Vilnius Officially Becomes the Largest City in the Baltics
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has officially become the largest city in the Baltics, overtaking Latvia’s capital, Riga.
This milestone is confirmed by official data agencies from both Latvia and Lithuania. According to the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia’s latest population data released on June 2, Riga’s population stands at 591 881. Meanwhile, Vilnius has grown from 602 408 to 607 667 residents, marking an increase of more than 5000 in one year, as reported by Lithuania’s State Data Agency.
For several years, demographic trends have indicated Vilnius’ steady growth, positioning Vilnius as the emerging metropolitan leader in the region.
A Decade of Growth and Prosperity
Over the past decade, Vilnius’ population has increased by 13%, driven by the city’s expanding economic power as an innovative international business hub and rising living standards. Remarkably, the city’s growth has remained resilient amid the pandemic and geopolitical challenges. The average salary in Vilnius has tripled in ten years, from €797 in 2014 to €2,536 in 2024.
“Vilnius is experiencing remarkable momentum and thriving like never before. Founded over 700 years ago as a multicultural city, it remains vibrant and youthful in spirit. Through speed, adaptability, and innovation, we are ensuring sustainable growth for our city. Our commitment is underscored by our designation as the European Green Capital this year,” says Vilnius City Mayor Valdas Benkunskas. “Our city stands as a shining example of reinvention - transforming over the past three decades into a dynamic and inspiring hub of innovation.”
The Wealthiest City in the Baltics
Vilnius’ economic strength is further confirmed by the most recent Eurostat data, showing Vilnius has become the wealthiest city in the Baltic states, with GDP per capita surpassing the EU average for the first time among Baltic capitals.
Žygimantas Mauricas, Chief economist of Luminor Bank highlights that preliminary 2024 Eurostat data reveal Vilnius’ GDP per capita is now 9% higher than Tallinn’s, 36% higher than Riga’s, and 5% above the EU average.
“Just a decade ago, Tallinn was nearly 25% wealthier than Vilnius, with Riga on par, while the EU average outpaced Vilnius by almost 50%. The current data marks a dramatic turnaround,” adds Mauricas.
Thriving Economy and Job Market
Lithuania’s transformation into a dynamic EU and global market participant has spurred international investments and business growth in Vilnius, offering more jobs and rising wages.
Key booming sectors in Vilnius's technology ecosystem include fintech, life sciences, defense, artificial intelligence, and broader tech innovations. The ecosystem comprises over 1,100 companies employing more than 40,000 people.
Vilnius’ startup ecosystem has expanded 39-fold in value over the last decade, becoming one of the fastest-growing in Central and Eastern Europe. In the past five years, four startups from Vilnius have reached “unicorn” status (valued over $1 billion), underscoring the city’s rising prominence in the tech industry.
Global companies with a strong presence in Vilnius include Moody’s, Nasdaq, Thermo Fisher, Vinted, and Nord Security.
“The combination of factors - quality of life, highly skilled talent pool, business-friendly environment, and rapid innovation - makes Vilnius attractive not only to foreign investors but also to homegrown companies such as Vilnius-born unicorns Vinted and Nord Security. With growing demand for talent in the tech sector, Vilnius is investing in education and welcoming specialists from abroad through initiatives like International House Vilnius,” said Dovilė Aleksandravičienė, Director of Go Vilnius, the official development agency of the city.
Talent Attraction and Integration
To meet the growing demand for skilled workers—especially in the tech sector—Vilnius has focused heavily on attracting and integrating international communities.
Vilnius International House, a service center operated by Go Vilnius, offers comprehensive integration services and educational programs for foreigners, all conveniently located under one roof, serving as a true one-stop shop for newcomers settling in the city. The city hosts the largest annual event of its kind in the region, “Vilnius is my city,” which draws around 7000 participants from both locals and the international community.
Today, foreigners make up over 12% of Vilnius’ population, reflecting the city’s increasing diversity.
Quality of Life: A Green and Happy City
Vilnius is not only expanding in size and wealth but is also becoming an increasingly desirable place to live. According to the 2023 European Cities Quality of Life Survey, Vilnius ranks among the top cities in the EU, following only Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Luxembourg.
The city stands out for its excellent air quality, low noise and crime levels, well-maintained public spaces, and vibrant cultural scene. Nearly 61% of Vilnius is dedicated to green spaces, including parks, riverfronts, and lakes.
Vilnius is a compact, walkable city with affordable public transportation. Named the European Green Capital 2025, the city boasts smart mobility innovations such as over 300 low-emission buses, 140 km of cycling paths, and electric vehicle charging stations integrated into streetlights.
Lithuania ranks 16th in the global Happiness Index, with its younger generation recognized as the happiest in the world.
Recently, Vilnius has also emerged as a new culinary hotspot in Europe. In 2024, four local restaurants earned Michelin stars for the first time — and all four retained their stars in 2025. The city also features 7 restaurants recognized with a Bib Gourmand and a total of 29 listed in the Michelin Guide selection.