Renting an apartment is one of the most important expenses for anyone moving to Lithuania. Rental prices vary substantially depending on the city, neighbourhood, apartment size, building age, furnishing, energy efficiency and proximity to the city centre.
For most international residents, Vilnius is the most expensive major rental market in Lithuania. Kaunas offers a different balance between housing costs and employment opportunities, while Klaipėda can be attractive for people who want to live near the Baltic Sea.
Smaller cities such as Šiauliai and Panevėžys can offer lower housing costs, although they generally have smaller rental markets and fewer international employment opportunities.
Rental figures on this page are indicative advertised asking prices. They are not guaranteed transaction prices, and individual apartments can be significantly cheaper or more expensive.
The following figures use current September 2026 Aruodas advertised-rent data where available. The Lithuanian rental market commonly describes apartments by the number of rooms rather than using the exact bedroom terminology used in some Western European markets.
| Apartment Type | Typical Description | Vilnius | Klaipėda |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-room apartment | Studio / compact apartment | €529 average advertised rent | €399 average advertised rent |
| 2-room apartment | Usually living room + bedroom | €786 average advertised rent | €572 average advertised rent |
| 3-room apartment | Usually living room + 2 bedrooms | €1,117 average advertised rent | €849 average advertised rent |
Source: September 2026 Aruodas rental-offer data. Figures represent average asking prices from active listings and can differ according to neighbourhood, furnishing, building age, condition and other property characteristics.
| City | Rental Market | Typical Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius | Largest and most international | Highest among major Lithuanian cities | International jobs, technology, finance, students |
| Kaunas | Large and diverse | Generally below Vilnius | Students, engineering, technology, industry |
| Klaipėda | Coastal and port-city market | Generally below Vilnius | Coastal living, logistics, port-related employment |
| Šiauliai | Smaller city market | Generally lower | Lower-cost city living |
| Panevėžys | Smaller city market | Generally lower | Lower housing costs and quieter lifestyle |
Vilnius has Lithuania's largest rental market and the country's strongest concentration of international companies, universities, technology employers and government institutions. This contributes to higher housing demand and generally higher rents.
According to September 2026 Aruodas data, the average advertised rent in Vilnius was approximately €529 for a one-room apartment, €786 for a two-room apartment and €1,117 for a three-room apartment.
However, there are major differences between neighbourhoods. Central and highly desirable areas can be considerably more expensive than districts further from the Old Town.
Kaunas is Lithuania's second-largest city and an important centre for universities, engineering, technology, manufacturing and business.
Rental prices are generally lower than in the most expensive parts of Vilnius, although popular central neighbourhoods and modern apartments can still command substantial rents.
Kaunas can therefore be attractive to people who want a large Lithuanian city while keeping housing costs under better control.
Klaipėda is Lithuania's main port city and one of the country's most distinctive places to live. Its location provides access to the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Spit while still offering a substantial urban economy.
September 2026 Aruodas data showed average advertised rents of approximately €399 for one-room apartments, €572 for two-room apartments and €849 for three-room apartments.
Central and coastal neighbourhoods can command higher rents, while residential districts further from the centre can provide more affordable options.
People who do not need to live in Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaipėda may find considerably different housing costs in smaller Lithuanian cities.
Šiauliai and Panevėžys can be particularly interesting for people who prioritize affordability and a quieter lifestyle.
The trade-off is that smaller cities generally have fewer rental listings and a smaller selection of international employers.
Your housing budget should include more than the advertised monthly rent. When comparing apartments, calculate the expected total monthly housing cost.
| Housing Expense | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Monthly rent | Base amount stated in the rental contract |
| Heating | Especially important during winter |
| Electricity | Check whether electricity is billed separately |
| Water | Usually depends on consumption |
| Internet | May be separate from rent |
| Parking | Important in central areas and newer developments |
| Security deposit | Check the amount and refund conditions |
| Agency fee | May apply depending on how the property is rented |
Heating is an especially important consideration when renting in Lithuania because winters can be cold.
Two apartments with the same advertised rent can have very different total housing costs if one is energy efficient and the other has high heating consumption.
Before renting, ask the landlord or agent for recent utility and heating bills, particularly if you are moving into an older apartment building.
Many rental properties in Lithuania are offered furnished, particularly apartments aimed at students, professionals and people relocating for work.
Furnished apartments can be convenient for foreigners because they reduce the need to purchase furniture immediately after moving.
However, furnished properties can sometimes have higher rents. Always inspect the condition of furniture and appliances before signing the contract.
Families generally need larger apartments and therefore face a higher monthly housing budget than single professionals or couples.
A family searching in Vilnius should compare central neighbourhoods with residential areas farther from the centre. A slightly longer commute can sometimes provide more space for the same budget.
Families should also consider schools, kindergartens, public transport, supermarkets, parks and healthcare when choosing a neighbourhood.
Students in Vilnius and Kaunas can reduce housing costs by renting a room in a shared apartment rather than renting an entire apartment alone.
Flatsharing is one of the easiest ways for students, young professionals and newly arrived foreigners to reduce housing costs.
Instead of paying the entire rent for an apartment, tenants share the rent and utilities between several people.
When renting a room, confirm exactly what is included in the price, including kitchen access, bathroom arrangements, internet, utilities and the security deposit.
Aruodas.lt is one of the most important Lithuanian property portals and provides rental listings across the country.
Other ways to find housing include:
When searching online, compare several listings rather than assuming the first advertised apartment represents the normal market price.
People moving to Lithuania from abroad should be careful when searching for apartments online, particularly when dealing with landlords they have never met.
Before moving into an apartment, read the rental agreement carefully. The contract should make clear the rent, payment date, deposit, utilities, notice conditions, responsibilities of the tenant and landlord, and any additional charges.
Foreign residents should also make sure that the agreement is suitable for their residence or registration needs if such documentation is required for their particular immigration situation.
Lithuania's rental market has experienced price increases in several major cities. The September 2026 Aruodas data showed that advertised rents in Vilnius were up 10.7% year over year.
For individual apartment types in Vilnius, September 2026 asking rents were approximately:
This illustrates why people moving to Lithuania should check current listings rather than relying on older rental estimates.
Rent can vary dramatically even within the same city. In September 2026, Aruodas reported advertised rental prices per square metre ranging from roughly €11–€12 in some lower-cost Vilnius districts to around €19–€20 in the Old Town and Užupis, with some premium areas considerably higher.
| Vilnius Area | Approx. Advertised Rent €/m² |
|---|---|
| Lazdynai | €11 |
| Fabijoniškės | €12 |
| Pašilaičiai | €12 |
| Karoliniškės | €13 |
| Pilaitė | €14 |
| Antakalnis | €15 |
| Žirmūnai | €16 |
| Šnipiškės | €17 |
| Naujamiestis | €18 |
| Žvėrynas | €18 |
| Senamiestis | €19 |
| Užupis | €20 |
These are September 2026 advertised rental prices per square metre reported by Aruodas and are useful for comparing neighbourhoods. They are not guaranteed final contract prices.
Housing affordability depends not only on rent but also on local salaries. Lithuania's average gross monthly earnings were €2,410 in 2025, according to the State Data Agency.
This means that rent can represent a substantial part of a single person's income, particularly when renting a modern apartment alone in central Vilnius.
People moving to Lithuania should therefore calculate their expected net salary and compare it with total housing costs, rather than looking at rent alone.
See our broader guide: Monthly Expenses in Lithuania .
Renting is usually the simplest option for people who are new to Lithuania, especially if they are still deciding where they want to live or whether they will remain in the country long term.
Buying property may become more attractive for long-term residents, but it requires a larger financial commitment and additional costs.
Lithuania's residential property market has also experienced substantial price growth. Ober-Haus reported that by August 2026 apartment prices had increased year over year in all five major Lithuanian cities tracked by its index.
For foreigners, property ownership, mortgage eligibility and taxation should be examined separately from the question of rental affordability.
Foreigners can rent apartments in Lithuania, but newcomers should pay particular attention to documentation, payment arrangements and rental contracts.
If you are moving for work, it is useful to establish your employment and residence arrangements before committing to a long-term rental.
International residents should also check whether they need a rental agreement or address documentation for any residence-registration or immigration procedure that applies to their situation.
There is no single Lithuania-wide rental price. Costs depend heavily on the city, neighbourhood and apartment size. In September 2026, average advertised rents in Vilnius were approximately €529 for one-room, €786 for two-room and €1,117 for three-room apartments.
The answer depends on how the property is classified. Lithuanian listings commonly use room counts. A two-room apartment often consists of a living room plus one bedroom. In September 2026, the average advertised price for a two-room apartment in Vilnius was approximately €786.
Vilnius is the most expensive major rental market in Lithuania in many segments. However, it remains generally less expensive than the rental markets of many major Western European capitals. Within Vilnius itself, prices vary substantially by district.
Generally, yes. Kaunas often provides lower housing costs than the most expensive parts of Vilnius, although popular central neighbourhoods and modern apartments can still be expensive.
In September 2026, average advertised rents in Klaipėda were approximately €399 for one-room, €572 for two-room and €849 for three-room apartments.
Smaller cities such as Šiauliai and Panevėžys can offer lower housing costs than Vilnius, but there is no single permanently cheapest city because rental supply, neighbourhood and apartment quality change over time.
Yes. Sharing an apartment allows tenants to divide rent and utilities between several people and can be particularly useful for students and young professionals.
Not necessarily. Always ask whether heating, electricity, water, internet, building maintenance and other charges are included. In many cases these costs are paid separately.
Rental prices have increased in several important Lithuanian markets. In Vilnius, September 2026 advertised rental prices were 10.7% higher year over year according to Aruodas.
Foreigners can search major property portals such as Aruodas, contact Lithuanian real-estate agencies, use relocation services, check local rental groups and ask employers or universities about housing networks.
Rental prices change frequently and can vary significantly between individual properties. The figures on this page are based primarily on advertised rental offers and should be treated as market indicators rather than guaranteed prices.
Before signing a rental agreement, verify the current asking price, deposit, utilities, heating costs, contract conditions and any agency fees directly with the landlord or agent.