Lithuania is a small country located in north-eastern Europe, bordering Latvia and Belarus. The capital city is Vilnius. Lithuania sits in a glorious spot surrounded by forests, lakes, and rivers. The climate is temperate, with cold winters and cool summers.
If you are considering moving to Lithuania, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of Europe.
Quick Lithuania Facts:
- Population: 2,750,055 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language:The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian, but English is widely spoken
- GDP Per Capita:$3,726.93
- Stelmuze Oak: Lithuania is home to the oldest tree in Europe. This stelmuze oak is over 1,500 years old, is 13m in diameter and 25m high.
- Currency: Euro (€). As of 2024, £1 = €1.20, $1 USD = €0.89, $1 CAD = €0.66, $1 AUD = €0.61.
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Lithuania
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from a selection of large cities, and shipping it to different locations in Lithuania:
| Origin City | Destination City | 20FT | 40FT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Vilnius | $3,900 - $4,000 | $6,700 - $6,900 |
| Kaunas | $3,850 - $3,950 | $6,650 - $6,850 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,870 - $3,970 | $6,670 - $6,870 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,820 - $3,920 | $6,620 - $6,820 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,840 - $3,940 | $6,640 - $6,840 | |
| Berlin | Vilnius | $2,800 - $2,900 | $5,200 - $5,400 |
| Kaunas | $2,750 - $2,850 | $5,150 - $5,350 | |
| Klaipėda | $2,770 - $2,870 | $5,170 - $5,370 | |
| Šiauliai | $2,720 - $2,820 | $5,120 - $5,320 | |
| Panevėžys | $2,740 - $2,840 | $5,140 - $5,340 | |
| Chicago | Vilnius | $3,400 - $3,500 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
| Kaunas | $3,350 - $3,450 | $6,150 - $6,350 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,370 - $3,470 | $6,170 - $6,370 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,320 - $3,420 | $6,120 - $6,320 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,340 - $3,440 | $6,140 - $6,340 | |
| Chongqing | Vilnius | $4,000 - $4,100 | $6,800 - $7,000 |
| Kaunas | $3,950 - $4,050 | $6,750 - $6,950 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,970 - $4,070 | $6,770 - $6,970 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,920 - $4,020 | $6,720 - $6,920 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,940 - $4,040 | $6,740 - $6,940 | |
| Delhi | Vilnius | $3,850 - $3,950 | $6,650 - $6,850 |
| Kaunas | $3,800 - $3,900 | $6,600 - $6,800 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,820 - $3,920 | $6,620 - $6,820 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,770 - $3,870 | $6,570 - $6,770 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,790 - $3,890 | $6,590 - $6,790 | |
| Dubai | Vilnius | $2,600 - $2,700 | $5,000 - $5,200 |
| Kaunas | $2,550 - $2,650 | $4,950 - $5,150 | |
| Klaipėda | $2,570 - $2,670 | $4,970 - $5,170 | |
| Šiauliai | $2,520 - $2,620 | $4,920 - $5,120 | |
| Panevėžys | $2,540 - $2,640 | $4,940 - $5,140 | |
| Houston | Vilnius | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,300 - $6,500 |
| Kaunas | $3,450 - $3,550 | $6,250 - $6,450 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,470 - $3,570 | $6,270 - $6,470 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,420 - $3,520 | $6,220 - $6,420 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,440 - $3,540 | $6,240 - $6,440 | |
| Los Angeles | Vilnius | $3,450 - $3,550 | $6,250 - $6,450 |
| Kaunas | $3,400 - $3,500 | $6,200 - $6,400 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,420 - $3,520 | $6,220 - $6,420 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,370 - $3,470 | $6,170 - $6,370 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,390 - $3,490 | $6,190 - $6,390 | |
| Madrid | Vilnius | $2,700 - $2,800 | $5,100 - $5,300 |
| Kaunas | $2,650 - $2,750 | $5,050 - $5,250 | |
| Klaipėda | $2,670 - $2,770 | $5,070 - $5,270 | |
| Šiauliai | $2,620 - $2,720 | $5,020 - $5,220 | |
| Panevėžys | $2,640 - $2,740 | $5,040 - $5,240 | |
| New York City | Vilnius | $3,400 - $3,500 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
| Kaunas | $3,350 - $3,450 | $6,150 - $6,350 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,370 - $3,470 | $6,170 - $6,370 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,320 - $3,420 | $6,120 - $6,320 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,340 - $3,440 | $6,140 - $6,340 | |
| Paris | Vilnius | $2,750 - $2,850 | $5,150 - $5,350 |
| Kaunas | $2,700 - $2,800 | $5,100 - $5,300 | |
| Klaipėda | $2,720 - $2,820 | $5,120 - $5,320 | |
| Šiauliai | $2,670 - $2,770 | $5,070 - $5,270 | |
| Panevėžys | $2,690 - $2,790 | $5,090 - $5,290 | |
| Phoenix | Vilnius | $3,450 - $3,550 | $6,250 - $6,450 |
| Kaunas | $3,400 - $3,500 | $6,200 - $6,400 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,420 - $3,520 | $6,220 - $6,420 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,370 - $3,470 | $6,170 - $6,370 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,390 - $3,490 | $6,190 - $6,390 | |
| Rome | Vilnius | $2,700 - $2,800 | $5,100 - $5,300 |
| Kaunas | $2,650 - $2,750 | $5,050 - $5,250 | |
| Klaipėda | $2,670 - $2,770 | $5,070 - $5,270 | |
| Šiauliai | $2,620 - $2,720 | $5,020 - $5,220 | |
| Panevėžys | $2,640 - $2,740 | $5,040 - $5,240 | |
| Shanghai | Vilnius | $4,200 - $4,300 | $7,300 - $7,500 |
| Kaunas | $4,150 - $4,250 | $7,250 - $7,450 | |
| Klaipėda | $4,170 - $4,270 | $7,270 - $7,470 | |
| Šiauliai | $4,120 - $4,220 | $7,220 - $7,420 | |
| Panevėžys | $4,140 - $4,240 | $7,240 - $7,440 | |
| Sydney | Vilnius | $4,300 - $4,400 | $7,400 - $7,600 |
| Kaunas | $4,250 - $4,350 | $7,350 - $7,550 | |
| Klaipėda | $4,270 - $4,370 | $7,370 - $7,570 | |
| Šiauliai | $4,220 - $4,320 | $7,320 - $7,520 | |
| Panevėžys | $4,240 - $4,340 | $7,340 - $7,540 | |
| Toronto | Vilnius | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,400 - $6,600 |
| Kaunas | $3,450 - $3,550 | $6,350 - $6,550 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,470 - $3,570 | $6,370 - $6,570 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,420 - $3,520 | $6,320 - $6,520 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,440 - $3,540 | $6,340 - $6,540 | |
| Vancouver | Vilnius | $3,550 - $3,650 | $6,450 - $6,650 |
| Kaunas | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,400 - $6,600 | |
| Klaipėda | $3,520 - $3,620 | $6,420 - $6,620 | |
| Šiauliai | $3,470 - $3,570 | $6,370 - $6,570 | |
| Panevėžys | $3,490 - $3,590 | $6,390 - $6,590 | |
| Vienna | Vilnius | $2,750 - $2,850 | $5,150 - $5,350 |
| Kaunas | $2,700 - $2,800 | $5,100 - $5,300 | |
| Klaipėda | $2,720 - $2,820 | $5,120 - $5,320 | |
| Šiauliai | $2,670 - $2,770 | $5,070 - $5,270 | |
| Panevėžys | $2,690 - $2,790 | $5,090 - $5,290 |
- All figures are in USD;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from sites such as Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
2. Lithuania Housing Costs
Many people are drawn to Lithuania for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The cost of living in Lithuania is relatively low, especially when compared to Western European countries. Rent, food and utilities are affordable, and public transportation is cheap.
Here are some costs that will advise your choice of settling in this beautiful country.
Monthly Rental Prices in Lithuania
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: €600+
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: €410+
- 3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: €1,000+
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: €600+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: €3,000+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: €3,000+
Lithuania Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in Lithuania compare with other cities around the globe
London is 207.04% more expensive
New York is 461.61% more expensive
Los Angeles is 286.73% more expensive
Toronto is 135.10% more expensive
Sydney is 143.05% more expensive
Paris is 108.04% more expensive
Dubai is 133.71% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate: Erasmusu, iRoommates, okroommate, Facebookand
- Different areas – different prices Many people who have immigrated to Lithuania consider it is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It offers a high quality of life at an affordable price. There are many beautiful towns and cities in, each with its own unique charm. Vilnius, the capital, is a historic city with a lively cultural scene. Kaunas is the second-largest city and has a charming old town. Other popular towns include Klaipeda, Siauliai, Panevezys, and Alytus. Have a look at these sites for ideas of where to live in Lithuania: Fantastic, Living Cost, Expat Arrivals and Nomad List.
3. Lithuania Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and filling, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Some popular dishes include cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat), kugelis (potato pudding), and zemaiciu blynai (potato pancakes). For something sweet, try spurgos (fried dough balls coated in sugar) or kondicionieriai (cream puffs). Restaurants serving international cuisine are also widely available.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: €7 – €15
- Takeout Coffee: €2 – €5
- Bottle of Coke: €1 – €2.50
- 1L of milk: €0.80 – €1.89
- Loaf of Bread: €0.79 – €2
- 12 Eggs: €1.32 – €3
- 1kg Chicken: €3.50 – €8.98
- 1kg Beef: €5 – €15
- 1kg Apples: €0.59 – €2
- 1kg White Rice: €1 – €3
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- London restaurants are 59.36% more expensive and groceries are 43.24% more expensive than Lithuania.
- New York restaurants are 115.18% more expensive and groceries are 175.25% more expensive than Lithuania.
- Los Angeles restaurants are 87.79% more expensive and groceries are 104.99% more expensive than Lithuania.
- Toronto restaurants are 59.61% more expensive and groceries are 80.12% more expensive than Lithuania.
- Sydney restaurants are 44.42% more expensive and groceries are 90.20% more expensive than Lithuania.
- Paris restaurants are 39.15% more expensive and groceries are 79.93% more expensive than Lithuania.
- Dubai restaurants are 61.95% more expensive and groceries are 30.59% more expensive than Lithuania.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Lithuania has many independently owned grocery stores and ethnic stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets and shops that sell health foods and organic foods. Popular supermarkets in Lithuania are Maxima, Norfa L, Iki, Lidl, and Rimi.
- Find Cheap Eats:Restaurant prices are relatively low and the quality of food is excellent. The larger towns have a wide variety of restaurants to satisfy most people. The smaller towns and villages have small restaurants serving local foods. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Trip Advisor, True Lithuania, Spend Life Traveling and
4. Lithuania Alcohol Costs
Lithuania is known for its strong beer and spirits. Drinking is an important part of social life in Lithuania and you’ll see groups of friends gathered together in bars, clubs and restaurants all over the country.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: €2.00 – €5.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: €3.00 – €5.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: €1.00 – €2.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: €1.00 – €2.29
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: €5.00 – €10.00
How to drink for less in Lithuania
- Keep an eye on the local papers and flyers for cheap drinks, either in supermarkets or in bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Many bars and restaurants have happy hour after work where wine, cocktails and beer are half price or they have 2 for 1 specials. Have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on a night out –-TripAdvisor, The Guardian, Travel Triangle and 2 Food Trippers.
5. Lithuania Transportation Fares
Lithuania has an excellent transportation infrastructure. The main mode of public transport is the bus, which is reliable and affordable. The roads are good so travelling by bus is a pleasure. The country also has a well maintained and reliable rail service. Traffic can be heavy in larger cities, but it is mostly manageable.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult Single Metro – €0.65 – €1.00
- One day ticket – €3.50 – €4.65
- Monthly season ticket, unlimited – €29 – €30
How to save money on public transport
- Buy a weekly ticket €14.66 for 7 days of unlimited travel
- Buy a bike. Cycling is popular in Lithuania. There are cycles lanes and lots of rides in and around the city.
- Many people walk to work and the shops in Lithuania.
6. Cost of Internet in Lithuania
Internet prices in Lithuania are extremely affordable and are the fastest in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from late 2022 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:
- Teo LT – €17.96/mo for 600 Mbit/s
- Starlink SpaceX – €79.05/mo for 200 Mbit/s
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Lithuania has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is 18°C (64°F) and the average temperature in January is -5°C (23°F). Lithuania experiences a fair amount of rain, so be sure to pack your raincoat.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: €30 – €100
- Summer Dress: €24 – €50
- Running Shoes (Trainers): €55 – €120
- Business Shoes: €60 – €150
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): €60
- Deodorant: €4.50
- Shampoo: €3.65
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): €1.50
- Gym membership: €20-€50 per month
- Movie (cinema) ticket: €7-€12
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Lithuania
Many people in the major cities use public transport to commute to work as sitting in traffic in the rush hour can be very tedious. Those working in small towns generally prefer to drive.
Owning and operating a car as a foreigner in Lithuania is relatively simple and straightforward. You can drive on a foreign licence for six months, after that you’ll need to get a Lithuanian driving licence. If you decide to buy a car you’ll register your car with the Lithuanian authorities.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Lithuania:
- Volkswagen Golf:€22,662.50
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):€1.81
- Other fees (if any):The average cost of taxes, licence, title and registration fees is €100 per annum
Source: Expatistan
Ways to save money driving in Lithuania
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. TryCar Pool World, Facebook, Govilnius, Blablacar, Liftango and
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uberand Forus.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Lithuania? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Lithuania
Tax rates start at 15% and go up to 32% depending on your salary. To learn more about the different taxes that are payable in Lithuania, please go to Taxsummaries and Bradford Jacobs. Sales tax or VAT in Lithuania is high at 21% and is added to most goods and services.
If you own your home, you will be subject to real estate tax based on the value of your property. Finally, if you decide to buy an apartment or house in Lithuania, you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax. Learn more about property tax in Lithuania at Baltic Legal.
10. Flight Costs from Lithuania
If you do make the move to Lithuania, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of late 2022:
- London: €107
- New York: €380
- Los Angeles: €430
- Toronto: €353
- Vancouver: €439
- Dubai: €430
- Sydney: €562
- Melbourne: €588
- Cape Town: €430
- Hong Kong: €452
Other Lithuania Relocation Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Lithuania but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Lithuania Alone
If you are relocating to Lithuania alone, you’ll find that the country is welcoming and accommodating. The people are friendly and helpful, and there is a strong sense of community. You’ll soon feel right at home in Lithuania. Here are some things you can do to settle in quicker.
- Meetups:Lithuania has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from surfing to architecture.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in Lithuania and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Trip Advisor, Full Suitcase Viator, Heklaand
12. Moving to Lithuania with a Family
If you’re moving to Lithuania with your family, you’ll be happy to know that the country is very family friendly. There are plenty of activities and attractions for children of all ages – such as water parks, theme parks, water sports and exploring the countryside.
- New parents (or parents to be):have a look at Internations and Meetup to find groups where you can get advice or information on courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be. If there aren’t any groups in you area, then start your own.
- Live in a family friendly area:Anykščiai is a charming town with plenty of green space and a lively community centre. Šiauliai is a historic city with a number of museums and cultural attractions. Have a look at the following sites to get an idea of the best family friendly areas in Lithuania: True Lithuania and Mundo.
- Find things to do with the kids:Lithuania has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration- Trip Advisor, Inspirock, Playtivities, Thingstodopost and Family with kids.
13. Moving to Lithuania for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Lithuania is one of the leading countries in Europe for IT, mechatronics, communications and biotechnology. Other areas that need qualified employees are education and food technology. The country offers a number of advantages for businesses, including a skilled workforce, low taxes, and a business-friendly environment. There are also many opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:Salaries in Lithuania in the many multinationals are on a par with other European countries. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Wage Centre and Glassdoor
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Lithuania, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: LinkedIn, Jobian, UNJobs, Europeanjobdays and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Lithuania from Australia
There is a small Aussie contingent living in Lithuania. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Lithuania, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:If you look at the population of Lithuania and compare it with cities in Australia, it’s slightly bigger than Brisbane
- Join expat groups:Internations and Meetup offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Lithuania.
15. Moving to Lithuania from Canada
There are a small number of Canadians living in Lithuania. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:If you compare the population size of Lithuania with a city in Canada, then it would be slightly smaller than Toronto.
- Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as Internations and Meetup
16. Moving to Lithuania from the United Kingdom
There’s a comparatively large UK contingent living and working in Lithuania, mainly young people working in the tech industry. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: Looking at the population size of Lithuania, it equates to the population of the Birmingham conurbation in the UK.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go to Internations, Facebook and Meetup.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Lithuania you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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