💰 What’s the Deal With Living Costs in Poland?
🏠 Rent: Poland vs UK
Rent is often the biggest expense, so let’s start there. Whether you’re looking for a studio in the city or a house in the suburbs, Poland offers a range of options at prices that won’t make your eyes water.
🏘️ One-bedroom apartment in city centre – Poland: 2,500–3,500 PLN (£500–£700), UK: £1,200–£1,800
🏡 One-bedroom apartment outside city centre – Poland: 1,800–2,500 PLN (£360–£500), UK: £800–£1,200
🏙️ Three-bedroom apartment in city centre – Poland: 4,500–6,000 PLN (£900–£1,200), UK: £2,000–£3,500
🏞️ Three-bedroom apartment outside city centre – Poland: 3,200–4,500 PLN (£650–£900), UK: £1,200–£2,000
So yes—big savings on rent in Poland, especially outside the city centre. Just keep in mind that Warsaw will naturally cost more than smaller cities like Lublin or Białystok.
Also read: Property: Buying & Renting
🛒 Grocery Shopping: Basket Wars
Grocery shopping is where you’ll really start to notice the difference. Many everyday items are significantly cheaper in Poland. Here’s a comparison of average prices as of 2025:
🍞 Loaf of bread – Poland: 4 PLN (80p), UK: £1.30
🥚 12 eggs – Poland: 12 PLN (£2.40), UK: £3
🧀 500g local cheese – Poland: 15 PLN (£3), UK: £5+
🥛 1L milk – Poland: 4 PLN (80p), UK: £1.25
🍗 1kg chicken breast – Poland: 22 PLN (£4.50), UK: £7.50
🍏 1kg apples – Poland: 5 PLN (£1), UK: £2
🥦 1kg broccoli – Poland: 8 PLN (£1.60), UK: £2.50
🍺 500ml local beer – Poland: 4–6 PLN (80p–£1.20), UK: £2.50–£4
Sure, some imported products might cost more here, but overall you can eat well for less. Bonus points if you shop at local markets—fresh and even cheaper.
🍽️ Eating Out: Dine Fine for Less
Eating out in Poland is wonderfully affordable. Even in central Warsaw, a good meal won’t break the bank.
🍛 Inexpensive meal at a local restaurant – Poland: 30–45 PLN (£6–£9), UK: £15–£20
🥩 Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant – Poland: 120 PLN (£24), UK: £60–£80
☕ Cappuccino – Poland: 12 PLN (£2.40), UK: £3.50–£4
🥤 Soft drink (330ml) – Poland: 8 PLN (£1.60), UK: £2.50
🍕 Takeaway pizza – Poland: 30–45 PLN (£6–£9), UK: £12–£15
Poland even has a long-standing tradition of ‘milk bars’—Bar Mleczny—offering home-style Polish meals for ridiculously low prices. Think of it as a cross between a canteen and your grandma’s kitchen.
🚇 Transport: Getting Around on the Cheap
Public transport in Poland is reliable, frequent, and best of all, cheap. You’ll find trams, buses and metro systems in most cities, and the train network covers the country well.
🚌 One-way local ticket – Poland: 4.40 PLN (90p), UK: £2.50–£3
🚆 Monthly public transport pass – Poland: 120 PLN (£24), UK: £70–£150
⛽ Petrol (per litre) – Poland: 6.80 PLN (£1.36), UK: £1.50–£1.65
🚖 Taxi start (normal tariff) – Poland: 8 PLN (£1.60), UK: £3–£4
Owning a car is slightly cheaper in Poland overall, though road tax and fuel savings may vary. Still, with public transport so good, many people don’t even bother with a car.
📱 Internet & Utilities: The Bill Breakdown
The good news continues! Internet in Poland is both fast and cheap, and utility bills tend to be lower than in the UK.
💡 Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for 85m² flat – Poland: 700 PLN (£140), UK: £250–£350
📶 Internet (60 Mbps or more) – Poland: 60 PLN (£12), UK: £30–£40
📱 Mobile plan (unlimited calls/SMS, 20GB data) – Poland: 30 PLN (£6), UK: £15–£25
No more sobbing at your broadband bill every month. Welcome to the land of cheap data!
👕 Clothing: Looking Good, Spending Less
Clothing prices are fairly similar between the two countries, especially if you shop at international chains like H&M or Zara. But Poland has plenty of outlet stores, markets, and local brands that can save you some cash.
👖 Pair of jeans (mid-range) – Poland: 200 PLN (£40), UK: £50
👟 Mid-range trainers – Poland: 300 PLN (£60), UK: £70–£90
👕 Summer dress (Zara or similar) – Poland: 150 PLN (£30), UK: £35–£45
If you’re into second-hand and vintage shopping, Poland is a goldmine. Thrift stores are everywhere, especially in student-heavy towns.
🎓 Education: What About the Kids?
If you’ve got children, education costs will be on your radar. Public education in Poland is free, including primary and secondary schooling, though most parents chip in for books, meals, and supplies.
🏫 International primary school (annual) – Poland: 30,000–60,000 PLN (£6,000–£12,000), UK: £15,000–£30,000+
🎒 Public school – Free (but budget for extras)
📚 Private tutoring (per hour) – Poland: 80–120 PLN (£16–£24), UK: £30–£50
In short: private or international schools cost significantly less in Poland. If you’re staying long-term, public schools are a great way for kids to learn Polish fast.
⚕️ Healthcare: Don’t Panic, It’s Affordable
Poland has both public and private healthcare options. If you’re working and paying into the system, you’ll be covered by the national health insurance (NFZ). It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. Many expats choose to supplement with private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for faster service.
🩺 GP consultation (private) – Poland: 200 PLN (£40), UK: £70–£100
🦷 Dentist check-up – Poland: 150 PLN (£30), UK: £60–£100
🏥 Private health insurance – Poland: 200–400 PLN/month (£40–£80), UK: £100–£200+
Overall, you can get quality care for a lot less than in the UK, especially when it comes to dental or specialist services.
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure: Fun Without the Fear
From cinema tickets to gym memberships, enjoying life in Poland doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
🎬 Cinema ticket – Poland: 25–35 PLN (£5–£7), UK: £10–£15
🏋️ Gym membership – Poland: 120 PLN/month (£24), UK: £40–£60
🎭 Theatre ticket – Poland: 70 PLN (£14), UK: £30–£60
🍻 Pint in a pub – Poland: 10–15 PLN (£2–£3), UK: £5–£7
Big cities like Kraków and Wrocław are buzzing with cultural events, concerts, festivals and nightlife—and your bank account won’t hate you for enjoying them.
📊 Final Thoughts: What’s the Verdict?
So, is Poland cheap? Compared to the UK—absolutely. Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, student, or young family, Poland offers great value for money and a decent quality of life without the big-city costs. Sure, wages are lower, but if you’re earning a UK or remote salary, you’re golden. Even on a local income, life in Poland is very doable.
Of course, your lifestyle choices will make all the difference. Live like a local, shop smart, and you’ll find yourself with a bit of extra change at the end of the month… perhaps enough for a weekend getaway to the mountains or the Baltic Sea.
Welcome to Poland. Your wallet says thank you.
