Managing your monthly outgoings well is a key part of living comfortably and securely and if you’re planning a move to Poland, are living there already, or helping a client relocate, understanding the typical cost of living is very helpful. Whether you’re a single professional, a family of four, or an expat student, this guide covers the major expense categories you’ll need to budget for in Poland in 2025.

Average Costs of Living in Poland (Excluding Rent)

For a single person in Poland (excluding rent/housing) you might expect monthly costs in the ballpark of ≈ 9,000–10,000 PLN.
For a family of four, monthly costs excluding rent might be around ≈ 18,000 PLN (or higher depending on lifestyle and location).
As always, actual expenses depend heavily on which city you are in (e.g., Warsaw vs a smaller town), your lifestyle, and whether you choose imported goods, frequent dining out, etc.

Groceries

Groceries form a fundamental part of monthly spending. In Poland you’ll find that local produce and everyday supermarket goods are generally more affordable than many Western European countries.

Typical supermarket prices (2025):

• Bread (500 g loaf): ~ 4.95 PLN in Warsaw.

• Milk (1 L): ~ 4.22 PLN in Warsaw.

• Chicken fillets (1 kg): ~ 23.91 PLN in Warsaw.

• Apples (1 kg): ~ 4.73 PLN in Warsaw.

• Eggs (12): ~ 12.88 PLN in Warsaw.

Estimated monthly grocery spend per person:
You might estimate 2,000-3,000 PLN (or more) depending on dietary preferences, number of meals eaten out vs prepared at home, imported vs local goods.

Smart tip:

• Buying local produce is cheaper.

• Avoid premium imported goods if you’re budgeting tightly.

• Use local markets outside the high-tourist areas for good deals.

Utilities

Utility costs (electricity, heating, water, garbage, internet) vary depending on size of dwelling, age/insulation of building, city and your usage (especially heating in winter).

Sample utility cost indicators:

• For an 85 m² apartment in a “normal area”, utilities for two people (heating, electricity, gas…) ~ 1,366 PLN/month.

• Internet (monthly) ~ 50-90 PLN depending on speed & provider.

Estimated monthly utility budget for a medium-sized home:
Perhaps 700-1,500 PLN/month, but this will spike in winter months due to heating if you’re in northern/central Poland.

Tip:

• Choosing well-insulated and well-maintained apartments reduces heating costs.

• Monitor your electricity/heat consumption especially in colder seasons.

Insurance & Healthcare

Poland has a combination of public and private healthcare. Residents who pay into the social system are entitled to public health services. Private insurance or top-up plans are optional but may be preferred for faster access or more comfort.

Health and insurance insights:

• Private medical insurance plans vary; e.g., consults for specialists may cost 200-400 PLN or more.

• Car insurance, home insurance, and additional coverage depend on the value of asset, region, driver profile etc. Specific national averages are less readily summarised, so you’ll need to check locally.

Tip:

• Verify what your public insurance covers and whether you want private top-up.

• Compare providers annually for home/car insurance, there can be significant variation.

Transportation

Getting around in Poland is relatively affordable, especially compared to many Western European countries.

Typical transport costs (2025):

• One‐way ticket (city public transport): 3–6 PLN depending on the city.

• Monthly public transport pass: ~ 90-150 PLN in many cities.

• Petrol/gasoline: varying by region and global oil prices (you’ll want to check current local fuel rates) 

Tip:

• Using public transport is cost-effective, especially if you live near the city centre.

• If you plan to own a car: factor in fuel, tolls, parking fees (especially in major cities), insurance and maintenance.

Dining & Entertainment

Lifestyle spending (eating out, leisure, culture) can vary widely depending on how often you go out, the type of restaurants, and whether you choose local spots or premium venues.

Typical costs:

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ~ 40 PLN.

• Mid‐range 3-course for two: ~ 180 PLN average. 

• Cinema ticket: ~ 20-30 PLN depending on the city.

Estimated monthly spend (moderate lifestyle):
Perhaps 300-800 PLN+ per person, depending on frequency of dining out, activities, and whether you use premium venues.

Tip:

• Choose local cafés or “milk bars” (bar mleczny) for budget-friendly meals.

• Take advantage of cultural discounts (students, seniors).

• Balance premium outings with more casual ones to moderate the budget.

Rent Costs in Poland

Housing is often the largest monthly cost. Rent varies considerably between cities, neighbourhoods, size of apartment, and how modern/new the building is.

Typical rental prices (2025 estimates):

• In Warsaw: 1-bedroom apartment in city centre ~ 3,800-4,500 PLN/month; outside centre ~ 3,000-3,500 PLN/month.

• In less expensive cities: 1-bedroom apartments can cost significantly less. For example: “Singles” accommodation in smaller cities ~ 2,000-4,000 PLN/month.

Estimated rent for 3-bedroom in city centre:
Could be ~ 5,000-8,000 PLN/month or more depending on the city.

Tip:

• Always check whether “czynsz” (administration/maintenance fee) is included in the rent, many listings separate it.

• Living slightly outside the city centre can reduce rent while still giving good access to amenities.

Essential Tips for Expense-Management in Poland

1. Choose your location wisely: Big cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław) cost more. Smaller towns or suburbs can be substantially cheaper.

2. Shop local & smart: Local supermarkets or markets often offer better deals for produce than premium import-goods stores.

3. Use public transportation: Especially in urban areas, this can save a lot compared to car ownership/parking.

4. Monitor utilities: Especially in winter months for heating, budget extra for this.

5. Compare insurance annually: Home, car, private health,  rates and coverage vary and changing providers can save money.

6. Factor in lifestyle choices: Eating out often, premium imported goods, frequent leisure activities raise costs. Balance with simpler choices helps keep the budget manageable.

7. Be aware of inflation & cost trends: Poland’s inflation in 2025 is forecast around 4.1 %. So costs may rise, and budgeting with a buffer is wise.

Conclusion

Living in Poland in 2025 offers a moderately affordable cost of living compared to many Western European countries, while still providing modern infrastructure, good public services, and lively urban life. For a single person excluding rent, the budget is around ≈ 9,000-10,000 PLN/month (approx €2,000-2,400 depending on exchange rate and lifestyle). For a family of four excluding rent, you might budget ≈ 18,000 PLN/month or more depending on the city and lifestyle.