Cost Of Living in Poland 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Poland

Whether you're living in Poland or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

13,000 PLN

per month
$3,200

990 PLN   $250
$32,000   130,000 PLN

Single

8,900 PLN

per month
$2,200

3,000 PLN   $740
$15,000   59,000 PLN

Couple

15,000 PLN

per month
$3,700

4,900 PLN   $1,200
$20,000   79,000 PLN

Family

20,000 PLN

per month
$4,900

6,900 PLN   $1,700
$27,000   110,000 PLN

Student

6,100 PLN

per month
$1,500

2,400 PLN   $610
$2,700   11,000 PLN
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Poland is 8,900 PLN. Expenses can range from 3,000 PLN at the minimum level to 59,000 PLN at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Poland is 15,000 PLN. Expenditure can range from 4,900 PLN to 79,000 PLN per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Poland is 20,000 PLN per month. Families spend anywhere from 6,900 PLN to 110,000 PLN.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Poland is 6,100 PLN. Students spend from 2,400 PLN to 11,000 PLN per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Poland


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
1.6 PLN 1.8 PLN 2.1 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.45 $0.52
Fast food combo meal
14 PLN 27 PLN 45 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $6.8 $11
Restaurant meal for one
45 PLN 68 PLN 140 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $34
Fine dining meal for one
90 PLN 140 PLN 540 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $34 $140
Soda or Soft Drink
1.9 PLN 2.3 PLN 2.7 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.56 $0.68
Cappuccino or latte
11 PLN 18 PLN 27 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $4.5 $6.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
9 PLN 11 PLN 14 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $2.7 $3.4
Loaf of bread
1.6 PLN 1.8 PLN 2.1 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.46 $0.54
12 eggs
6.8 PLN 9 PLN 14 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.4
Fresh whole chicken
15 PLN 20 PLN 28 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5 $7.1
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
18 PLN 27 PLN 54 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $6.8 $14
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
7.3 PLN 9.9 PLN 14 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.5 $3.5
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
2.7 PLN 3.6 PLN 6.8 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $0.90 $1.7
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
4.8 PLN 6.3 PLN 10 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.6

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
11 PLN 14 PLN 27 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $6.8
Average car full tank
68 PLN 90 PLN 180 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $45
Average car 1-day rental
68 PLN 90 PLN 140 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $34
Average car price
34,000 PLN 68,000 PLN 90,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,500 $17,000 $23,000
Bus ticket one way
2.3 PLN 3.4 PLN 6.8 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.56 $0.85 $1.7
Car Service
90 PLN 140 PLN 270 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $34 $68

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
180 PLN 530 PLN 3,500 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45 $130 $890
Utility Bill - Couple
250 PLN 740 PLN 3,900 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $190 $990
Utility Bill - Family
210 PLN 590 PLN 3,300 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $150 $820
Internet and cable
68 PLN 140 PLN 180 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $34 $45
Mobile phone charges
54 PLN 90 PLN 270 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $23 $68

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
34 PLN 45 PLN 68 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.5 $11 $17
One month gym membership
110 PLN 140 PLN 270 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $34 $68

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
79 PLN 110 PLN 170 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $28 $42
Woman dress
75 PLN 100 PLN 340 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $26 $85
Woman shoes
71 PLN 96 PLN 230 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $24 $56
Men's shoes
61 PLN 75 PLN 150 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $19 $38
Men suit
68 PLN 84 PLN 450 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $21 $110
Regular t-shirt
34 PLN 45 PLN 140 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.5 $11 $34

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,100 PLN 1,700 PLN 4,500 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $420 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
1,700 PLN 2,700 PLN 6,800 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $680 $1,700
2-bedroom apartment
2,300 PLN 3,400 PLN 9,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560 $850 $2,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
230,000 PLN 340,000 PLN 680,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$56,000 $85,000 $170,000
1-bedroom apartment
270,000 PLN 450,000 PLN 1.7M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68,000 $110,000 $420,000
2-bedroom apartment
450,000 PLN 1.4M PLN 2.7M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $340,000 $680,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
1,400 PLN 1,700 PLN 2,300 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $420 $560
Double Bed
900 PLN 1,400 PLN 1,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $420
Single Bed
790 PLN 1,000 PLN 1,400 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $340
Living Room
1,500 PLN 1,900 PLN 6,800 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $480 $1,700
Dining Table
680 PLN 900 PLN 1,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $230 $420
Sofa or Couch
900 PLN 1,200 PLN 2,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $310 $680

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
900 PLN 1,400 PLN 2,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $680
Fridge or Freezer
790 PLN 1,200 PLN 1,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $310 $420
Washing Machine
1,000 PLN 1,500 PLN 2,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $380 $680
Stove or Cooker
960 PLN 1,200 PLN 1,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $310 $420
Mobile Phone
1,100 PLN 1,400 PLN 1,900 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $340 $480
Laptop or Computer
1,200 PLN 1,500 PLN 2,700 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $380 $680

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Poland

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

85%

77% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Poland is 85% This means that on average, people spend around 85% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
85%

Couple
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
89%

Family
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
99%

How do people spend their money in Poland?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$74   300 PLN
AVERAGE$960   3,800 PLN
HIGH$9,600   38,000 PLN
Per Month

People living in Poland typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 3,800 PLN with expenditure ranging from 300 PLN to 38,000 PLN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$12   49 PLN
AVERAGE$160   640 PLN
HIGH$1,600   6,400 PLN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Poland ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 640 PLN with 49 PLN and 6,400 PLN being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$25   99 PLN
AVERAGE$320   1,300 PLN
HIGH$3,200   13,000 PLN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 99 PLN to 13,000 PLN on commuting with 1,300 PLN being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$62   250 PLN
AVERAGE$800   3,200 PLN
HIGH$8,000   32,000 PLN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Poland is 3,200 PLN. The cost of groceries can range between 250 PLN to 32,000 PLN. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   69 PLN
AVERAGE$220   900 PLN
HIGH$2,200   9,000 PLN
Per Month

People in Poland allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 69 PLN to 9,000 PLN with 900 PLN being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$9.9   39 PLN
AVERAGE$130   510 PLN
HIGH$1,300   5,100 PLN
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 39 PLN to 5,100 PLN with 510 PLN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$15   59 PLN
AVERAGE$190   770 PLN
HIGH$1,900   7,700 PLN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 770 PLN per month with 59 PLN being the minimum spent amount and 7,700 PLN being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$32   130 PLN
AVERAGE$420   1,700 PLN
HIGH$4,200   17,000 PLN
Per Month

How much money can you save in Poland every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Poland manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
65%
Not Saving
35%

Almost 65% of the surveyed people in Poland said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 35% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Poland

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles68%32%
Couples63%37%
Families58%42%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

9% 15% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

360 PLN
$91
4,700 PLN
$1,200
47,000 PLN
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 4,700 PLN on average with savings ranging from 360 PLN to 47,000 PLN.

68% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Poland?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 PLN
$270
3,300 PLN
$820
22,000 PLN
$5,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,300 PLN with 1,100 PLN and 22,000 PLN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,800 PLN
$460
5,500 PLN
$1,400
29,000 PLN
$7,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 5,500 PLN with 1,800 PLN and 29,000 PLN being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 15% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,600 PLN
$640
7,300 PLN
$1,800
40,000 PLN
$10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Poland can save anywhere between 8% to 27% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 7,300 PLN with 2,600 PLN and 40,000 PLN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Poland

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Poland?


Yes
69%
No
31%

Around 69% of surveyed residents think that living in Poland is affordable with proper budgeting while 31% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Poland

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Poland have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Poland whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes67%

No33%


Based on the survey, 33% of the people living in Poland said that they don't have an emergency fund while 67% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Poland

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy64%


We asked residents of Poland whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 36% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 64% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Poland have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 31% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 69% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance31%

Easily manages finances69%

Financial goals of people in Poland

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Poland, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction37%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Poland

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Poland. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Poland

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Poland

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Poland and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Poland is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Poland:
AgeAmount
2535,000 PLN
3070,000 PLN
35120,000 PLN
40180,000 PLN
45260,000 PLN
50370,000 PLN
55440,000 PLN
60540,000 PLN
65650,000 PLN

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Poland about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job12%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Poland

2,100 PLN
$540
6,400 PLN
$1,600
43,000 PLN
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Poland


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
26%
Debt Free
74%

According to the survey, 26% of the people in Poland have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 74% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Poland

Debt to income ratio

30%

21% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Poland goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Poland pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Poland

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan39%

11% of debtors in Poland confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Poland.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Poland

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Poland how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Poland

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Poland

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,100 PLN 1,700 PLN 4,500 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $420 $1,100
1-bedroom apartment
1,700 PLN 2,700 PLN 6,800 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $680 $1,700
2-bedroom apartment
2,300 PLN 3,400 PLN 9,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560 $850 $2,300
3-bedroom apartment
2,700 PLN 4,500 PLN 12,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680 $1,100 $3,100
Furnished apartment
5,400 PLN 14,000 PLN 27,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,400 $6,800
Townhouse
4,500 PLN 6,800 PLN 19,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,700 $4,800
House
5,400 PLN 14,000 PLN 27,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,400 $6,800
Villa
6,800 PLN 17,000 PLN 27,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,700 $4,200 $6,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Poland ranges between 1,100 PLN and 4,500 PLN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,700 PLN to 6,800 PLN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,300 PLN and 9,000 PLN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,700 PLN to 12,000 PLN. The average rent of a townhouse in Poland is around 6,800 PLN while house rental costs can be as high as 14,000 PLN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 6,800 PLN to 27,000 PLN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Poland

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
230,000 PLN 340,000 PLN 680,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$56,000 $85,000 $170,000
1-bedroom apartment
270,000 PLN 450,000 PLN 1.7M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$68,000 $110,000 $420,000
2-bedroom apartment
450,000 PLN 1.4M PLN 2.7M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $340,000 $680,000
3-bedroom apartment
1.5M PLN 2.3M PLN 6.8M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380,000 $560,000 $1.7M
Townhouse
1.9M PLN 4.5M PLN 17M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480,000 $1.1M $4.2M
House
2.3M PLN 14M PLN 19M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560,000 $3.4M $4.8M
Villa
2.7M PLN 15M PLN 23M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680,000 $3.8M $5.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Poland can range from 230,000 PLN to 680,000 PLN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 270,000 PLN to 1.7M PLN. A villa can cost you 15M PLN on average with prices ranging from 2.7M PLN to 23M PLN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Poland will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


36 x104 monthly income 203
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Poland can be x104 to x203 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x104 multiples of the average monthly salary in Poland.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Poland is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


20 PLN 260 PLN 2,600 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Poland

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$270   1,100 PLN
AVERAGE$800   3,200 PLN
HIGH$5,300   21,000 PLN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$45   180 PLN
AVERAGE$130   530 PLN
HIGH$890   3,500 PLN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$59   240 PLN
AVERAGE$180   710 PLN
HIGH$1,200   4,700 PLN
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$120   470 PLN
AVERAGE$360   1,400 PLN
HIGH$2,400   9,500 PLN
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$67   270 PLN
AVERAGE$200   800 PLN
HIGH$1,300   5,300 PLN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$37   150 PLN
AVERAGE$110   440 PLN
HIGH$740   3,000 PLN
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$15   59 PLN
AVERAGE$45   180 PLN
HIGH$300   1,200 PLN
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$130   530 PLN
AVERAGE$400   1,600 PLN
HIGH$2,700   11,000 PLN
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Poland

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$410   1,600 PLN
AVERAGE$1,200   4,900 PLN
HIGH$6,500   26,000 PLN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$62   250 PLN
AVERAGE$190   740 PLN
HIGH$990   3,900 PLN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$150   590 PLN
AVERAGE$450   1,800 PLN
HIGH$2,400   9,500 PLN
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$170   690 PLN
AVERAGE$520   2,100 PLN
HIGH$2,800   11,000 PLN
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$140   540 PLN
AVERAGE$410   1,600 PLN
HIGH$2,200   8,700 PLN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$74   300 PLN
AVERAGE$220   890 PLN
HIGH$1,200   4,700 PLN
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$25   99 PLN
AVERAGE$74   300 PLN
HIGH$400   1,600 PLN
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$210   840 PLN
AVERAGE$630   2,500 PLN
HIGH$3,400   13,000 PLN
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Poland

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$550   2,200 PLN
AVERAGE$1,600   6,300 PLN
HIGH$8,700   35,000 PLN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$140   550 PLN
AVERAGE$400   1,600 PLN
HIGH$2,200   8,700 PLN
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$310   1,200 PLN
AVERAGE$890   3,500 PLN
HIGH$4,900   20,000 PLN
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$140   550 PLN
AVERAGE$400   1,600 PLN
HIGH$2,200   8,700 PLN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$87   340 PLN
AVERAGE$250   990 PLN
HIGH$1,400   5,400 PLN
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$240   970 PLN
AVERAGE$690   2,800 PLN
HIGH$3,800   15,000 PLN
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$210   830 PLN
AVERAGE$590   2,400 PLN
HIGH$3,300   13,000 PLN
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Poland

Housing19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$150   580 PLN
AVERAGE$370   1,500 PLN
HIGH$660   2,600 PLN
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$24   97 PLN
AVERAGE$61   240 PLN
HIGH$110   440 PLN
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$43   170 PLN
AVERAGE$110   430 PLN
HIGH$190   770 PLN
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$120   490 PLN
AVERAGE$300   1,200 PLN
HIGH$550   2,200 PLN
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$37   150 PLN
AVERAGE$91   360 PLN
HIGH$160   660 PLN
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$30   120 PLN
AVERAGE$76   300 PLN
HIGH$140   550 PLN
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$120   460 PLN
AVERAGE$290   1,200 PLN
HIGH$520   2,100 PLN
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$91   360 PLN
AVERAGE$230   910 PLN
HIGH$410   1,600 PLN
Per Month
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