Surprisingly Affordable College Towns You Can Actually Live In

By

Lisette Marie

December 8, 2025

18. Kaunas, Lithuania (Vytautas Magnus University & Kaunas University of Technology)

Aerial view of Kaunas downtown. Photo Credit: Envato @a_medvedkov

Lithuania’s second-largest city, Kaunas, is rapidly gaining recognition as an affordable, student-friendly destination. Rent and general living costs are among the lowest in Europe, and Kaunas’ creative, youthful vibe makes it a hidden gem for international students and digital nomads. The city’s mix of Soviet-era and Art Deco architecture adds to its unique character, and it’s an excellent alternative to pricier Western European university cities.

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