Riga is made up of a few dozen residential districts, and for a renter or a buyer the difference between them is larger than the difference between cities. The centre and the Old Town mean expensive historic buildings and everything within walking distance; Soviet-era residential districts like Purvciems or Imanta give you twice the floor area for the same money and ask for commuting time in return.

We split the city by the banks of the Daugava and by distance from the centre, because that is what drives both price and daily life. The left bank — Agenskalns, Imanta, Zolitude — is historically cheaper and greener. The right bank sits closer to the business district and the transport hubs. Jurmala stands apart: formally a different city, but for many people the same rental market.

Each district guide collects prices by room count, ratings for transport, schools, parks and quietness, the pros and cons, and who the district suits — and who it does not. The ratings are editorial; the prices come from live ss.lv listings, so they move with the market.