Poland has attracted the attention of emigrants in recent years due to its favourable geographical location, stable economy and affordable living conditions. This country offers not only comfortable accommodation and quality infrastructure, but also a high level of security. In this article we will tell you how much it really costs to live in Poland, and whether moving there is justified.
Why is Poland attracting new residents?
Economic stability, growing employment opportunities and proximity to other European countries make the Republic attractive for emigration. Poland combines a moderate cost of living, tradition and modernity, providing access to all the benefits of civilisation and preserving cultural diversity.
Geographical location and climate
The country occupies a central position in Europe, which makes it convenient for international travellers. Regular flights, well-developed railways and convenient buses make travelling between neighbouring countries quick and inexpensive. The southern regions are known for the Tatra Mountains, ideal for winter sports, while the northern regions, such as Gdansk, offer holidays by the Baltic Sea.
The climate is temperate: summers are warm, with average temperatures around +22°C, and winters are mild, with temperatures around -2°C. These conditions are favourable for a comfortable life both in large cities and in rural areas.
Social policy
The Republic offers access to free education and quality medical care. Public schools and universities provide a high level of education, while medical centres guarantee modern equipment and professional staff.
The transport system includes high-speed trains, buses and subways in major cities. Tickets for public transport cost from PLN 3.5, a monthly season ticket costs about 150. These factors make the cost of living in Poland balanced – residents receive a wide range of services for reasonable money.
How much does it cost to live in Poland?
The total cost of living in Poland includes the cost of rent, food, utilities and transport. The level of costs depends on the region: Warsaw and Krakow are considered the most expensive cities, while provincial regions offer more affordable conditions.
Renting accommodation in Poland
Housing is one of the key cost items. The cost of rent depends on the location, area and condition of the property:
- Warsaw: renting a studio in the centre – about 2500 PLN, on the outskirts – 1800 PLN.
- Krakow: a one-bedroom flat in the heart of the city costs 2200 PLN, outside – 1600 PLN.
- Gdańsk: studio rent starts from PLN 2000 in the centre and PLN 1500 on the outskirts.
To reduce costs, many people choose to live in the provinces, where a one-bedroom flat can be rented for 1200-1500 PLN. Renting together with neighbours is another popular way to save money.
Food prices in Poland
Food remains affordable even for families on a tight budget. Biedronka, Lidl and Carrefour supermarkets regularly offer discounts, while farmers’ markets offer fresh fruit and vegetables at low prices:
- A litre of milk is 4 zlotys.
- A loaf of bread – 3 zlotys.
- A kilo of chicken fillet – 20 zlotys.
- A kilo of potatoes – 3 zlotys.
- A dozen eggs – 8 zlotys.
Wages and expenses: average cost of living in Poland
The average wage in the country provides a sufficient standard of living to cover basic expenses and even allows to form a financial cushion. The amounts vary depending on the city, region and field of activity:
- Warsaw: about 6,000 PLN before taxes. International companies offering competitive salaries are concentrated in the capital, especially in IT, finance and marketing.
- Krakow: 5500 zloty. The city is known for its tourist infrastructure, which creates opportunities for work in the hotel and restaurant business.
- Wroclaw: 5000 zlotys. The subject is actively developing as a centre for start-ups and innovations.
After taxes, about 70 per cent of this amount remains. This is enough to cover key expenses, including housing, food, transport and utilities. For additional income, many people consider the logistics or service industries.
Average Costs:
- Utilities for a one-bedroom flat: 400-600 PLN per month. This includes heating, electricity, water and internet. In winter, heating bills may increase by 20-30%.
- Transport: a monthly bus pass costs about 150 PLN.
- Other expenses: entertainment, gyms, hobbies and trips to cafes usually cost 200-500 PLN per month.
Cost calculations confirm that life in Poland is balanced, especially for families and young professionals seeking financial stability.
Total costs: is it worth moving to Poland from Russia?
Moving provides a range of opportunities to improve the quality of life. Affordable housing, a stable economy and a European level of infrastructure make the country an optimal choice for emigration.
Benefits:
- Affordable cost of living in Poland. Prices for housing, groceries and transport remain significantly lower than in most Western European countries.
- High level of security. Poland is among the safest European countries, which is especially important for families with children.
- Convenient Location. The state borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine and Lithuania, which allows travelling around Europe with minimum expenses.
- Developed economy. A stable labour market, low unemployment and opportunities for professional growth make the Republic attractive to expats.
Disadvantages of living in Poland for Russians:
- The need to learn Polish. Despite the availability of English-speaking vacancies, knowledge of the local language will be required for integration into society.
- Higher costs in larger cities. Warsaw and Krakow have noticeably higher prices for rent and services than provincial subjects.
Conclusion
Poland offers an optimal combination of quality and cost of living. Regional differences allow you to choose the right rhythm – from the dynamism of metropolises to the quietness of the provinces. For a successful move, it is important to take into account the costs of housing, food and transport, as well as to adapt to local conditions. The cost of living in Poland justifies the choice for those seeking stability and comfort.
The cost of housing in Warsaw depends on the region, the age of the house and the type of development. In the centre, prices can reach 20,000 PLN per m², while in new complexes prices start from 15,000 PLN per m². On the outskirts you can find offers for 9,000 PLN per m².
The choice of neighbourhood depends on your goals. For a comfortable life, Zolibozh and Mokotów are more suitable. For business and investment, the Centre and Volia are advantageous. If it is important to find affordable housing, you should pay attention to Prague-Pulnotz and Bemowo. Warsaw’s neighbourhoods for buying property are diverse. Everyone can find the best option, taking into account their budget and needs.
Two main levies apply to the purchase of a property in the country: VAT and civil transaction tax (PCC). The former is charged on the purchase of new buildings from a property developer. The standard VAT rate is 23%, but a reduced rate of 8% applies for residential properties up to 150m². Secondary purchases are subject to PCC, which is 2% of the market value of the dwelling. The percentages depend on the type of transaction and the property, which requires careful analysis of each case. The investor is advised to carefully study the taxation conditions to avoid unexpected costs and optimise the investment.
An analysis of Poland’s tax system shows that property commissions are considered an important element in the process of buying and owning property here. Transparency of legislation, specific interest rates and clear regulations set by the Ministry of Finance create conditions for safe transactions.