A Guide on Cost of living in Lithuania in 2024

Dreaming of studying in Lithuania? Stunning landscapes, enhancing lakes and dunes and a vibrant culture await. But that’s not all. Lithuania is a very safe and peaceful country to study. Don’t believe it? Here’s an amazing fact for you – according to the Global Peace Index Report, Lithuania is ranked 36th among the world’s most peaceful nations.

Convinced that this country is indeed the right fit for you? If yes, there’s still another critical information you need before you pack your bags –  the cost of living in Lithuania for Indian students.

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Interestingly the cost of living in Lithuania is 32% more affordable than the same in the US and 30% more affordable than the UK. No wonder that many international students are choosing to study in this country. As per data from The State Data Agency of Lithuania, there are currently 10,579 international students studying in Lithuania. 

Looking to understand more about the cost of living in Lithuania? Read this comprehensive guide to learn all about accommodation, food, transportation expenses, and valuable tips to manage your monthly living costs in Lithuania in 2024.

Key Highlights

Here are some of the most important points about the cost of living in Lithuania that you’ll discover in this blog.

Why Choose Lithuania?

Did you know: Lithuania is home to over 30 institutions of higher education? 

Furthermore, the enrollment rate at Lithuania’s colleges for international students stands at an impressive 71.91%. No wonder, Lithuania is rapidly emerging as a top destination for international students. 

Still not convinced? Keep reading to discover more reasons why Lithuania is an excellent choice for international studies.

1. Academic Excellence: 5 universities in Lithuania have secured their positions in the QS World University Ranking 2025, including Vilnius University, which has achieved a global ranking of 439. This highlights Lithuania’s commitment to providing high-quality education and its appeal to students worldwide.

2. Affordable Cost of Living in Lithuania: A great benefit of studying in Lithuania is its very affordable cost of living. You can find accommodation for as little as INR 9K (€100) per month. When you add up expenses like food, books, and fun activities, you can manage well on a budget of INR 45K (€500) per month.

3. Career and Business Prospects: According to a Statista report, the number of employed people in Lithuania is expected to remain stable in 2025, with approximately 1.43 million people employed, similar to the figures projected for 2024. This forecast indicates a consistent employment level expected over the forecast period.

Graduates from top universities in Lithuania have access to attractive employment opportunities across sectors such as education, hospitality, healthcare, and social services. 

4. Affordable Tuition Fees: Education in Lithuania is relatively affordable compared to many other European countries. For instance, the postgraduate tuition fees in the UK range from approximately INR 9.5L to INR 32L (£9,000 to £30,000) per year, whereas in Lithuania, you can pursue a master’s course between INR 3.6L and INR 8.1L (€4,000 and €9,000).

Cost of Living in Lithuania for Indian Students

Understanding the cost of living in Lithuania is essential when planning your study abroad journey. An estimate of the cost of living in Lithuania per month is INR 67K (€745) without rent. 

However, please note that the average cost of living in Lithuania can vary significantly depending on your choice of location, lifestyle choices, and spending habits. Further, the overall cost of living in Lithuania for Indian students differs from one city to another. 

Here are the details regarding the cost of living in Lithuania, which varies from city to city.

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Cost of Living in Lithuania that Goes Towards Accommodation

When planning to pursue higher studies in Lithuania, it’s important to carefully consider your accommodation budget. In Lithuania, there are various accommodation options available to accommodate different budgets.

Rental prices vary significantly based on the location and type of housing you choose. For instance, students residing in Vilnius can expect higher rents compared to Kaunas.

Additionally, opting for off-campus apartments generally incurs higher costs than selecting on-campus accommodation.

Here’s an example to illustrate this point further.

Rent Comparison: Cost of Living in Vilnius Vs Cost of Living in Kaunas

Did you know that the cost of living in Vilnius is 5.1% higher than in Kaunas (without rent)? 

Furthermore, when deciding to live in Vilnius, it’s important to note that restaurant prices are 27.4% higher than in Kaunas, and grocery prices are 1.4% higher as well.

Therefore, if you are planning to study in Lithuania, especially in Vilnius, you should take this into account when estimating your overall monthly cost of living in Lithuania.

Here is a table listing the monthly cost of living in Lithuania in both cities for Indian students.

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Cost of Food in Lithuania

When it comes to food expenses in Lithuania, plan to budget between INR 13.5K and INR 27K (€150 and €300) per month. 

A typical meal at a budget-friendly restaurant such as Etno Dvaras would cost you around INR 994 (€11) per person. However, the cost of a 3-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant such as Pirmas Blynas is around INR 4,970 (€55). 

Here is an overview of the food cost, including groceries, to help you effectively plan your budget.

Transportation Cost in Lithuania

Cities in Lithuania have good public transportation systems with options like buses, trolleybuses (in major cities), and minibuses. You can find route and schedule information (available in English for major cities) on the *TRAFI website and mobile app. 

*Please note: Trafi is a European Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform provider that focuses on journey planning. It aims to create smarter, sustainable, and interconnected urban mobility solutions.

Additionally, taxi services provide a fast, comfortable, and relatively affordable means of city travel in Lithuania. For even greater convenience and cost-effectiveness, popular mobile apps such as Bolt and Uber are available, as well as car rental services like CityBee and Spark.

Rentable scooters and bikes have also gained popularity among students as convenient transportation options in Lithuania.

The best part? As an international student in Lithuania, you can get significant discounts on tickets for daily, monthly, and yearly travel. 

This table captures everything you must know.

Please note: International students studying in Europe can only avail discounts with an international student card – ISIC. You can obtain both a physical ISIC card and a virtual card on your phone. 

Here is an estimated cost of living in Lithuania that goes towards public transportation. 

Please note: The cost of public transportation may vary by city, but overall, it is quite affordable.

Cost of Living in Lithuania that Goes Towards Utilities

Did you know that according to Speedtest Intelligence® in Q4 2023, Telia, a Swedish multinational telecommunications company, was the top mobile operator in Lithuania? They delivered the fastest median download speed at 116.58 Mbps.

Understanding the basic utility costs in Lithuania, which include essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and internet, is crucial for international students planning their cost of living. Researching these expenses helps students effectively manage their budgets while studying abroad.

Here is an estimated cost of living in Lithuania, focusing on utility costs. 

Student Visa Cost in Lithuania 

Did you know that the success rate for obtaining a student visa in Lithuania is 98.7%, making it one of the easiest Schengen visas to secure?

If you’re a non-EU citizen (meaning you do not hold citizenship in any European Union (EU) country, including India) planning to study in Lithuania, here are the requirements you need to meet to secure a student visa.

• You must be accepted into a recognised higher educational institution in Lithuania or participate in a student exchange program.
• You need to obtain either a national long-term visa or a temporary residence permit.

Please note: If you’re coming to study in Lithuania through a student exchange program, you must obtain a national long-term visa. On the other hand, if you’re enrolled in a higher education institution or college, you can apply for either a national long-term visa or a temporary residence permit.

Here are the details of the visa fees you will need to pay for both types of visas.

Cost of Living Comparison: Lithuania vs USA, UK, Australia and Canada

When compared to popular study destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia, Lithuania offers a significantly more affordable lifestyle. The cost of living in the USA is up to 32% more than the cost of living in Lithuania and 30% higher than in the UK. This makes Lithuania a cost-effective option for international students.

Here is a comparison of the cost of living between Lithuania and the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the average cost of living in Lithuania as an Indian student, read on to explore the top universities in the country and see how much they charge for tuition fees annually. This will help you estimate your total expenses in Lithuania, including tuition fees. 

Cost of Studying at Top Universities in Lithuania

Lithuania, despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, comprises 48 higher education institutions. Moreover, you’ll be glad to know that the language of instruction is mainly English in most of the universities.

But that’s not all. The top universities in Lithuania are affordable, making the cost of studying in Lithuania much more manageable. 

Below is a table showcasing the top 5 universities in Lithuania, their 2025 QS World Ranking, and their average annual tuition fees.

Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in Lithuania

Interested in studying in Lithuania and eager to further reduce your cost of living? You’re in luck! Lithuania provides numerous scholarships at both university and government levels that can help reduce financial burdens for international students, including those from India. Securing a scholarship can significantly ease your financial burden of studying in Lithuania. 

Read on to discover more about Lithuania scholarships available for Indian students.

How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Lithuania for Indian Students?

Living in Lithuania offers a significant advantage due to its lower cost of living compared to many European countries. However, managing expenses remains crucial for students studying abroad. Yes, scholarships are one way to reduce expenses, but there are more options. 

Here are some specific tips on how to reduce your cost of living in Lithuania.

1. Utilise Student Discounts

In Lithuania, students can get discounts at various places like restaurants, museums, public transportation, and shops. To access all discounts, you need two types of cards:

• Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC): This card is issued by the Lithuanian National Union of Students (LSS) and is valid only in Lithuania. It’s mandatory for all students, including those in exchange programs.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC): This card is recognised worldwide and isn’t mandatory, but it’s essential if you plan to travel abroad.

It is best to have both cards in order to get the best offers. 

2. Cook at Home

Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out. Here are some tips for you.

• Meal Prep: Plan your meals for the week ahead and cook in advance to avoid last-minute eating out. It’s also a great opportunity to try making Lithuanian dishes and snacks, which can help you know your host country a little better!
• Shop in Bulk: Save money by purchasing non-perishable items such as rice and pasta in large quantities from wholesale stores like Miamland. This can reduce your overall grocery expenses significantly.

3. Discover Lithuanian Culture for Free

Lithuania offers plenty of cultural experiences that are budget-friendly, such as free museums, activities, and attractions. For instance, you can visit the Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania for free and learn about the country’s history without spending any money.

Top Part-Time Jobs to Manage Cost of Living in Lithuania

International students studying in Lithuania have the right to work while enrolled in a higher education institution. According to Lithuanian legislation, students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. This allows you to cover your education and living expenses while gaining valuable experience in the Lithuanian labour market.

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage has been increased from INR 464 (€5.14) per hour to INR 510 (€5.65) per hour. This adjustment also raises the monthly minimum wage from INR 76K (€840) to INR 83.5K (€924).

Here is a table listing some of the top part-time jobs available for students, along with their average hourly wages. These jobs can significantly help you manage your cost of living in Lithuania. 

List of Top Recruitment Companies

Did you know: According to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange, recruitment agencies helped place more than 50,000 jobs in Lithuania last year, with 35% of these positions being part-time or flexible roles.

Lithuania’s job market has several recruitment agencies that can help you find your ideal part-time job. Here are the top 5 companies offering part-time jobs in Lithuania. 

• CV-Online
• Adecco
• Lusha
• Gig Exchange
• Itracks

Conclusion

The cost of living in Lithuania is generally affordable for Indian students due to lower housing, food, and transportation expenses compared to European countries. 

Despite being somewhat undiscovered, Lithuania is increasingly popular among international students for several reasons: it offers a diverse selection of English-taught degrees, maintains high educational standards in its universities, and boasts relatively low tuition fees and living expenses. 

The best part? Scholarship opportunities, as discussed, can significantly reduce the tuition fees to study in Lithuania. In brief, careful planning, wise budgeting, and making use of available resources will ensure that your experience in Lithuania is both educationally enriching and financially manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions