Living costs
The cost of living in Poland can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and individual spending habits. Generally, Poland is considered more affordable than many Western European countries. Here’s a breakdown of some common expenses:
The cost of rent varies significantly between cities. In larger cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw, rent tends to be higher than in smaller towns. On average, you might expect to pay between 1,500 to 3,000 PLN per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center.
Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, and internet, can cost around 400 to 600 PLN per month.
Grocery costs vary, but on average, a single person might spend around 600 to 800 PLN per month on groceries. This can vary depending on your eating habits and whether you cook at home or eat out.
Public transportation in Poland is relatively affordable. A monthly transportation pass in major cities can cost around 100 to 150 PLN. If you own a car, you’ll need to budget for fuel, parking, and maintenance.
Health insurance costs can vary. If you’re an EU citizen, you might be eligible for public healthcare, and the costs are covered through social security contributions. If you’re not an EU citizen, you may need to purchase private health insurance, which can range from 100 to 400 PLN per month.
Mobile phone plans and internet packages are reasonably priced. A basic mobile plan might cost around 30 to 50 PLN per month, and internet services can be around 50 to 100 PLN per month.
Eating out at restaurants can vary, but a meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around 40 to 100 PLN.
Costs for entertainment, such as cinema tickets, gym memberships, and cultural events, vary. Budget around 100 to 300 PLN per month for these activities.
Shopping centres are available in every bigger town in Poland. Usually, they are open 7 days a week, often from 8.00 to 21.00, although, there are also shops open 24/7. Local shops where you can buy food and fresh products are mostly open from Monday to Friday usually from 7.00 or 8.00 to 18.00 and on Saturday to 14.00. Shops are closed on Sundays.