The cost of living in Poland is among the most affordable in the European Union (EU), alongside Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria. In the 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Warsaw, Poland's most expensive city, ranked 174th out of 227 cities.
Accommodation costs 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 most expensive. Expats who are willing to live a bit further out and manage a small commute will find better deals for apartments with larger living spaces.
Food costs in Poland
Eating out and buying groceries is generally cheaper than in most other Western European cities, and prices for Polish products are very reasonable, but imported items will be significantly more expensive.
Cost of transport in Poland
Public transport is relatively inexpensive, and students, pupils and senior citizens are eligible for discounts on long-term ticketing.
Poland's central location and the prevalence of low-cost air travel make it easy and affordable to explore the rest of Europe while living in Poland. Airports can be found in all the major Polish cities.
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.
Most often, expat parents send their children to an international school where the students 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 prove to be a huge expense because fees are high, as are additional expenses such as the cost of school trips, uniforms and textbooks.
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 November 2022.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
PLN 3,500 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
PLN 6,600 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
PLN 2,700 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
PLN 5,100 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
PLN 11 |
Milk (1 litre) |
PLN 4 |
Rice (1 kg) |
PLN 6 |
Loaf of white bread |
PLN 5 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
PLN 24 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
PLN 18 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
PLN 27 |
Coca-Cola (500ml) |
PLN 6 |
Cappuccino |
PLN 13 |
Bottle of beer (local) |
PLN 14 |
Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant |
PLN 180 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
PLN 0.28 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
PLN 59 |
Basic utilities (monthly average for standard household) |
PLN 915 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate/km |
PLN 3 |
Bus fare in the city centre |
PLN 4.40 |
Gasoline (per litre) |
PLN 7.44 |
►For Poland money matters, read Banking, Money and Taxes in Poland.
Expat Experiences
"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.
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.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.