Join: Expats in Poland

How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Poland?

Planning to move to Poland? Use our calculator to find out your monthly expenses. Get realistic budgets for Warsaw, Krakow, and other Polish cities based on your lifestyle.

LOCATION

HOUSING

LIFESTYLE

Monthly Cost Estimate

powered by howtopoland.com

Quick Answer: Monthly Budget for Poland

Student/Budget Living

2,500-4,000 zł

Shared apartment, home cooking, public transport

Comfortable Living

5,000-8,000 zł

Own apartment, dining out, entertainment

Luxury Lifestyle

10,000+ zł

City center, car, premium services

These are net salary requirements for Warsaw. Other cities are 20-50% cheaper. Use our calculator above for exact estimates based on your preferences.

Is Poland Expensive? Real Cost Comparison

What's Cheap in Poland

Public transport (monthly)110 zł ($25)
Restaurant meal50 zł ($11)
Beer in pub15 zł ($3.50)
Haircut40 zł ($9)

What Costs More

Warsaw city center rent3,000+ zł ($700)
Car insurance150 zł ($35)
Electronics (iPhone)Similar to US/EU
Branded clothesSimilar to EU

Bottom Line

Poland is 40-60% cheaper than Western Europe overall. Services, food, and rent are very affordable. Electronics and cars cost about the same as anywhere in the EU.

Polish Cities: Where to Live for Your Budget

Most Expensive Cities

Warsaw

Monthly budget: 5,000-10,000 zł

Highest salaries, best job market, most expensive rent

Krakow

Monthly budget: 4,000-8,000 zł

Tourist city, beautiful but pricey, lots of expats

Gdansk

Monthly budget: 4,000-7,500 zł

Coastal city, growing tech hub, rising costs

Best Value Cities

Wrocław

Monthly budget: 3,500-6,500 zł

Great for students and young professionals

Poznań

Monthly budget: 3,000-6,000 zł

Business hub, affordable, good quality of life

Łódź

Monthly budget: 2,500-5,000 zł

Cheapest major city, close to Warsaw

Monthly Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget Living

Shared apartment (suburbs)1,200 zł
Groceries + minimal dining800 zł
Public transport110 zł
Utilities + phone350 zł
Entertainment300 zł
Total monthly2,760 zł

Comfortable Living

1BR apartment (near center)2,200 zł
Food + regular dining1,200 zł
Transport + occasional taxi300 zł
Utilities + subscriptions500 zł
Entertainment + gym600 zł
Total monthly4,800 zł

Premium Living

2BR apartment (city center)3,500 zł
Food + frequent dining1,800 zł
Car + parking800 zł
Utilities + premium services700 zł
Entertainment + activities1,000 zł
Total monthly7,800 zł

Note: These are estimates for Warsaw. Other cities are typically 20-50% cheaper. Actual costs vary based on specific neighborhoods, personal choices, and seasonal factors.

How to Save Money Living in Poland

Housing Hacks

  • Live in suburbs: Save 30-50% on rent with just 20 minutes extra commute
  • Share apartment: Cut housing costs in half, meet people
  • Look for "all inclusive": Avoid surprise utility bills in winter

Daily Savings

  • Shop at Biedronka/Lidl: 40% cheaper than premium stores
  • Cook at home: Restaurant meal = 5 home-cooked meals
  • Get student discounts: 50% off transport, museums, events

Common Questions About Living Costs in Poland

Can I live in Poland on 1,000 EUR per month?

Yes, but it depends where. In cities like Łódź or Lublin, 1,000 EUR (4,300 zł) covers rent, food, and transport. In Warsaw, you'd need shared accommodation and careful budgeting. It's definitely doable.

What salary do I need for a comfortable life in Warsaw?

Around 8,000-10,000 zł net monthly for a single person. This gets you a nice apartment, regular dining out, entertainment, and savings. Many expats live well on 6,000-7,000 zł with some compromises.

Is Poland cheaper than Germany or UK?

Much cheaper. Your money goes about twice as far in Poland. A lifestyle that costs €3,000 in Berlin costs about €1,500 in Warsaw. The biggest savings are on rent, food, and services.

How much should I budget for groceries in Poland?

About 800-1,200 zł monthly for one person if you cook at home. Shop at Biedronka or Lidl for best prices. Local bread, dairy, and meat are very cheap. Imported foods cost more.

Do I need a car in Polish cities?

Not really. Public transport is excellent and cheap (110 zł/month). Most expats use trams/buses/metro. A car adds 800-1,200 zł monthly (fuel, insurance, parking). Only get one if you travel outside cities often.

What about healthcare costs for foreigners?

EU citizens use their European Health Card for free healthcare. If you work in Poland, public healthcare (NFZ) is free. Private insurance costs 200-400 zł monthly and gives faster access to doctors.

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