Almost one in three Lithuanians may buy fewer goods and services due to higher prices, but Lithuanians' attitudes remain the most positive among the Baltic countries, according to a survey initiated by the Baltic Bank „Citadele“.

According to the survey, 41% of Lithuanians do not perceive any change in their purchasing power, while increased prices have reduced the financial possibilities of 31% of respondents in Lithuania, as well as 39% of respondents in Latvia and 53% of respondents in Estonia.

A large majority of respondents in each of the Baltic countries say that the still high interest rates on loans have not affected their finances. The highest share of those who think so is 53% in Latvia, 52% in Lithuania and 47% in Estonia.

Lithuanians are also the most optimistic about wage growth – 31% of respondents think their salaries will increase over the next 12 months, compared to 28% in Latvia and 23% in Estonia.

The majority of Lithuanian respondents (47%) who intend to spend money on major purchases in the next 12 months highlighted plans for home repairs and new household appliances, as well as travel (32%).

„Almost one in ten (7%) of the Lithuanian population surveyed intend to buy a home. It is likely that the recovering purchasing power and expectations of further cuts in base rates in the euro area may soon boost the activity of the Lithuanian real estate market," says R. Ežerskienė, Member of the Board of Directors of the bank „Citadele“.

She highlights the trend that among residents who intend to increase their spending on large purchases, more than 75% intend to finance these expenditures from their own savings.

While the majority of people plan to make large purchases out of their savings, 58% of Lithuanians surveyed could only live without additional financial resources for up to half a year. For more than 6 months – 19% of Lithuanians.

This is the highest proportion in the Baltic States – 15% of Estonians and Latvians could live for that long without additional financial resources.

„Citadele“ Bank commissioned a representative survey of the Baltic population conducted by research agency „Norstat“ in May 2024. At least 1,000 people aged 18 to 74 were surveyed in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia each via an online survey.