Latvia and Belarus are often compared in terms of living standards. And often not in favor of Latvia...
A comparison of pension payments in Latvia and Belarus shows a significant difference in income, but the cost of living remains an equally important factor.
According to Belarusian media, based on recently published official data, by the end of 2025, the average pension in the country was 922.9 Belarusian rubles. At today's exchange rate, this is 276 euros.
Reportedly, pensions in the country are increasing year by year. In 2022, the amount was 630.8 rubles, in 2023 it was 692.5 rubles, and in 2024 it was 799.3 rubles.
According to the Latvian Central Statistical Bureau, the average old-age pension in Latvia by the end of 2025 was 616 euros. Thus, the average Latvian pension in 2025 was 123% higher than the Belarusian one.
Pensions in Latvia are also growing every year. In 2020, the average amount was 367 euros, in 2021 it was 393 euros, in 2022 it was 450 euros, in 2023 it was 514 euros, and in 2024 it was 550 euros.
The comparative platform Numbeo shows that the cost of living in Riga is 47% higher than in Minsk. This means that basic goods and services in Riga are 47% more expensive than in the Belarusian capital. The calculations took into account the cost of rent, utilities (including heating), transportation, food, etc.
Thus, a significant portion of the additional income of a Latvian pensioner is consumed by high prices, but they still have more funds left than their Belarusian "colleague."
