Jūrmala is Latvia's most famous resort town — 33 km of Baltic Sea coastline, pine forests, Art Nouveau wooden villas and a reputation as the summer playground of choice for wealthy Latvians and, historically, Russians. But as a place to actually live and rent in 2026, is Jūrmala still worth it?
What Jūrmala Is — and Is Not
Jūrmala is not a separate city in any practical sense. It is a ribbon of connected small towns — Lielupe, Bulduri, Dzintari, Majori, Dubulti and others — stretching along the coast west of Riga. The train from Riga Central Station reaches Majori (the main centre) in about 30–35 minutes. By car, the journey is 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
It is primarily a summer destination. The population swells dramatically from June to August and the town genuinely comes alive — boardwalk cafes, beach bars, outdoor concerts, evening promenades. From October to April, large parts of Jūrmala are very quiet. Some restaurants and shops close for winter entirely.
Jūrmala Apartment Prices in 2025
| Property type | Location | Monthly rental |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | Majori / Dzintari | €500–800 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | Majori / Dzintari | €700–1,200 |
| House / villa rental | Any Jūrmala district | €1,500–5,000+ |
| Studio | Any district | €350–550 |
These prices are for long-term rental. Short-term summer rentals command a significant premium — often 3–5x the long-term price for peak season weeks.
The Commute Reality
The train connection between Jūrmala and Riga is genuinely good — trains run frequently throughout the day and the journey is reliable. However, there are important practical considerations:
- Last train timing — late night trains are limited. If you are regularly out in Riga past midnight, the commute becomes complicated.
- Winter frequency — off-peak season sees reduced train frequency on some routes.
- Cost — a monthly train pass Riga–Jūrmala costs around €40–60 extra on top of the Riga public transport pass.
- Weather dependency — waiting for a train at a coastal station in January at -10°C is a specific kind of experience.
Who Jūrmala Actually Suits in 2026
Living in Jūrmala makes genuine sense for a specific type of person:
- Remote workers who do not commute daily. A home office in Jūrmala with occasional trips to Riga is a genuinely good lifestyle.
- Families with children who value space, clean air and access to nature over urban convenience.
- People who already have a car and find the drive manageable.
- Those who specifically love the Baltic coast and are willing to accept the winter quietness as a trade-off.
Not recommended for: people who work in Riga five days a week, night owls, those without a car who rely entirely on public transport, or anyone who finds winter seasonal depression challenging — Jūrmala in February, with half the town closed, is an acquired taste.
The Changed Context Post-2022
Jūrmala's character changed significantly after 2022. The town had historically attracted a large number of wealthy Russian visitors and property owners — this segment largely disappeared following the war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions and travel restrictions. Property prices in Jūrmala adjusted, and the summer season, while still active, has a different demographic profile than before. For long-term renters, this largely means less competition for available properties and a more local, Latvian atmosphere year-round.
Verdict for 2026
Jūrmala remains a genuinely beautiful place to live — but it suits a specific lifestyle that not everyone will find practical. If you work remotely, have a car, have a family, or simply love the sea and pine forests enough to accept a 35-minute commute, Jūrmala offers excellent quality of life at competitive prices. If you need to be in Riga regularly and value urban convenience, the centre of Riga gives you more for your money with less compromise.
Prefer to rent in Riga city centre?
Apartments and rooms with utilities included. City centre and Old Town.
View available properties → WhatsApp