Skyline of Kaunas
Cost of Living: 85 295,269

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.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 85

Below Average vs Lithuania Avg (100)

Housing Index 90

Affordable

Median Income €20,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Kaunas vs Lithuania Average

Cost of Living
Kaunas: 85
Lithuania Avg: 100
Housing Index
Kaunas: 90
Lithuania Avg: 100
Income Tax
Kaunas: 20%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20.0%
  • VAT: 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

Housing

  • Median Home: €160,000
  • 1BR Rent: €500/mo

Cost of Living

Kaunas's cost of living index is 85 (Lithuania average = 100).

CategoryKaunasNational AverageDifference
Overall85100-15.0%
Housing90100-10.0%

Data source: LSD / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
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

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kaunas:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity€50Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Lithuanian household usage
Heating & Cooling€150Estimated based on local climate. gas or district heating
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water€25Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)€30Broadband average
Garbage / Trash€15Private service
Total Utilities€270Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: VERT, Ignitis, Telia 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Kaunas

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €600/mo.

Kaunas Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €550/mo.

East Kaunas

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €450/mo.

West Kaunas

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €475/mo.

Remote Work Score

Kaunas scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
85
Rent
€500
Sunny Days
170
Tax
20%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
74°F / 20°F

Climate

Kaunas has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January40°F20°F2.5"
April59°F35°F2.8"
July74°F49°F1.5"
October54°F38°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20%
  • VAT: 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:

18.9
Violent Crime
460.4
Property Crime
2.6
Homicide

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

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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.