The cost of living in Poland is among the most affordable in the European Union, alongside Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria. In the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Warsaw, Poland’s most expensive city, was ranked 135th out of 226 cities.
Cost of accommodation in Poland
The cost of accommodation in Poland varies, but apartments closest to the main square in any Polish city – big or small – will usually be the priciest. If you’re willing to live a bit further out and commute to work, you’ll get more for your money, especially in terms of apartment space.
Cost of transport in Poland
Public transport in Poland is relatively inexpensive, and students, pupils and senior citizens are eligible for discounts on long-term ticketing.
Poland’s central location within Europe and the prevalence of low-cost air travel make it easy and affordable to explore the continent while living here. Airports can be found in all the major Polish cities.
Cost of groceries in Poland
Shopping for groceries in Poland can be a refreshing change for expats, as the prices are often substantially lower than in Western Europe, the US or Australia. Local markets, filled with fresh produce, are especially budget-friendly.
While local produce and goods tend to be affordable, imported goods might have a price tag closer to what expats are used to back home. For those with a penchant for local delicacies like pierogi, bigos or żurek, Poland is a food haven on a budget. It might be a bit pricier for those yearning for a taste of home from faraway places.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Poland
Poland has a vibrant cultural scene, and there’s no shortage of things to do or places to explore. Thankfully, enjoying a night out or engaging in cultural activities doesn’t burn a hole in one’s pocket. Cinema tickets, theatre performances, and music concerts are usually much cheaper than in major world capitals.
As for dining out, a hearty meal in a local eatery will often be quite budget-friendly, although upscale restaurants in major cities like Warsaw or Kraków can have prices more akin to their Western European counterparts. Nonetheless, compared to a dinner out in Manhattan or central London, it’s still a relative bargain.
Cost of education in Poland
Public education in Poland is free, but it is not a viable option for many expats because the language of instruction is Polish.
Expat parents usually opt to send their children to an international school, where they can continue to follow the same curriculum they were studying in their home country. Most international schools are found in Warsaw or Kraków. International school fees can turn out to be a considerable expense, along with additional costs for school trips, uniforms and textbooks.
Cost of healthcare in Poland
Healthcare in Poland has seen significant improvements over the years, and the standard of care in major cities is comparable to that in other parts of Europe. Public healthcare is funded through a mandatory health insurance system. Expats working in Poland will typically contribute to this system via their employment and, as a result, have access to public healthcare services.
On the other hand, many expats opt for private healthcare due to shorter waiting times and the availability of English-speaking doctors. While private healthcare costs are higher than public, they are generally lower than those in countries like the US or the UK. It’s worth noting that many medications, especially generic brands, are cheaper in Poland than in several Western countries, but expats should still consider health insurance to cover any unexpected health expenses.
Cost of living in Poland chart
Note that prices may vary depending on location and service provider, and the table below is based on average prices for Warsaw in August 2024.
Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | PLN 7,250 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | PLN 5,400 |
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | PLN 4,300 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | PLN 3,300 |
Food and drink | |
Dozen eggs | PLN 12.20 |
Milk (1 litre) | PLN 4.10 |
Rice (1kg) | PLN 6.40 |
Loaf of white bread | PLN 4.50 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | PLN 22 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | PLN 19 |
Eating out | |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | PLN 200 |
Big Mac Meal | PLN 34 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) | PLN 7.70 |
Cappuccino | PLN 14.10 |
Bottle of beer (local) | PLN 15 |
Utilities/household | |
Mobile call rate (monthly plan with call time and data) | PLN 37 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | PLN 66 |
Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) | PLN 1,200 |
Transportation | |
Taxi rate/km | PLN 3 |
City-centre public transport fare | PLN 4.40 |
Gasoline (per litre) | PLN 6.60 |
What do expats say about the cost of living in Poland?
"The cost of living is low compared to Germany, where we were living before. One of the cheapest aspects of life here is medical and dental care! There is actually a lot of 'denture' tourism from Austria and Germany."
Read more about expat life in Kraków, Poland in our interview with South African expat Leonie.
Further reading
►Read Doing Business in Poland for information about working in the country
►For Poland money matters, read Banking, Money and Taxes in Poland.
Are you an expat living in Poland?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Poland. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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