Tips for Finding Housing in Lithuania

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Searching for housing in Lithuania may seem like a daunting task, but with the right advice and tips, it can turn into a rewarding experience.

Whether you’re a student, an expatriate, or simply looking for a new adventure, it’s essential to understand the nuances of the Lithuanian real estate market, the best times to search, and the most effective platforms and methods for finding that perfect place.

In this article, we dive into key strategies to avoid common pitfalls and optimize your search, guiding you toward an informed choice that will allow you to settle peacefully in this captivating country.

Finding Housing in Lithuania: Effective Strategies

Main Options for Housing Search:

Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
Online Rental Sites	Wide selection, direct access to listings (e.g., Aruodas.lt, Domoplius.lt)	Language barrier, scam risks, non-English speaking contacts
Local Real Estate Agencies	Professional assistance, time-saving, legal security	High agency fees (often 1 month’s rent), variable quality
Social Media/Facebook Groups	Frequently updated offers, direct contact with individuals	Risk of fake profiles/scams, sometimes incomplete information
Coliving and Shared Housing	International atmosphere, shared costs, flexibility	Less privacy, variable availability depending on season
University Dormitories	Affordable prices, proximity to campuses, student environment	Limited spots, sometimes basic facilities, early registration required
Homestays/Farm Stays	Authentic cultural discovery, rural or semi-rural setting	Less common in cities, limited offerings, variable comfort
Airbnb-style Rentals	Flexibility, short/medium-term offers, furnished housing	Often higher prices, platform fees, seasonal availability

Combining multiple methods increases your chances: start by consulting major platforms (Aruodas.lt, Domoplius.lt), explore dedicated Facebook groups (e.g., “iknowaflatinvilnius”), then possibly contact a local agency to secure the transaction. Word-of-mouth and expatriate networks are also highly recommended.

Practical Tips

• Always visit the property in person before signing or paying a deposit.
• Verify that the owner has a rental license and that the contract is compliant.
• Never pay the full rent or deposit before verifying the premises and the legitimacy of the offer.
• Prefer payments to Lithuanian bank accounts (IBAN starting with LT).
• Ask for references from previous tenants, especially for offers from social networks.

Seasonality

• Demand peaks in August/September (back-to-school period), prices and competition increase.
• Offers are more numerous and cheaper in winter and spring.
• For short stays or tourism, high season (June-August) implies higher prices, especially in tourist cities or near national parks.

Neighborhoods to Consider Based on Needs in Vilnius

• Old Town (Senamiestis): historic charm, nightlife, high prices.
• Naujamiestis: central, dynamic, good compromise for young professionals.
• Šnipiškės and Žirmūnai: more residential, affordable rents, close to the center.
• Antakalnis: quiet, green spaces, suitable for families.

Cultural and Practical Aspects Influencing the Search

• Punctuality and reliability in exchanges can vary; it’s common to visit several properties before finding a serious offer.
• Listings may be brief and photos non-contractual: therefore, visiting is essential.
• Housing may be partially furnished; carefully check what’s included (heating, internet, appliances).
• Written contracts are the norm; request a bilingual version (English/Lithuanian) if in doubt.

Useful Local Resources for Expatriates

• Listing Sites: Aruodas.lt, Domoplius.lt, Properstar.fr
• Facebook Groups: iknowaflatinvilnius, Flat Vilnius, Vilnius Apartments for Rent
• Coliving/Shared Housing: Solo Society, Coliving.com
• Expatriate Associations: local pages on Meetup or Facebook groups “Expats in Vilnius/Lithuania”
• Tourism Offices and Universities: for lists of temporary or student accommodations
• Rural Tourism Association for stays outside major cities

Tip: A well-located property, visited in person and obtained through multiple verified channels offers the best guarantee of success and quick integration in Lithuania.

Housing Budget in Lithuania: What to Expect?

The average rental cost in Lithuania varies significantly by city and location of the property. In Vilnius, the city center shows the highest rents, with a furnished 1-2 room apartment in the heart of the capital typically costing between €700 and €900 per month. In the outskirts, this price can drop to €450–€600 per month depending on the size and condition of the property. In Kaunas and Klaipėda, rents are about 20 to 30% cheaper: for the center, expect €550–€700 per month, and for the outskirts, between €350 and €500.

City	City Center (€)	Outskirts (€)
Vilnius	700–900	450–600
Kaunas	550–700	350–500
Klaipėda	550–700	350–500

Factors Influencing Prices:

• Property Size: Studios are the cheapest, 2-3 room apartments have higher rates.
• Proximity to Transportation: Properties near bus or metro stations are more sought after.
• Access to Services: Proximity to shops, schools, and green spaces increases the price.
• Year of Construction: New buildings (post-2010) are 15–35% more expensive than Soviet-era constructions.

Rental Market:

Short-term Rental (Airbnb type): Very dynamic in Vilnius and Klaipėda, especially during summer or cultural events. Prices can double compared to long-term rentals.

Long-term Rental: More stable, often preferred by students, expatriates, and families.

Typical Rental Charges:

• Heating: Between €50 and €120 per month in winter, depending on the size and insulation of the property.
• Electricity: €20–€40 per month for a standard apartment.
• Water: €10–€20 per month.
• Internet: €15–€20 per month.

Security Deposits and Expected Fees:

• Security Deposit: Generally one month’s rent.
• Agency Fees: 50% to 100% of one month’s rent, sometimes charged to the tenant.
• Administrative Fees: Less frequent, but some landlords request processing fees (€50–€100).

European Comparison:

Country	Monthly Rent City Center (€)	Outskirts Rent (€)
Lithuania	700–900 (Vilnius)	450–600
Poland	800–1,100 (Warsaw)	500–700
Latvia	700–900 (Riga)	400–600
Estonia	800–1,200 (Tallinn)	550–750
Germany	1,200–2,000 (Berlin)	800–1,200

Tips for Saving on Housing:

• Opt for shared housing, very popular among students and young professionals, can reduce monthly costs by 30 to 50%.
• Search for housing in the outskirts or emerging neighborhoods.
• Choose apartments in older buildings, often cheaper (but watch out for heating charges).
• Negotiate the rent when signing the lease, especially during low season.

Anecdotes and Recent Trends:

Since the pandemic, many young professionals prefer renting in the outskirts of Vilnius to benefit from larger spaces and a calmer environment, while remaining connected to the center via public transportation.

Short-term rentals explode during festivals and major events, with prices that can triple in the city center.

Landlords increasingly require solvency guarantees and formal contracts, which secures the market but complicates access for foreigners.

Key takeaway: the Lithuanian rental market is dynamic, with reasonable prices compared to Europe, but high variability depending on location and property type. Shared housing and the outskirts remain the best options for managing your budget.

Preferred Neighborhoods for Expatriates in Lithuania

City	Neighborhoods Favored by Expatriates	Quality of Life and Amenities	Accessibility and Services	Cost of Living (Monthly Housing)	Cultural and Societal Aspects
Vilnius	Senamiestis (Old Town), Užupis, Naujamiestis	Lively central neighborhoods, blend of historic charm and modernity. Numerous green spaces, intense cultural life (museums, galleries, cafes, bars). Proximity to all amenities: supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, shops, administrative services. Cosmopolitan atmosphere, highly appreciated by families and young professionals.	Efficient public transportation (buses, trolleybuses, trains). Quick access to international schools (International School of Vilnius, Vilnius International Meridian School). Large clinics and hospitals nearby.	Studio: €400–€500 2-bedroom: €600–€900 Shared: €200–€350	Užupis, a bohemian neighborhood, famous for its self-proclaimed “Republic,” attracts artists and expatriates. Vibrant nightlife. Testimonial: “In 25 minutes by bus, you’re in nature or by a lake.” Only drawback: limited winter daylight.
Kaunas	City Center, Žaliakalnis	Quiet residential neighborhoods, abundant green spaces. Dynamic city center, numerous cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, cinemas. Žaliakalnis known for its peaceful atmosphere, parks, and single-family homes.	Efficient bus network, easy access on foot or by bike to the center. International schools and renowned universities (LCC International University). Well-distributed healthcare facilities.	Studio: €300–€400 2-bedroom: €500–€700 Shared: €150–€300	Human-scale city, relaxed atmosphere. Growing expatriate community. Reported experience: “A real balance between urban life and nature, perfect for families.”
Klaipėda	City Center, Melnragė, Student District	Port atmosphere, immediate proximity to the sea. Renovated city center, shops, restaurants, bars. Melnragė appreciated for the beach, sea air, tranquility. Animated student district (cafes, bars, social events).	Bus network, easy access to beaches and port. Klaipėda University, international schools. Modern medical infrastructure (hospitals, clinics).	Studio: €300–€400 2-bedroom: €500–€700 Shared: €150–€300	Strong student life, active international community. Beaches accessible on foot. Testimonial: “The sunset over the Baltic is a real plus after work!”

Main Advantages of Popular Neighborhoods Among Expatriates:

• Proximity to Amenities (shops, restaurants, transportation, schools)
• Easy Access to Nature (parks, forests, beaches)
• Presence of Modern Healthcare Services
• Rich Cultural Life (museums, festivals, galleries, bars)
• Dynamic Expatriate and International Communities
• Modern Housing, Often Renovated or New in Centers
• Efficient and Cheap Public Transportation

Expatriate Testimonials and Experiences:

“The quality of life here is excellent. The only drawback, which I don’t particularly feel but other expatriates often mention, is the lack of daylight in winter.”

“In eight years, I’ve seen many changes in the residents’ lifestyle. Bars and restaurants have added terraces, making the places much more pleasant.”

“In Klaipėda, the sea is accessible within minutes on foot, and the atmosphere is relaxed, ideal for a family or young professionals.”

Comparative Cost of Living:

Vilnius remains the most expensive city, especially in the Old Town and Užupis, but offers the best accessibility to international services.

Kaunas and Klaipėda offer more affordable housing costs, particularly for families or students.

Utilities (heating, electricity, water): €50 to €150 per month depending on the season and property size.

Essential Services Easily Accessible in These Neighborhoods:

• Public Transportation: high frequency, low fares, serves the entire city and surroundings
• International Schools: several reputable institutions in each city
• Healthcare Facilities: modern hospitals and clinics, staff often English-speaking

Notable Cultural and Societal Points:

• International Openness: English widely spoken in central neighborhoods
• Cultural Mix: high tolerance and diversity, especially in Vilnius and Klaipėda
• Social Life: numerous events, cafes, galleries, local markets

Living in the neighborhoods favored by expatriates in Lithuania means enjoying a balance between modernity, nature, intense cultural life, and security, with a cost of living lower than most European capitals.