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Living in Lithuania: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Lithuania | Expat Exchange
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Lukiskiu Square in Vilnius, Lithuania

Living in Lithuania

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 06, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Lithuania is 2.8 million people. The largest cities in Lithuania are Vilnius (the capital), Kaunas, Klaip?da, Šiauliai, and Panev?žys. Expats love living in Lithuania for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Life in Lithuania is described as relaxed and laid-back, with a strong sense of community. Popular foods in Lithuania include cepelinai (potato dumplings), kugelis (potato pudding), and skilandis (smoked sausage). The cons of living in Lithuania include the cold weather, the language barrier, and the lack of job opportunities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and transportation.

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What do I need to know about living in Lithuania?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Lithuania, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Lithuania should be aware that the country is part of the Schengen Area, meaning that a valid visa is required for stays of more than 90 days. Expats should also be aware that the official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian, although English is widely spoken in the larger cities. It is also important to note that the cost of living in Lithuania is generally lower than in other European countries, making it an attractive option for retirees. Additionally, expats should be aware that the healthcare system in Lithuania is generally of a high standard, although private healthcare is also available. Finally, expats should be aware that the climate in Lithuania is generally cold and wet, with temperatures rarely rising above 20°C in the summer months," explained one expat living in Lithuania.

"Living in Alytus is very cheap. A simple apartment will run you a fraction of what it does in other European countries. For a foreigner first moving to Alytus will cause great culture shock but after some getting used to you will really love the small details that makes this city great," said one expat in Alytus.

How do I meet people in Lithuania?

When we asked people living in Lithuania about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Lithuania often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," explained one expat living in Lithuania.

What is life like in Lithuania?

When we asked people living in Lithuania what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Lithuania is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its friendly people, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the country's many historical sites to taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. Additionally, Lithuania has a strong digital infrastructure, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work remotely," wrote a member in Lithuania.

"This is a very typical Lithuanian city. There is a very small international population. Most people have lived in this city all of their lives and can recognize a lot of their friends by simply walking down the street," commented one expat who made the move to Alytus.

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Is there a lot of crime in Lithuania?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Lithuania has a relatively low crime rate compared to other European countries. The most common crimes are property-related offences such as theft and burglary. Violent crime is relatively rare, although there has been an increase in drug-related offences in recent years. The government has taken steps to address this issue, including increased police presence and tougher sentencing for drug-related offences," explained one expat living in Lithuania.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Lithuania accepting of differences?

"The people are very closed up. There is little cultural diversity unlike Vilnius. But there won't be any backlash for a foreigner. People tend to accept internationals. It is a very quaint town and feels very homey," wrote a member in Alytus.

"Lithuania is a diverse country with a population that is made up of a variety of ethnicities, religions, and cultures. People in Lithuania are generally accepting of differences and strive to create an inclusive and tolerant society. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and has a strong commitment to protecting the rights of minorities," commented one expat who made the move to Lithuania.

What are the schools in Lithuania like?

"The International School of Vilnius (ISV) is one of the best international schools in Lithuania. It is a private, non-profit school that offers an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. ISV offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Vilnius Lyceum is a bilingual school in Lithuania that offers a unique educational experience. The school offers a bilingual curriculum in both Lithuanian and English, and students are encouraged to develop their language skills in both languages. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The school is accredited by the Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science and is a member of the European Council of International Schools," explained one expat living in Lithuania.

Is the cost of living in Lithuania high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Lithuania, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Lithuania is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries. Rent prices can vary depending on the city and the size of the apartment, but are generally quite reasonable. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 10-15 euros," said one expat who made the move to Lithuania.

"The cost of living in Lithuania is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of Vilnius is the most expensive place to live in the country, with rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment ranging from around $400 to $800 USD per month, and a nice 2 bedroom apartment ranging from around $600 to $1,200 USD per month. Other cities in Lithuania, such as Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Siauliai, tend to have lower rental prices than Vilnius. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Lithuania will usually cost around $10 to $15 USD per person," said one expat living in Lithuania.

What type of recreational facilities are in Lithuania?

When we asked people living in Lithuania about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Lithuania, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and forests. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. Additionally, Lithuania is home to a number of sports facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and football fields. Finally, there are a variety of cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year, providing residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local culture," said one expat.

What is the weather like in Lithuania?

"The weather in Lithuania is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 25°C, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to -10°C. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the most rain falling in the summer months. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in the northern regions," commented one expat living in Lithuania.

Are there good restaurants in Lithuania?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Lithuania is La Boheme, located in Vilnius. It is a French-style bistro that serves classic French dishes such as steak tartare, escargot, and duck confit. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. https://www.laboheme.lt/ Another popular restaurant in Lithuania is Bistro 18, located in Kaunas. This restaurant specializes in modern European cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features dishes such as grilled octopus, beef tartare, and roasted duck. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. https://www.bistro18.lt/ Finally, there is the restaurant, Šturm? Užeiga, located in Vilnius. This restaurant is known for its traditional Lithuanian cuisine, such as potato pancakes, dumplings, and smoked meats. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic, and the staff is friendly and helpful. https://www.sturmuzeiga.lt/," remarked one expat living in Lithuania.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Lithuania?

"People living in Lithuania typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, malls, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Lithuania," wrote one expat living in Lithuania.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Lithuania?

"In order to visit Lithuania, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from the Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and any other documents required by the Embassy or Consulate. In order to obtain residency in Lithuania, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and any other documents required by the Lithuanian Migration Department," commented one expat living in Lithuania.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Lithuania?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Lithuania are generally considered to be affordable. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens, and private health insurance is available for those who wish to access more specialized care. Private health insurance plans are typically more expensive than public plans, but they offer more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the cost of medical services in Lithuania is generally lower than in other European countries," remarked one expat living in Lithuania.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Lukiskiu Square in Vilnius, Lithuania

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