Vilnius vs Kaunas: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Vilnius vs Kaunas: Vilnius runs about $1,210/mo all-in vs $1,135/mo in Kaunas — Kaunas is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Vilnius and Kaunas cost about the same to live in, both feel similarly safe, and Kaunas has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Kaunas is about $75/mo cheaper — $1,135/mo all-in vs $1,210/mo in Vilnius (one person).
- Rent: lower in Kaunas ($600/mo vs $650/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: closely matched (82/100 vs 84/100).
- Internet: Kaunas scores better for remote work (86/100 vs 92/100).
- Climate: comparable year-round (60/100 vs 56/100).
- Visa: both rated Easy to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Families: closely matched on family safety (80/100 vs 84/100).
- Local salaries: higher in Vilnius (~$1,750/mo vs ~$1,400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Sunshine: Kaunas logs about 200 sunny days a year vs 160 in Vilnius.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vilnius or Kaunas cheaper to live in?
Vilnius costs about $1,210/month all-in for one person; Kaunas costs about $1,135/month. That makes Kaunas roughly $75/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Kaunas than Vilnius?
About $75/month for a single person — $1,135/mo in Kaunas vs $1,210/mo in Vilnius, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Vilnius or Kaunas?
They're closely matched — 82/100 for Vilnius and 84/100 for Kaunas. Neighbourhood choice matters more than the city here.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Vilnius or Kaunas?
For connectivity, Kaunas rates higher (86/100 vs 92/100). On climate, they're comparable (60/100 vs 56/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Vilnius or Kaunas?
Vilnius's visa process is rated Easy (about 4 weeks); Kaunas's is rated Easy (about 6 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Vilnius and Kaunas for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.