Cost of Living in Poland

The cost of living in Poland is generally more affordable than in many Western European countries. A single person may spend around PLN 3,000–3,500 (INR 76.5K–89.25K) per month, while a family of four may require approximately PLN 10,000–10,500 (INR 2.55L–2.68L), excluding rent.

Housing is usually one of the largest expenses. According to Numbeo's June 2026 country data, a one-bedroom apartment costs around PLN 2,000–4,742 (INR 51K–1.21L) per month in the city centre and PLN 1,500–3,699 (INR 38.25K–94.3K) outside the city centre. 

Cost of Living in Poland by Profile 

The cost of living in Poland per month varies depending on household size, accommodation, lifestyle, and spending habits. Students generally have lower expenses when they use university accommodation and student discounts, while working professionals and families may have higher everyday costs. 

The following estimates are for monthly expenses excluding rent: 

Profile	Estimated Monthly Cost (Excluding Rent)
Single Person	PLN 3,000–3,500 (INR 76.5K–89.25K)
Student	PLN 1,500–2,000 (INR 38.25K–51K)
Working Professional	PLN 3,000–3,500 (INR 76.5K–89.25K)
Couple	PLN 5,500–6,500 (INR 1.40L–1.66L)
Family of Four	PLN 10,000–10,500 (INR 2.55L–2.68L)

Source: Numbeo  

These figures provide a general indication of everyday spending. Actual expenses can differ based on the city, housing arrangement, food choices, transportation needs, and lifestyle. Rent and tuition fees should be budgeted separately.  

Cost of Living in Poland by Cities 

The cost of living in Poland varies by city, with differences mainly driven by accommodation, dining, transportation, and everyday services. For international students, comparing monthly expenses alongside tuition fees can help identify a city that fits their overall study-abroad budget. 

City	Cost of Living Index	Estimated Monthly Cost (Excluding Rent)
Warsaw	55.1	PLN 3,200–3,600 (INR 81.6K–91.8K)
Krakow	52.2	PLN 3,000–3,400 (INR 76.5K–86.7K)
Gdansk	51.4	PLN 2,900–3,300 (INR 73.95K–84.15K)
Gdynia	51.3	PLN 2,900–3,300 (INR 73.95K–84.15K)
Wroclaw	50.7	PLN 2,900–3,300 (INR 73.95K–84.15K)
Lodz	48.0	PLN 2,700–3,100 (INR 68.85K–79.05K)
Poznan	47.6	PLN 2,700–3,100 (INR 68.85K–79.05K)
Szczecin	45.0	PLN 2,500–2,900 (INR 63.75K–73.95K)
Katowice	44.6	PLN 2,500–2,900 (INR 63.75K–73.95K)

Source: Numbeo.  

The cost of living in Poland for students can therefore change considerably depending on where they study. Warsaw and other large urban centres may require a larger housing budget, while smaller academic cities can offer more economical options. 

Accommodation Costs in Poland 

Accommodation is an important part of a student's monthly budget. Rent depends on apartment size, location, furnishing, and whether the property is in or outside the city centre. 

The accommodation cost in Poland  are as follows: 

Accommodation	Approx. Monthly Cost
1 Bedroom Apartment – City Centre	PLN 2,000–4,742 (INR 51K–1.21L)
1 Bedroom Apartment – Outside City Centre	PLN 1,500–3,699 (INR 38.25K–94.3K)
3 Bedroom Apartment – City Centre	PLN 3,000–8,430 (INR 76.5K–2.15L)
3 Bedroom Apartment – Outside City Centre	PLN 2,500–5,984 (INR 63.75K–1.53L)

Students can reduce accommodation costs by choosing university dormitories, renting a room in a shared apartment, or living farther from the city centre. Dormitories are generally among the cheapest accommodation options, while private rooms cost more depending on the location and standard.  

Food and Grocery Expenses in Poland 

Food expenses depend on whether students mainly cook at home or eat out. Everyday grocery items remain relatively affordable, although prices differ between products and locations.  

Eating Out 

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: PLN 26–60 (INR 663–1,530)  
• Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: PLN 120–300 (INR 3,060–7,650)  
• Fast-food combo meal: PLN 30–40 (INR 765–1,020)  
• Cappuccino: PLN 8–20 (INR 204–510)  
• Soft drink: PLN 5–12 (INR 128–306)  
• Bottled water: PLN 5–12 (INR 128–306) 

Common Grocery Prices 

Grocery costs in Poland vary by product, store, and location, but buying basic ingredients and cooking at home can help students manage their monthly food budget. 

Grocery Item	Cost
Milk (1 litre)	PLN 3–5 (INR 77–128)
Fresh White Bread (500 g)	PLN 3–9 (INR 77–230)
White Rice (1 kg)	PLN 3–10 (INR 77–255)
Eggs (12, large)	PLN 8.40–18 (INR 214–459)
Local Cheese (1 kg)	PLN 22–60 (INR 561–1,530)
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	PLN 15–35 (INR 383–893)
Beef (1 kg)	PLN 30–70 (INR 765–1,785)
Apples (1 kg)	PLN 2.50–6 (INR 64–153)
Bananas (1 kg)	PLN 4–8.21 (INR 102–209)
Oranges (1 kg)	PLN 4–10 (INR 102–255)
Tomatoes (1 kg)	PLN 5–19 (INR 128–485)
Potatoes (1 kg)	PLN 1.99–5 (INR 51–128)
Onions (1 kg)	PLN 2.40–6 (INR 61–153)

Source: Numbeo 

Transportation Costs in Poland 

Public transportation is an important part of everyday life for students in Poland. Larger cities have extensive networks of buses, trams and other public transport services. The Polish government recommends long-term tickets for students who regularly use public transportation.  

Transport Type	Cost
One-Way Local Transport	PLN 3.50–6 (INR 89–153)
Monthly Public Transport Pass	PLN 90–180 (INR 2,295–4,590)
Taxi Start Fare	PLN 7–12 (INR 179–306)
Taxi per km	PLN 2.80–5.50 (INR 71–140)
Taxi Waiting, 1 hour	PLN 39–60 (INR 995–1,530)
Gasoline, 1 litre	PLN 5.92–6.88 (INR 151–176)

For students, public transport can be more economical than using taxis regularly. Choosing accommodation with convenient access to the university can also help reduce daily travel expenses. 

Utilities and Internet Costs in Poland 

For international students, utilities and internet are usually separate from rent and can add to monthly housing expenses. Costs may be higher during colder months due to heating, while shared accommodation can help students reduce their individual share of these bills. 

Utility	Monthly Cost
Basic Utilities – 85 m² Apartment	PLN 800–1,700 (INR 20.4K–43.35K)
Mobile Phone Plan	PLN 25–60 (INR 638–1,530)
Broadband Internet	PLN 50–90 (INR 1,275–2,295)

Students renting shared apartments can divide internet and utility bills among roommates. This can make these expenses easier to accommodate within a student budget. 

Healthcare and Health Insurance Costs in Poland 

Healthcare costs for international students depend on their nationality, insurance status, and the healthcare arrangement they choose. Students from outside the EU/EEA are advised to arrange medical insurance before travelling to Poland.  

Healthcare / Insurance Expense	Approximate Cost
Voluntary NFZ Health Insurance for Eligible Non-EU/EEA Students	PLN 55.80 (INR 1,423) per month
Private / International Medical Insurance	Around PLN 40–150 (INR 1,020–3,825) per month
Additional Accident Insurance	Around PLN 50–200 (INR 1,275–5,100) per year
Medical Consultation	Around PLN 100–300 (INR 2,550–7,650)

Note: Students should confirm their insurance requirements before travelling and check whether their university has additional documentation requirements. 

Leisure and Miscellaneous Costs in Poland 

Leisure spending is usually a flexible part of the monthly budget and can be adjusted based on individual preferences. Students can manage these expenses by using university sports facilities, taking advantage of student discounts, and choosing free or low-cost cultural and recreational activities. 

Activity / Item	Cost
Fitness Club Membership	PLN 100–200 (INR 2,550–5,100)
Cinema Ticket	PLN 23–40 (INR 587–1,020)
Tennis Court Rental	PLN 55–192.86 (INR 1,403–4,918)
Jeans	PLN 150–500 (INR 3,825–12,750)
Summer Dress	PLN 90–240 (INR 2,295–6,120)
Running Shoes	PLN 250–500 (INR 6,375–12,750)

Students can manage discretionary spending by making use of university facilities, student discounts, cultural events, and low-cost recreational activities. 

Education Costs for International Students in Poland 

Tuition fees are separate from living expenses and vary according to the university, programme, language of instruction, and study level. 

The tuition fees for international students can generally range from approximately EUR 2,000–6,000 (INR 2.04L–6.12L) per year, although individual programmes may charge more. MBA programmes can cost around EUR 8,000–12,000 (INR 8.16L–12.24L) annually. 

Program Type	Indicative Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate Programmes	EUR 2,000–6,000 (approx. INR 2.04L–6.12L)
Postgraduate Programmes	EUR 2,000–6,000 (approx. INR 2.04L–6.12L)
Polish-Taught Programmes	Around EUR 2,000–2,500 (approx. INR 2.04L–2.55L)
English-Taught Programmes	Around EUR 3,000 on average (approx. INR 3.06L)
MBA Programmes	EUR 8,000–12,000 (approx. INR 8.16L–12.24L)

Full-time Polish-language studies at public higher education institutions can be tuition-free for certain categories of students, including eligible EU/EEA students and students with a Polish Charter. Other international students generally pay tuition according to the university's fee structure.  

Cost of Living in Poland vs India 

The cost of living in Poland for Indian students can be higher than in India, particularly for accommodation and several grocery items. Numbeo's current India-Poland comparison shows that a one-bedroom apartment in the Polish city centre costs substantially more than the corresponding average in India.  

Category	Poland Cost	India Cost
Milk (1 litre)	PLN 3–5 (INR 77–128)	INR 55–75
White Bread (500 g)	PLN 3–9 (INR 77–230)	INR 40–60
Rice (1 kg)	PLN 3–10 (INR 77–255)	INR 50–90
Eggs (12)	PLN 8.40–16.80 (INR 214–428)	INR 65–100
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	PLN 15–36 (INR 383–918)	INR 220–350
1 Bedroom Apartment – City Centre	PLN 2,000–4,551.72 (INR 51K–1.16L)	INR 10K–30K
1 Bedroom Apartment – Outside City Centre	PLN 1,500–3,639.32 (INR 38.25K–92.8K)	INR 7K–20K

Budgeting Tips for Students in Poland 

Planning expenses before arriving can make it easier for international students to manage their finances. The most effective approach is to separate fixed expenses such as accommodation and transport from flexible spending such as dining and entertainment. 

How to Save on Accommodation in Poland? 

• Check university dormitories before choosing private housing.  
• Consider renting a room instead of an entire apartment.  
• Share an apartment with other students.  
• Compare rental prices across different neighbourhoods.  
• Ask whether utilities are included in the advertised rent.  
• Keep money aside for a potential rental deposit.  

How to Manage Food Expenses in Poland? 

• Prepare most meals at home.  
• Compare prices across supermarkets and local stores.  
• Plan grocery purchases for the week.  
• Choose seasonal produce where possible.  
• Use university canteens when they offer affordable meals.  
• Reduce frequent café and restaurant visits.  

How to Reduce Transportation Expenses? 

• Purchase a suitable long-term public transport ticket.  
• Check student transport concessions in your city.  
• Choose housing with convenient access to your university.  
• Walk or cycle for shorter journeys.  
• Use taxis mainly when public transportation is unavailable or impractical.  

Other Expenses Students Should Plan For 

Besides regular monthly expenses, international students should keep a separate reserve for: 

• Residence permit and visa-related expenses  
• Initial accommodation deposit  
• Study materials and academic supplies  
• Airfare and local travel  
• Winter clothing  
• Emergency expenses  
• Insurance payments  
• Occasional medical costs  

Conclusion 

Poland offers relatively manageable living expenses for international students, particularly when compared with several higher-cost European destinations. The cost of living in Poland depends mainly on accommodation, city, food choices, transport, and personal spending. 

For students, university dormitories, shared accommodation, home-cooked meals, and public transportation can help maintain a controlled monthly budget. The official Study in Poland portal estimates average student expenses at around PLN 1,500–2,000 (INR 38.25K–51K) per month, although students renting private accommodation may need a higher budget.  

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