The average cost of living in Poland can serve as a benchmark for your budget planning. To make smarter financial decisions, learn about the Polish prices on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment in this guide.
Average cost of living in Poland
Rent prices in Poland
Food costs
Transportation costs
Sending money home
Shopping, sports, and entertainment costs
Other living costs in Poland
FAQ – The cost of living in Poland
Average cost of living in Poland
The data used in this article was taken from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced database updated in real time. All listed prices are correct as of February 10th, 2026, but they may change over time due to inflation and other factors. Also, we’ll provide prices in EUR so you can compare them to other European countries. The rate: 1 PLN = 0.2336 EUR (as of February 18th).
Let’s explore two scenarios: living alone or with a family. Then, these will be your monthly costs in each situation:
- Single person: 3,008.9 PLN (702.9 EUR)
- Family of four: 10,123.8 PLN (2,364.16 EUR)
These are the living expenses in Poland on food, transportation, shopping, and other daily needs. Rent, education, travelling, and hospital treatment are not included in the total, so we’ll cover them later in the article.
For expats: How to calculate your gross & net salary in Poland.
Rent prices in Poland
If you don’t own an apartment or house yet, half of your income will be eaten by rent. It’s not even an exaggeration, rent costs can really take 50%+ of your salary away:
| Type/Location | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, city centre | 2,830.56 | 661.01 |
| 1 bedroom, outside of city centre | 2,319.78 | 541.73 |
| 3 bedrooms, city centre | 4,673.42 | 1,091.36 |
| 3 bedrooms, outside of city centre | 3,651.60 | 852.74 |
Given that the average after-tax salary is 6,187.00 PLN (1,444.82 EUR), covering the full rent may be unaffordable for expats. There are several solutions to this financial trouble:
- Living with flatmates. You can search for shared apartment advertisements on specialised websites, Facebook groups and in chats.
- Dormitories. If you're a student, try getting a dormitory place. Apply in advance, because competition is tough.
- Negotiating for discounts. Some landlords may offer discounts if you pay several months' rent upfront.
- Move out of the city. It's a perfect option for remote workers looking to save some money. Rent prices of apartments located near cities are lower, yet you can still commute to the city centre on weekends.
There is one more headache when it comes to living spaces – utilities.
Utility prices in Poland
| Utilities | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, heating, water, etc. for an 85 m2 apartment | 1,127.03 | 263.27 |
| Mobile phone plan, 10 GB per month | 37.04 | 8.65 |
| Broadband internet | 67.04 | 15.66 |
Utility costs are something one can actually control, so we’ve prepared some helpful tips for you:
Food costs
What a pleasure it is to eat some fresh veggies, juicy meals and sweet fruits. But first, let’s see what it will cost you!
How much is food in Poland?
| Product | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1l | 3.91 | 0.91 |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | 4.95 | 1.16 |
| White rice, 1kg | 5.61 | 1.31 |
| Eggs, 12 | 12.96 | 3.03 |
| Local cheese, 1kg | 34.42 | 8.04 |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | 24.90 | 5.82 |
| Beef round, 1kg | 47.49 | 11.09 |
| Apples, 1kg | 4.39 | 1.03 |
| Bananas, 1kg | 6.46 | 1.51 |
| Oranges, 1kg | 6.81 | 1.59 |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | 10.85 | 2.53 |
| Potatoes, 1kg | 3.41 | 0.80 |
| Onions, 1kg | 4.11 | 0.96 |
| Lettuce, 1 head | 4.91 | 1.15 |
| Bottled water, 1.5l | 2.47 | 0.58 |
| Bottle of wine | 26.00 | 6.07 |
| Domestic beer, 0.5l | 4.36 | 1.02 |
If you’re into healthy, fresh foods, the prices will rise. On the other hand, if you don’t mind buying groceries in supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi, your expenses should be near the average.
More tips: How to save money on groceries.
Eating out
Who wouldn’t enjoy a nice cafe lunch or a fancy restaurant dinner? You can find dining of any kind in Poland, with the average prices being:
| Type | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 40.00 | 9.34 |
| Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 186.00 | 43.45 |
| Combo meal at McDonald’s (or equivalent) | 33.00 | 7.71 |
| Cappuccino, regular size | 13.77 | 3.22 |
Ask locals for tasty and budget-friendly recommendations, and don't be afraid to explore hidden gems outside of the city centre.
Transportation costs
Polish public transportation is excellent, so are taxis and cycling infrastructure in large cities. While living in Poland, commuting will cost you the following:
| Type | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket | 4.40 | 1.03 |
| Monthly pass | 117.00 | 27.33 |
| Taxi, start | 9.00 | 2.10 |
| Taxi, 1km | 3.95 | 0.92 |
| Gasoline, 1l | 6.16 | 1.44 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 or equivalent | 109,235.73 | 25,521.48 |
Cycling is a popular alternative to public transportation and cars. Its infrastructure is rapidly developing, so get a comfortable bicycle and explore the city in a healthy and eco-friendly way.
Sending money home
Often, expats have to add transfers to their list of monthly expenses in Poland. Some support family members, others pay utility bills or invest in the local market – reasons are different, but they all need to send money home somehow.
To convert PLN at hot rates, join Profee. Our service sends money from Poland so smoothly that you and your wallet will barely notice. Profee transfers are:
- Fully safe. We’re a licensed company which operates officially in the EU.
- Fast. Transfers arrive, on average, in minutes.
- Convenient. It’s 100% online and simple to navigate.
- Cost-effective. Welcome offer, competitive rates, little to no fees – we care about your budget.
- Flexible. We support various transfer methods, including BLIK.
Find a guide on beneficial transfers from Poland here.
Even if you don’t plan to send money right now, download the app to always have instant access to transfers. Then, Profee will deliver your funds whenever and wherever you need.
Shopping, sports, and entertainment costs
We can’t always work, right? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself in Poland – shopping, sports activities, cinemas, museums, theatres, festivals…the list can go on and on! To calculate your budget on well-deserved treats, take a look at these example costs:
| Type | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans | 318.13 | 74.32 |
| Running shoes | 337.85 | 78.92 |
| Leather business shoes | 384.11 | 89.73 |
| Fitness club membership, per month | 147.30 | 34.41 |
| Cinema ticket | 30.00 | 7.01 |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour, weekend | 98.02 | 22.90 |
To save funds, try alternatives such as apartment-friendly workouts, movie nights, garage sales, walks around the city, and other budget-friendly leisure options.
Other living costs in Poland
Health and education are not something everyone spends money on, but you should stay informed and have a special emergency fund for such cases. We’ve collected some approximate prices:
Education
| Type | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Private full-day preschool or kindergarten, monthly fee | 1,629.27 | 380.60 |
| International primary school, international, annual tuition | 37,497.48 | 8,759.41 |
| Public university, annual tuition | 16,853.81 | 3,937.10 |
Health
| Type | Price, PLN | Price, EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dental filling | 300 | 70.08 |
| GP visit | 150 | 35.04 |
| Specialist visit | 200 | 46.72 |
| Routine surgeries | 3,000 | 700.80 |
| Private insurance, annual | 5,000 | 1,168.00 |
Most long-term citizens are qualified for access to the public health system, the National Health Fund (NFZ). NFZ covers some medical treatment, think of it as public health insurance. If you are not eligible, you can make contributions to NFZ by yourself, pay out of pocket to doctors or get private insurance.
FAQ – The cost of living in Poland
Is Poland expensive to live in?
Depending on what you compare it to. Poland is cheaper than central Europe and Scandinavia, yet it can be more expensive than other Eastern European countries.
What is the cost of living in Poland per month?
Living in Poland as a single person will cost you around 3,008.9 PLN (702.9 EUR) per month, excluding rent. Families need approximately 10,123.8 PLN (2,364.16 EUR). Beware that this data is shared in February 2026.
What can I buy for 5 zloty?
In 2026, you can buy water and some inexpensive groceries like bread, fruits and vegetables.
How can I send money from Poland?
Transferring funds from Poland is easy:
- Join Profee.
- Add the transfer amount.
- Select how you’ll pay.
- Enter the recipient details.
- Double-check and confirm.
All you need is a stable internet connection, a couple of minutes of your time and any working device (phone, laptop, PC).
Is Poland expensive for students?
No, the cost of living in Poland for students is considered low compared to other European countries. At the same time, the education quality is good – University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University and other institutions are in the top 500 in the global university ranking.
