City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Poland
COL index 40.2
Lithuania
COL index 45.6
Kraków vs Vilnius — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Kraków is 11.8% cheaper than Vilnius for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Kraków | Metric | Vilnius | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40.2 | Cost of living index | 45.6 | +13.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,568 | Net at €50,000 gross | €34,992 | -15.8% |
| €780 | Rent — 1BR centre | €920 | +17.9% |
| €1,198 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,389 | +15.9% |
| €103,402 | PPP — net / COL | €76,737 | -25.8% |
| 16.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 30.0% | +78.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Poland = €3,464 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vilnius, you would need roughly €67,374 gross in Lithuania (≈ €3,929 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€780 vs €920)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 40)
- +Favourable tax rate (16.9%)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 46)
The verdict
Across the data, Kraków delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Kraków carries a lower cost-of-living index; Kraków has the lighter effective tax burden; Kraków wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Kraków edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Kraków cheaper than Vilnius?+
Kraków is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Kraków 40.2, Vilnius 45.6 — a 11.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Kraków and Vilnius?+
Kraków sits at 40.2 on our COL index, Vilnius at 45.6. That works out to roughly 11.8% — Kraków being the cheaper of the two.
Is Kraków a good place to live compared to Vilnius?+
It depends on priorities. Kraków delivers €41,568 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 16.9% effective tax rate. Vilnius delivers €34,992 at 30.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €780 vs €920.
How do salaries compare in Kraków vs Vilnius?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Kraków and €34,992/year (€2,916/month) in Vilnius.
Which city has lower taxes, Kraków or Vilnius?+
Poland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Poland 16.9%, Lithuania 30.0%.