Cost of Living in Poland

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.