Cost of Living in Poland

The cost of living in Poland is among the cheapest in the European Union (EU), alongside Romania and Bulgaria. In the 2010 Mercer Cost of Living survey, Warsaw, Poland's most expensive city, ranked 96th of 214 cities across five continents. It ranked 168th of 300 expat destinations in a similar survey conducted by Xpatulator.

Overall, Poland has a middling cost of living index - with the larger cities being significantly more expensive than the truly rural areas; as is the case with most nations.

Salaries in Poland are among the lowest in Europe, and most locals end up spending nearly 40 to 50% of their paycheques on housing.

Accommodation costs in Poland

The cost of accommodation in Poland is extremely variable, but for the most part, flats closest to the main square in any Polish city - big or small - will always be the most expensive. If willing to live a bit further out, and manage a small commute, it's possible to find better deals and larger spaces.

In the major urban centres, expats tend to live in the more expensive areas and can expect to pay at least 2000 zloty per month, plus another 100 zloty for utilities.

Food costs in Poland

The price of cigarettes and alcohol in Poland is among the cheapest in continental Europe. A pack of smokes is roughly one-third of the price of the same product in the UK.

Eating out and buying groceries is generally cheaper than in western European cities, but purchasing imported articles will be significantly more expensive, and in some cases, priced even higher than in places like Paris and London.

Expats who prefer to purchase goods brought in from their home country will find their budget may suffer considerably. However, if you choose Polish products, prices are very reasonable.

The price of a good meal out with a glass of wine costs between 70 to 100 zloty, and a kebab will cost a mere 8 zloty. Weekly shopping for a single individual would be roughly 200 zloty.

Transport costs in Poland

Petrol prices in Poland are on par with the rest of Europe, while public transportation tickets are still relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, students, pupils and senior citizens are eligible for 50% discounts on long-term ticketing.

A monthly public transport ticket will cost 80 zloty, while petrol runs at 4.50 zloty per litre.