Average Cost of Living in Poland | Monthly Expenses Breakdown

Are you curious about what it costs to live in Poland in 2024?

Whether you’re planning to move, study, or travel, it’s always a good idea to know how far your money will go.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the essential costs you should know about—from rent and groceries to transportation and entertainment.

Please keep in mind that these are the average prices. 

Let’s dive in!

Whether you can afford to live in Poland depends mainly on how much money you earn and how you choose to spend it.

The average worker in Poland makes about 8,604 PLN a month (which is about 2000 Euros).

But how much you earn can change a lot depending on your job.

For example, people who work in computers and technology (IT) usually make more, around 19,200 PLN a month. While people working in office jobs might make closer to 9,300 PLN.

The salary is around 5,000 PLN for an average worker at a factory. 

You need somewhere around 6,000 PLN per month to live comfortably in Poland.

You can rent a nice 1-bedroom apartment, eat 3 times a day, have a better internet connection, and pay for water and electricity bills with that much money.

Generally, 3200 PLN a month would be enough to live decently in Poland where you would be sharing a room with someone but to live comfortably in Poland, you would need more money than that.

Housing is one of the biggest expenses, so let’s start there.

In Poland, the cost of renting varies depending on the city and the type of accommodation you choose.

Big cities like Warsaw, Kraków, or Wrocław:

Studio apartment (1 room):
2,500–3,500 PLN/month.

1-bedroom apartment:
3,000–4,500 PLN/month.

Shared apartment:
Around 1,500 PLN/month (per room).

Smaller towns and cities:

Studio apartment:
1,800–2,500 PLN/month.

1-bedroom apartment:
2,500–3,000 PLN/month.

Shared apartment:
1,000–1,200 PLN/month (per room).

Utilities like electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection cost between 300–600 PLN/month, depending on the season.

During winter, heating can increase your bill, especially if your apartment uses central heating.

Tip: Look for apartments with utilities included in the rent—it can save you time and hassle!

Poland is known for its affordable and delicious food. Here’s what you can expect to spend:

Eating Out

A meal at a local restaurant:
30–50 PLN.

Fast food (like McDonald’s):
Around 25 PLN for a meal.

Fine dining:
100–150 PLN per person.

If you love coffee or snacks:

Cup of coffee:
12–18 PLN.

Dessert or pastry:
10–15 PLN.

Groceries

Shopping for groceries in Poland is budget-friendly. For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to spend 200–350 PLN per person.
Here’s a breakdown of average prices:

Bread:
4–6 PLN.

Milk (1 liter):
3.50–5 PLN.

Eggs (12-pack):
12–16 PLN.

Chicken (1 kg):
20–25 PLN.

Fruits (e.g., apples, bananas):
5–8 PLN/kg.

Vegetables (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes):
4–7 PLN/kg.

Tip: Shopping at local markets is often cheaper and offers fresher produce!

Getting around Poland is convenient and affordable. Public transportation is widely used, and car ownership is optional in major cities.

Public Transportation

Monthly pass (bus, tram, metro):
120–150 PLN (varies by city).

Single ticket:
3.50–6 PLN (depending on the city and duration).

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxi fare:
8–10 PLN for the base fee,
then 2.50–4 PLN per kilometer.

Ride-sharing apps (like Uber or Bolt):
Cheaper than taxis, with average rides costing 15–25 PLN.

Owning a Car

If you decide to own a car, here are the costs:

Fuel:
Around 6–7 PLN per liter.

Insurance:
1,000–2,000 PLN per year.

Parking fees:
3–6 PLN/hour in city centers.

Poland offers affordable healthcare services. If you’re a resident or working in Poland, you’ll likely be covered by public healthcare (NFZ).

Public Healthcare

Consultation with a doctor:
Free if you’re insured.

Specialist visits:
May require a referral and can take time.

Private Healthcare

If you prefer faster service, private healthcare is available:

Doctor’s consultation:
150–300 PLN per visit.

Health insurance (private):
100–300 PLN/month,
depending on the coverage.

Tip: If you’re staying short-term, consider international health insurance to cover any medical expenses.

If you’re moving with kids or planning to study, here’s what to expect:

Public Schools

Education in public schools is free for residents, including expats with work permits or long-term visas.

Private Schools

International schools:
3,000–5,000 PLN/month.

Universities

Public universities:
Free for EU/EEA citizens.
Non-EU students pay 10,000–20,000 PLN per year for tuition.

Private universities:
20,000–40,000 PLN per year.

Life isn’t all about work—let’s talk fun!

Activities

Movie tickets:
25–40 PLN.

Gym membership:
100–200 PLN/month.

Museum or gallery tickets:
15–30 PLN.

Weekend Trips

Poland’s central location makes it perfect for exploring Europe. A train ticket to nearby countries like Germany or the Czech Republic starts at 100–300 PLN.

Other common costs you might want to consider:

Internet and mobile plans:
50–100 PLN/month.

Clothing:
Prices are similar to Western Europe, with fast-fashion brands like Zara or H&M offering affordable options.

Haircuts:
50–100 PLN (men), 100–200 PLN (women).

Here’s a quick summary of what you might spend monthly as a single person living in Poland:

Rent (studio): 2,500–3,500 PLN.

Utilities: 400–600 PLN.

Groceries: 800–1,200 PLN.

Transportation: 150 PLN.

Entertainment and dining out: 500–800 PLN.

Total Average Costs:
4,350–6,250 PLN/month (approx. 1,000–1,500 Euros).

Poland offers a fantastic balance between quality of life and affordability. Whether you’re a student, professional, or retiree, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

If you’re planning to move or visit, make sure to plan your budget according to your needs. And remember, living in Poland isn’t just about the costs—it’s about the experiences, culture, and opportunities you’ll enjoy along the way.

If you are not currently in Poland or any other European Countries, but have a dream of going there to work then we’re here to help you navigate the process of getting a work visa.