Lithuania, Vilnius

Overview

Lithuania, Vilnius Vilnius is the largest city and the capital of Lithuania. Vilnius is the major economic centre of Lithuania and one of the largest financial centres of the Baltic states. Even though it is home to only 15% of Lithuania's population, it generates approximately 25% of Lithuania's GDP.

Lithuania is in Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia. The climate is transitional, between maritime and continental with wet, moderate winters and summers.

The official language is Lithuanian. It is the most predominant, while Russian and Polish are also widely used. English is spoken by many of the educated younger generation, but this is less common among older Lithuanians. Visitors should be sensitive about using Russian and German, which can offend people who resent Soviet rule or a German invasion during the Second World War; rather use English first. The main religion is Christianity.

The economy of Lithuania changed radically after the country established its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. It then made a transition towards capitalist free market principles, enjoying high growth rates after entering the European Union along with other Baltic states.

Lithuanians are open and hospitable. Business dealings and dress tend to be formal.

The security risk for expatriates in Lithuania is low. Risks include petty crime and vehicle theft.

The currency of Lithuania is the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are accepted and there are plenty of ATMs.

Medical facilities are good, however the cost of treatment for expatriates from outside the EU can be high.

The population of Vilnius is 805,000 (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 2.3% for Lithuania as at April 2018.

For a single Expat, the personal income tax rate in Lithuania is a flat rate of 15%, however the first EUR 20,000 rate is 5%.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Vilnius as at 1 April 2018 is low in comparison to other places in the world.

In Vilnius, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very Low
2) Clothing: High
3) Communication: Very Low
4) Education: Average
5) Furniture & Appliances: Very High
6) Groceries: Very Low
7) Healthcare: Very Low
8) Household Accommodation: Low
9) Miscellaneous: High
10) Personal Care: Very Low
11) Recreation & Culture: High
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Low
13) Transport: Low

Vilnius is for example -0.7% cheaper than Houston TX for groceries, -1% cheaper for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and -6.5% cheaper for transport costs than Dubai.

Vilnius is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.

The hardship premium for Vilnius for an expat from Perth, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (Vilnius) premium of 30% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Vilnius as at 1 April 2018 is low in comparison to other places in the world.

Vilnius is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.