that organizes meetups and events for digital nomads in Tallinn.
- Startup Estonia: A community-driven platform that organizes events and meetups for startup companies and entrepreneurs in Tallinn.
These groups and events are a great way to connect with other digital nomads and like-minded individuals in Tallinn.
Culture & Lifestyle
Tallinn has a unique and vibrant culture, with a mix of traditional and modern influences. Some popular cultural attractions include:
- Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is a must-visit for any digital nomad in Tallinn.
- Tallinn Museum of Art: A modern art museum with a focus on Estonian and international art.
- Estonian National Opera: A world-class opera house with a variety of performances throughout the year.
The food scene in Tallinn is also worth exploring, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional dishes. Some popular restaurants include:
- Ö: A Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on modern Estonian cuisine.
- NOP: A popular restaurant with a focus on traditional Estonian dishes.
- Pegasus: A trendy restaurant with a focus on international cuisine.
Tallinn also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular spots include:
- X-Bar: A popular bar with a focus on craft beer and cocktails.
- Butterfly Lounge: A trendy bar with a focus on live music and DJs.
- Teater: A popular nightclub with a focus on electronic music.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider your visa options when planning your stay in Tallinn. Estonia offers a variety of visa options, including:
- Schengen Visa: A short-term visa that allows you to stay in Estonia for up to 90 days.
- Long-term Visa: A visa that allows you to stay in Estonia for more than 90 days, typically required for work or study purposes.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Estonia offers a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum income of €3,500 (approximately $3,850 USD) per month and having health insurance that covers you in Estonia.
It’s always a good idea to check with the Estonian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest visa requirements and regulations.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Tallinn:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a local provider such as Telia or Elisa, with prices starting from around €5 (approximately $5.50 USD) per month.
- Transportation: Tallinn has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trams connecting most parts of the city. You can purchase a monthly pass for around €30-€40 (approximately $33-$44 USD).
- Safety: Tallinn is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Tallinn has a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, with warm clothing and layers for the winter months.
