Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Lithuania, nestled in the heart of the Baltic States, is attracting a growing number of expatriates drawn to its unique blend of cultural richness and modern tranquility.
While European capitals become increasingly expensive, Lithuania offers an attractive compromise with a relatively modest cost of living.
Despite recent economic growth, daily expenses remain reasonable, allowing newcomers to fully enjoy everything the country has to offer.
Between affordable housing, quality services, and a thriving food scene, settling in Lithuania can prove to be a smart choice for those seeking a new European experience without breaking the bank.
Exploring the Real Cost of Living in Lithuania
Analysis of main factors influencing the cost of living in Lithuania in 2025
| Factor | Vilnius | Kaunas | Klaipeda | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (studio downtown) | €650/month | €600/month | €550/month | Rents are highest in Vilnius, slightly more affordable in Kaunas and Klaipeda. A larger apartment costs between €600-900/month depending on location. |
| Housing (studio suburb) | €450/month | €420/month | €400/month | Outskirts are significantly cheaper. |
| Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) | €212/month | €210/month | €205/month | Utilities are relatively consistent across major cities. |
| Food (inexpensive restaurant) | €12 | €11 | €10 | Restaurant prices remain affordable throughout the country. |
| Food (supermarket, average basket) | €200/month | €180/month | €175/month | Local products (potatoes, beef, beer) are often cheaper than in France, with some exceptions (salad, water, wine). |
| Transport (monthly bus/tram pass) | €30 | €27 | €25 | Efficient and affordable public transportation. |
| Gasoline (1L) | €1.40 | €1.38 | €1.37 | Slightly cheaper than European average. |
| Public services (Internet, mobile) | €13.8 (ADSL) | €13.5 (ADSL) | €13 (ADSL) | Mobile and Internet plans among the cheapest in Europe. |
| Entertainment (cinema, gym) | €8 (cinema) | €7.5 (cinema) | €7 (cinema) | Entertainment is accessible to everyone. |
Comparisons with other European countries
- Cost of living: In Lithuania, it’s on average 20-40% lower than in France, with more pronounced differences than in Germany or Nordic countries.
- Housing: Rents are significantly lower than in Paris, Berlin, or Amsterdam. In Vilnius, a studio costs about €650/month compared to €1,200 in Paris.
- Food: Basic products (potatoes, meat, beer) cost 30-50% less than in France. Some imported products (wine, mineral water) may be more expensive.
- Transport and services: Phone and Internet subscriptions are 50% cheaper than in France or Belgium.
Impact of exchange rates, salaries, and inflation
- Currency: Lithuania uses the Euro, eliminating exchange rate fluctuations for expatriates from the eurozone.
- Average salary: In 2025, the average monthly salary is €1,326, about 27% lower than the average French salary. Local purchasing power remains lower than most Western European countries.
- Inflation: Annual inflation is moderate (around 4-6%), but it can impact rental prices and some imported products.
Perspectives and expatriate testimonials
“With a local salary, you need to manage your budget carefully, especially in Vilnius where housing can take up a large portion of income. But life remains pleasant and entertainment accessible.”
“Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive, I don’t need a car. Restaurants are affordable, especially outside the city center.”
“For expatriates coming from France, the price difference is noticeable, but you need to adjust expectations according to salary levels. Access to Internet and mobile services is very advantageous.”
Key takeaways for expatriates:
- Housing represents the main expense, especially in Vilnius.
- Local food is affordable; prioritize national products to save money.
- Transport and services are cheap and reliable.
- Salary levels require careful budget management, particularly in city centers.
- Lower cost of living compared to Western Europe attracts more expatriates, especially those working remotely or with foreign income.
Typical monthly budget for an expatriate in Vilnius (2025)
| Expense | Amount (€) |
|---|---|
| Housing (downtown studio) | 650 |
| Utilities (electricity, water) | 212 |
| Food (groceries) | 200 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | 30 |
| Internet & mobile | 27 |
| Entertainment | 50 |
| Total | €1,169 |
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strengths: Low housing costs outside city centers, cheap digital services, rich and accessible cultural life.
- Weaknesses: Lower salaries, moderate inflation, high housing costs in central neighborhoods.
For expatriates, Lithuania offers an affordable and modern living environment, provided you adapt your budget to local realities.
Good to know:
Housing in Vilnius is generally more expensive than in Kaunas or Klaipeda, but public transportation is affordable with a monthly pass of €30. Compared to other European countries, food costs remain competitive, even though recent inflation has slightly increased daily expenses.
Price Comparison: Lithuania versus the Rest of the World
The main factors influencing the cost of living in Lithuania are:
- Recent inflation: The war in Ukraine caused significant price increases, particularly for energy (+30-40% since 2022), impacting household budgets.
- Average salary: The average monthly income is €1,326, significantly lower than in Western European countries.
- Purchasing power: Although the cost of living is lower than in France (about 20-24% cheaper), local purchasing power remains weaker.
- Technological advantage: Internet and mobile subscription prices are very affordable thanks to modern infrastructure.
- Geographical situation: Distance from major European economic centers influences logistics costs and therefore some prices.
- Economic policies: Taxation, subsidies, and level of local competition play a role in price formation.
International comparison of basic goods and services prices
| Category | Vilnius (Lithuania) | Paris (France) | Berlin (Germany) | Warsaw (Poland) | New York (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio rent downtown | €599/month | €758/month | €900/month | €750/month | €2,200/month |
| 2-3 room rent downtown | €1,000-1,200/month | €1,500-2,200/month | €1,500-2,000/month | €1,200-1,600/month | €3,500/month |
| Monthly utilities | €212 | €185 | €220 | €170 | €170 |
| Restaurant meal | €12 | €15-20 | €10-15 | €9-12 | €25-40 |
| Quick lunch | €7.5 | €10 | €9 | €7 | €12 |
| Supermarket (bread) | €1 | €1.30 | €1.20 | €1.10 | €3.00 |
| Gasoline (1L) | €1.4 | €1.8 | €1.7 | €1.6 | €0.95 |
| Transport ticket | €1 | €2 | €3 | €1 | €2.75 |
| Internet subscription | €13.8 | €31 | €35 | €17 | €55 |
| Cinema | €8 | €12 | €11 | €7 | €16 |
| Private daycare/month | €514 | €711 | €800 | €400 | €2,000 |
List of recent cost of living indices in Lithuania
- General cost of living index: 21-24% lower than France.
- Local purchasing power: 27% weaker than France.
- Annual inflation: 2.1% (2023-2024).
- Average prices in Vilnius: 2-3 bedroom downtown rent €1,000-1,200/month; restaurant meal €12-20; cinema ticket €8; internet subscription €13-14; gasoline €1.4/L.
Reasons for price differences
- Salary levels: Lower salaries in Lithuania impose constraints on goods and services prices, with companies adjusting their rates to local demand.
- Taxation and social charges: Lower than in Western Europe, allowing more competitive prices for some services.
- Imported inflation: Dependence on foreign energy, particularly since the start of the Ukrainian conflict, which increased some expense categories.
- Technological infrastructure: Advanced fiber optic deployment reduces telecommunications costs.
- Economies of scale: The smaller Lithuanian market limits economies of scale, which can maintain some prices (vehicles, tennis, etc.) at levels close to Western Europe.
- Geographical factors: Proximity to Baltic and Scandinavian countries, distance from major logistics centers, impacting import prices.
Concrete examples:
- In Vilnius, a 2-bedroom apartment costs on average €1,000 compared to €1,800 in Paris.
- A restaurant meal in Vilnius costs €12, similar to Berlin, but cheaper than Paris or New York.
- Transport and internet costs are significantly lower in Lithuania compared to France, Germany, or the United States.
In summary:
The cost of living in Lithuania remains lower than in France or major Western cities, but some categories (energy, specific entertainment, new cars) can be more expensive due to economic, political, and geographical factors specific to the country.
Good to know:
In Lithuania, housing costs are generally lower than in major cities like London or New York, while healthcare costs, supported by an efficient national system, remain affordable compared to other European countries. Price differences are often due to lower local salaries and a developing economy, creating notable differences in daily expenses compared to Western metropolises.
Budget Planning for Expatriates in Lithuania
Main expenses for expatriates in Lithuania
| Expense category | Vilnius (€/month) | Kaunas (€/month) | Klaipėda (€/month) | Countryside (€/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment downtown | 400-500 | 300-400 | 300-400 | ~200-300 |
| 2-3 bedroom apartment downtown | 600-900 | 500-700 | 500-700 | ~400-500 |
| Suburban rent | 704 | – | – | – |
| High-speed internet | 10-11 | 10-11 | 10-11 | 10-11 |
| Electricity, heating, water | 80-150 | 60-120 | 60-120 | 50-100 |
Food (average prices in 2025)
- Bread (500g): €1.4
- Milk (1L): €1.3
- Rice (1kg): €2.2
- Eggs (12): €1.7
- Restaurant meal: €12-20
- Meal for two (restaurant): €42
- Cappuccino: €2.3
- Beer (0.5L): €3.5
Transportation
- Bus ticket: €0.95
- Taxi (1 km): €0.7
- Gasoline (1L): €1.4
Public services and entertainment
- Internet (unlimited, fiber): €10-11/month
- Gym: €33-36/month
- Cinema: €8
Healthcare
European expatriates benefit from the European Health Insurance Card for urgent care.
Private health insurance recommended for faster or specialized care, costing €30-100/month depending on coverage.
Comparison cities vs. rural areas
Vilnius: most expensive city, especially for housing and dining. Rental prices are 20-30% higher than in other major cities.
Kaunas and Klaipėda: more affordable rents, slightly lower cost of living.
Rural areas: cheaper housing, food, and public services, but limited choice in terms of entertainment and infrastructure.
Tips for effective budget management
- Prioritize local markets and supermarkets for food.
- Rent outside city centers to reduce housing costs.
- Opt for public transportation, very affordable.
- Compare health insurance and phone subscription offers.
- Anticipate seasonal expenses (more expensive heating in winter).
Useful applications and resources
- Revolut, Wise: for multi-currency account management and EUR/LTL conversions.
- Numbeo, Expatistan: to compare cost of living between cities.
- Splitwise: shared expense tracking.
- XE Currency, Currency: real-time currency conversion.
- Mint, Bankin’: personalized budget management.
Tax implications for expatriates
- Tax residents if staying more than 183 days/year in Lithuania.
- Taxation on worldwide income (except bilateral agreements).
- Income tax rates between 20% and 32%.
- No wealth tax, but property tax for owners.
- Possible deductions for certain expenses (children, healthcare costs, etc.).
- Check tax treaties between Lithuania and your home country to avoid double taxation.
Aid and benefits
- Family allowances for residents with children.
- Occasional aid for housing or energy based on income conditions.
- Possible access to some European integration support programs.
Cultural and financial aspects to consider
- Lithuanians value discretion about financial situations, punctuality in rent and bill payments.
- Cash usage is decreasing, prefer bank cards.
- Possible rent negotiation, especially off-season or in rural areas.
- Social expenses (cafés, restaurants) are frequent in cities but remain moderate elsewhere.
For successful integration, it’s crucial to understand local cost of living specifics, anticipate regional variations, and use digital tools for rigorous budget tracking.
Good to know:
Expatriates in Lithuania should anticipate variable costs depending on cities for housing, transport, food and rely on applications like Revolut to manage expenses and convert currencies; note that taxes differ and tax benefits may be available. Consider using public transportation to reduce costs, especially in Vilnius, and explore expatriate forums for advice on better cultural and financial adaptation.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
