Kaunas, Lithuania
Lithuania's second city and a 2022 European Capital of Culture, known for its interwar modernist architecture, the Kaunas Castle, and a vibrant student life.
Overview
Kaunas is a city in Kaunas County with a population of 295,269. Lithuania’s second city and a 2022 European Capital of Culture, known for its interwar modernist architecture, the Kaunas Castle, and a vibrant student life. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Below Average vs Lithuania Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Kaunas vs Lithuania Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20.0%
- Sales Tax: 21.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €20,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 295,269
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 74°F
- Winter Low: 20°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 120 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: €160,000
- 1BR Rent: €500/mo
Cost of Living
Kaunas's cost of living index is 85 (Lithuania average = 100).
| Category | Kaunas | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: LSD / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €160,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €106 |
Data source: Aruodas.lt / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kaunas:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €40 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €150 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €20 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €25 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €10 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €245 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: VERT, Ignitis, Telia 2025
Remote Work Score
Kaunas scores 70/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kaunas has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 20°F | 2.5" |
| April | 59°F | 35°F | 2.8" |
| July | 74°F | 49°F | 1.5" |
| October | 54°F | 38°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Kaunas faces the following natural hazards:
Lithuania experiences severe winter storms.
River flooding.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20%
- Sales Tax: 21%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Kaunas per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Autumn break in October/November (1 week).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Kaunas is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Demographic composition is derived from the Eurostat Urban Audit (city-level). Ethnicity figures are based on nationality / country of birth, as European statistics do not collect race or ethnicity data. Education figures reflect the highest level of education attained by the population aged 25-64.
Data source: Eurostat Urban Audit (2024)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kaunas, Lithuania?
The cost of living index in Kaunas is 85, which is Lower the Lithuania national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kaunas?
The median home price in Kaunas is €160,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kaunas is approximately €500/mo.
Does Kaunas, KN have income tax?
Kaunas is in KN, which has an income tax rate of 20%.
What is the climate like in Kaunas?
Kaunas enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 74°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: LSD / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Aruodas.lt / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: LSD Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities VERT, Ignitis, Telia 2025
Data last updated: October 23, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.