Cost of living in Vilnius: let’s analyze costs of food, real estate, entertainment and transport in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania
If you are looking to move to Vilnius, we will offer all the information you need when it comes to the job market, costs and general quality of life.
Cost of Living in Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, a small country nestled on the Baltic coast. Lithuania is a member of the European Union and NATO. It is a rather small country with a population of approximately 2.5 million people.
Vilnius is a quite small capital city with around 500.000 inhabitants. It has a very interesting history, being the capital of the Lithuanian Commonwealth, a very important and powerful country a few centuries ago. Due to its importance in the European stage at that time, it has numerous relics of the past.
Once being part of the USSR, this meant a lowering in living quality compared to the post-war western part of Europe. Since becoming an independent nation again, the country has made important strides to catch up with its western neighborss. The good news is that the prices haven’t caught up with that region as much, so products and services are overall cheaper.
Let’s check some data for the cost of living in Vilnius, Lithuania below:
The currency in Lithuania is the Euro. The conversion rate to the USD is 1 dollar to 0.94 EUR as of April 25, 2024.
If you want to suggest your own values based on your experiences in this city, click on edit and insert the values. Upon moderation they will be calculated to make part of the average prices displayed below.
| Food | Price [EDIT] |
|---|---|
| 1 liter of milk | 1.10 USD |
| 1 loaf of bread | 1.30 USD |
| 1 kg of tomatoes | 2.00 USD |
| 1 kg of chicken | 3.35 USD |
| 1 single meal cheap restaurant | 8.00 USD |
| 1 single meal high-end restaurant | 30.00 USD |
| 1 cappuccino or latte | 2.80 USD |
| 1 big pizza delivery | 15.00 USD |
| Real Estate | Price [EDIT] |
| 1 bedroom flat (40 m2) rent per month | 515.00 USD |
| 1 bedroom flat (40 m2) utilities per month | 110.00 USD |
| 2 bedroom flat (80 m2) rent per month | 800.00 USD |
| 2 bedroom flat (80 m2) utilities per month | 180.00 USD |
| Price per square meter (city center) | 2,450.00 USD |
| Transport | Price [EDIT] |
| 1 single ride public transport | 1.15 USD |
| Monthly public transport ticket | 33.50 USD |
| 1 km taxi or similar transport app | 0.90 USD |
| 1 liter of gasoline (1/4 gallon) | 1.76 USD |
| Toyota Corolla (new) basic version | 21,000.00 USD |
| Salaries | Price [EDIT] |
| Minimum Salary | 633.00 USD |
| Average Salary (net) | 935.00 USD |
| Extras | Price [EDIT] |
| 1 ticket to the movies (adult price) | 8.30 USD |
| High speed internet per month | 10.50 USD |
| 1 month gym subscription | 32.55 USD |
Cost of Living for Students in Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is not a traditional country in terms of higher education institutions. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find any good and realiabl academic options.
Living as a student in Vilnius does not mean you have to tighten the belt and you can actually enjoy your life there. Be it social or cultural activities, you will find everything you need there. Also, the city has an “it” factor, being very cool and is a more exotic place than your regular academic cities such as London or Paris.
Tuition fees are generally much lower than in most European countries. Depending on the program you enroll into, you can find annual fees ranging from $1000 to $5000. This will allow you some more wiggle room with your budget.
While most classes and programs are Lithuanian only, finding English ones are more and more common, opening their classrooms up to foreign students.
Here are some of the best higher education institutions in Vilnius:
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Getting a Job in Vilnius
Vilnius is the wealthiest city in Lithuania, with the highest income per capita. The monthly average net salary was 772 EUR, a little lower when compared with other European capitals. However, this is not very low when you compare it with the monthly costs.
A thing to consider is that Vilnius is not a traditional economic powerhouse. This will translate to lower wages and also a bit more limited job availability. However, don’t be discouraged, there is an upturn in new jobs created. English is more and more prevalent and you will have more opportunities.
Work-life outside Vilnius is in general less rewarded and also the availability for expats is much lower. A good thing to do is learn the local language. Only then can you compete with the local populace outside Vilnius (in most cases).
You can find a job very easily in Vilnius by going here:
Quality of Life in Vilnius
Vilnius will provide anything that one needs. Be it cultural or social activity, you will not be left for wanting. People there are very friendly and open to new cultures. They will actively try to engage with you.
As a rule of thumb they respect anyone’s beliefs and do not seek to impose their moral code over others. Do not be afraid to ask people for help or clarifications whenever there is something you don’t understand. Lithuanians are usually very eager to lend a hand.
Crime is very low in Vilnius so you don’t have to worry about constantly looking over your shoulder or questioning if the person approaching you has bad thoughts. Keep in mind though that as in every major city there are negative elements, Vilnius is actually on the safer side.
If coming into the city on a western salary, then you are guaranteed you will be very well off. Anything over 1000 EUR net will mean that you earn more than 75% of the population. Anything over it will just make your life much, much easier.
If you are visiting Vilnius soon you may want to check some of our other Baltic guides. Check the best places to places to stay in Vilnius and our article on how to travel from Riga to Vilnius. You can also check the average and minimum salary in Vilnius, the best places to visit in the Baltic States and the cost of living in Tallinn.
Are you moving or already living in Vilnius? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.