Kaunas skyline - Lithuania
Lithuania

Living in Kaunas

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

NomadIQ

7.6/10

Monthly

$1,084

Safety

6.3/10

Country

Lithuania

Monthly Cost

$1,084

Internet

140 Mbps

Safety

6.3/10

Rent (1BR)

$649

Living in Kaunas — Quick Take

Best for: Budget-conscious remote workers

Cost level: Low ($1,084/mo)

Main downside: Language barrier for newcomers

Quick Facts

Cost of Living

$1,084/mo

Low
Security

6.3/10

Average
WiFi Speed

140 Mbps

Fast
1BR Rent

$649

Cheap
Local Wages

$1,527/mo

Residents

304K

Mid-size
Updated for 2026Based on real cost data

Monthly Living Cost Breakdown

Rent (1 Bedroom)
$649
Rent (Family)
$971
Groceries
$311
Transport
$32
Healthcare
$75
Internet
$16
Estimated Total (Single)$1,084/mo

Who Is Kaunas For?

Online workersGood fit

Reasonable costs and workable internet make it practical for remote work.

FamiliesWorth considering

Safety levels and housing options can accommodate families.

Budget-ConsciousStrong fit

At around $1,084/month, this is one of the more affordable options.

RetireesCould work

Reasonable living costs and safety make it viable for retirement.

Want more amenities? Krakow offers a higher standard.

Best Neighborhoods in Kaunas

4 neighborhoods rated for expats and digital nomads — Žaliakalnis tops the list at /10

Historic district known for its interwar modernist architecture, tree-lined streets, and green hills overlooking the city.

Neighborhood ratings based on expat livability, cost, and lifestyle fit. Data reflects current conditions in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Pros and Cons of Living in Kaunas

Pros

  • Very affordable cost of living - ideal for budget-conscious expats
  • Generally safe for expats with normal precautions
  • Fast internet (140 Mbps) - great for remote work
  • High NomadIQ score (7.6/10) - excellent for digital nomads

Cons

  • No major drawbacks identified based on available data

Job & Income Overview

Avg Local Salary

$1,527/mo

Salary-to-Rent Ratio

2.4x

Rent takes a significant portion of local salaries, around 43%.

A local salary can provide a comfortable lifestyle with room for extras.

Cost Insight

The price point in Kaunas leaves room to breathe. This is budget-friendly territory.

Housing takes up most of your budget here—about 60% of total costs. The rest is relatively cheap.

That's 252% cheaper than Krakow at $3,823/month.

Common Questions About Kaunas

How much does it cost to live in Kaunas?

Around $1,084/month for a single person, covering rent, food, and basics. Lifestyle choices affect the final number.

Is Kaunas safe for expats?

Kaunas is reasonably safe with normal precautions with a 6.3/10 safety score. Standard precautions apply.

Is Kaunas good for remote workers?

With 140 Mbps average speeds, Kaunas is excellent for remote work. Coworking options exist.

How much is rent in Kaunas?

A 1-bedroom averages $649/month. Prices vary by neighborhood and proximity to center.

Calculate Your Cost in Kaunas

Get personalized estimates based on your lifestyle

Explore More About Kaunas

NomadIQ Score

7.6

out of 10

Very Good

Quick Stats

Safety Score

6.3/10

Internet Speed

140 Mbps

Monthly Cost

$1,084

Explore Similar Cities

Also in Lithuania

Final Thoughts

Kaunas is highly recommended for digital nomads and expats looking to relocate abroad. With a monthly cost of living around $1,084, a safety score of 6.3/10, and internet speeds of 140 Mbps, the city offers a balanced package for international residents. Whether you're drawn by the culture, the cost savings, or the lifestyle opportunities, Kaunas deserves a spot on your shortlist. We recommend visiting for a few weeks before making a long-term commitment to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional needs.

Data sources include public cost-of-living datasets, user-reported data, and internal analysis. Last updated: August 2026.