Planning to study or relocate to Poland in 2025? One of the first questions you’ll have is, what’s the real cost of living in Poland?
On average, Indian students spend around PLN 2,200–3,200/month (₹44,000–₹64,000), covering shared accommodation, groceries, transport, and personal needs. Couples or small families should budget PLN 4,000–6,500/month (₹80,000–₹1.3 lakh) depending on the city.
Warsaw and Kraków are slightly expensive, while cities like Wrocław, Łódź, and Lublin offer a more affordable lifestyle. This guide breaks down the Poland living cost for Indian students, monthly rent in Poland (2025), and smart budgeting tips to help you live comfortably without overspending.
What Is the Monthly Cost of Living in Poland in 2025?
In 2025, the average cost of living in Poland ranges from PLN 2,500 (₹49,000) for Indian students in dorms to PLN 8,000 (₹1.5 lakh) for families in urban apartments. The difference depends on your lifestyle, housing type, and city of residence.
Profile
Avg. Monthly Cost (PLN/INR)
Inclusions
Indian Students
2,500–3,500 zł (₹49K–₹68K)
Shared rent, groceries, transport
Professionals (solo)
4,000–5,500 zł (₹78K–₹1.07L)
1BHK, utilities, personal spending
Couples
5,000–6,500 zł (₹97K–₹1.25L)
Rent, food, shared bills, travel
Families (2 kids)
6,500–8,000 zł (₹1.25L–₹1.5L)
3BHK rent, school fees, healthcare
Tip: Poland remains 30–40% cheaper than Germany or France, making it an ideal base for Indian students and professionals seeking European exposure without high living costs.
Rent is the largest contributor to living expenses in Poland. In 2025, expect to pay between PLN 600–1,200 for university dorms and up to PLN 4,800 for a family apartment in Warsaw.
Accommodation Type
Avg. Monthly Rent (PLN/INR)
Ideal For
University Dormitory
600–1,200 zł (₹11.6K–₹23K)
Budget students
Shared Flat (1 room)
1,200–1,800 zł (₹23K–₹35K)
Students, interns
1BHK – Outside City
2,300 zł (₹45K)
Couples
1BHK – City Centre
2,900 zł (₹57K)
Professionals
3BHK – Suburbs
3,600 zł (₹71K)
Families
3BHK – City Centre
4,800 zł (₹94K)
High-income expats
Warsaw and Kraków are about 20–25% pricier than cities like Wrocław or Poznań. Renting in the suburbs or sharing housing is the most cost-effective choice for Indian students.
Food and Grocery Expenses – Cost of Living in Poland 2025
In 2025, the average food cost in Poland per month is between PLN 600–1,000 (₹11K–₹19K) for students. Expat families spend up to PLN 1,500. Local chains such as Biedronka, Lidl, and Carrefour are known for student-friendly prices.
Grocery Item (1 kg/L)
Avg. Price (zł/₹)
Remarks
Milk (1L)
3.9 zł / ₹74
Supermarket average
Rice (1kg)
5.6 zł / ₹106
Long-grain
Eggs (12)
12.5 zł / ₹236
Regular grade
Chicken Breast (1kg)
24.4 zł / ₹460
Boneless
Tomatoes (1kg)
10.9 zł / ₹207
Fresh variety
Local Cheese (1kg)
34.4 zł / ₹640
Edam/Gouda
Apples (1kg)
6 zł / ₹110
Seasonal
Bread (500g)
4.9 zł / ₹91
Brown/white loaf
Dining out:
Budget meal: 40 zł (₹750)
McMeal combo: 32 zł (₹600)
3-course dinner for two: 180 zł (₹3,400)
Cooking at home can reduce monthly food costs by 40%, making it the smarter choice for students.
Utilities add PLN 750–1,700 (₹14,500–₹33,000) per month, depending on apartment size and season. Winter heating bills can spike up to 40%.
Service
Typical Cost (zł/₹)
Note
Electricity + heating + water
1,108 zł / ₹20K
Winter peak 30% higher
Fibre Internet (60 Mbps+)
62 zł / ₹1,150
Fast connection
Mobile Plan (10 GB)
36 zł / ₹660
Prepaid or contract
Tip: Many shared flats split utility bills evenly, cutting monthly expenses by up to PLN 300 per person.
Health Insurance and Medical Costs
Every international student must have valid health insurance in Poland. The NFZ public plan costs just PLN 55/month (₹1,000) and covers general practitioner visits. Private insurance adds coverage for dental and specialist treatments.
Plan Type
Monthly Cost (zł/₹)
Coverage
NFZ Student Plan
55 zł / ₹1K
Basic GP, hospital care
Private Add-on
150–250 zł / ₹2.7K–₹4.5K
Specialist visits
Travel/Short-term
200 zł+ / ₹3.6K
30-day visa coverage
Visa Tip: Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory for both student visa and residence card applications.
Education Costs in Poland for International Students (2025)
Poland’s education system offers EU-quality degrees at affordable costs.
Fee Type
Estimated Cost (zł/₹)
Details
Public University Tuition
9,000–18,000 zł /
₹1.8–3.6L
Bachelor’s/Master’s
Private/English Programs
18,000–36,000 zł /
₹3.6–7.2L
Annual fee
Application Fee
85–200 zł /
₹1.5K–₹3.6K
Per university
Visa Financial Proof
30,000 zł / ₹6L
Mandatory
Books & Transit
200–400 zł / ₹3.6K–₹7.2K
Monthly
Compared to Western Europe, Poland’s tuition fees are 40–60% lower, while offering globally recognized degrees.
City-Wise Cost of Living in Poland (2025)
The cost of living in Warsaw vs Kraków differs by 15–20%. Warsaw, being the capital, has higher rent and dining expenses. Smaller cities like Łódź or Poznań are much more affordable.
City
Students (PLN/month)
Professionals/Families (PLN/month)
Warsaw
3,200–3,800
5,500–7,200
Kraków
2,900–3,500
5,000–6,200
Wrocław
2,700–3,300
4,800–5,800
Gdańsk
2,600–3,100
4,600–5,600
Poznań
2,500–3,000
4,400–5,400
Łódź
2,300–2,800
4,000–5,000
Students can save up to PLN 1,000/month by choosing smaller cities over Warsaw, without compromising education quality.
How to Reduce the Monthly Cost of Living in Poland
You can easily reduce your monthly budget by 20–30% with these practical steps:
Choose dorms or shared flats (600–1,200 zł/month).
Use student travel cards (59 zł/month for unlimited rides).
Shop at budget chains (Biedronka, Lidl, Aldi).
Buy second-hand items via OLX or Facebook Marketplace.
Opt for public NFZ healthcare over private plans.
Many Indian students manage their total Poland living cost under ₹60,000/month, even in major cities.
Is Poland Cheaper Than Other EU Countries in 2025?
Yes. Poland continues to be one of the most affordable European Union countries in 2025, offering excellent value for money without compromising on lifestyle quality.
Affordable Living Index: Poland’s Cost of Living Index stands at 43.24, which is significantly below the EU average of 65–70.
Lower Daily Expenses: Everyday essentials such as rent, groceries, and transport are 30–50% cheaper than in Western Europe (Germany, France, or the Netherlands).
Housing Example: A 1BHK apartment in Warsaw costs around PLN 2,900 (₹57,000), while similar housing in Berlin or Paris can reach PLN 6,000–8,000 (₹1.2–1.6 lakh).
Transport & Dining: Public transport monthly passes cost just PLN 119 (₹2,260), and budget meals start from PLN 40 (₹750), making everyday living manageable for students and professionals.
High Quality of Life: Despite its affordability, Poland offers a Quality of Life Index of 156.94, reflecting its strong public healthcare, safety, modern infrastructure, and cultural inclusivity.
With its blend of low expenses, excellent education, and high living standards, Poland ranks among Europe’s best-value destinations for Indian students, expats, and families.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Poland remains one of the most attractive aspects for Indians planning to study or settle in Europe.
Whether you are a student managing dorm expenses, a professional renting an apartment, or a family relocating for work, Poland offers a comfortable lifestyle at 30–40% lower costs than other EU countries.
From affordable housing and subsidized public transport to quality education and accessible healthcare, Poland combines economic efficiency with cultural richness. By planning your monthly budget wisely, you can enjoy a fulfilling and financially stable life in one of Europe’s most student-friendly destinations.
How much money should I bring for the first month in Poland?
Indian students should bring around PLN 4,000–5,000 (₹80,000–₹1 lakh) initially to cover rent deposits, groceries, and setup costs such as bedding, SIM cards, or transport passes.
Which Polish city is most affordable for international students, Kraków, Wrocław, or Warsaw?
Among the three, affordable cities in Poland for students include Wrocław and Kraków. Warsaw has higher housing and dining costs by comparison.
Can Indian students manage cost of living in Poland with part-time jobs?
Yes, but only partially. The part-time job income vs living cost in Poland still leaves a gap—most students need savings or scholarships to cover rent.
Is Poland cheaper than Germany or the Netherlands for Indian students in 2025?
Absolutely. Poland budget for international students is lower than in Germany or the Netherlands, especially for housing and public transport.
How much should a working professional budget monthly in Poland?
A professional should budget PLN 3,500–5,000 monthly, factoring in housing, commuting, and food. The total budget for Indians in Poland is still lower than most EU countries.
What is the monthly living cost for a couple in Poland?
The Poland cost of living for couples and families starts at PLN 4,500/month. Costs vary by city, especially with private apartments.
How expensive is it to live in Poland as a family with kids in 2025?
Living in Poland as an Indian family with school-aged children may cost between PLN 6,000–8,000 per month, depending on city, schooling, and rent.
Do Polish universities offer scholarships that cover living costs for Indian students?
Some do. But most scholarships only partially offset rent and meals. The rest of the student expenses in Poland 2025 must be covered independently.
What is the cost of living in Poland for Indian PhD students?
Many PhD candidates receive stipends, but the cost of studying and living in Poland still ranges from PLN 2,500–3,500/month in cities like Kraków.
Do most rental apartments in Poland include utilities like heating and electricity?
Not always. The monthly rent in Poland usually excludes heating and water, which can add PLN 300–500 to your bill depending on usage.
Is public transport in Poland affordable for students and professionals?
Yes. The public transport cost in Poland is among the lowest in the EU. Student monthly passes start around PLN 50, while adults pay PLN 100–150.
Is it cheaper to cook or eat out regularly in Polish cities?
Cooking is always more affordable. With the average food cost in Poland per month at PLN 600–800, daily dining out can easily double your expenses.
How much do Indian students typically spend on food and groceries in Poland?
The groceries and essentials cost in Poland 2025 for Indian students typically ranges from PLN 600–900 per month, depending on diet and location.
What are the hidden or unexpected costs while living in Poland as a student?
Besides tuition and rent, students should plan for health insurance, visa renewals, and admin fees—common but often overlooked in student expenses in Poland.
Can a local Polish salary cover the cost of living for Indian professionals relocating in 2025?
Yes, especially in smaller cities. But in Warsaw or Gdańsk, Poland budget for international students and professionals must account for higher rent and transport costs.
Are healthcare and medicines expensive in Poland?
No, healthcare is quite affordable. Students can access NFZ insurance for just PLN 55/month, while private consultations typically cost PLN 150–250 per visit, still lower than in many EU countries.
How much should I budget for leisure or entertainment in Poland?
Expect to spend PLN 400–700 monthly on leisure activities like dining out, movies, or weekend trips. Students often enjoy discounted entry to cultural events and museums.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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