Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Warsaw 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Warsaw

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: PLN
1,700 12,000 140,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $3,100 $34,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Warsaw

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Warsaw?

A single person in Warsaw spends around 12,000 PLN per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,700 PLN or as high as 140,000 PLN. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Warsaw

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Warsaw

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Warsaw

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. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

90%

81% to 99%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Warsaw spend around 90% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 81% of their income while some as high as 99%.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Warsaw

Low-cost alternatives in Warsaw

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 individuals 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 individuals living in Warsaw 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.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Warsaw

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Warsaw

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

16 PLN 32 PLN 53 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $7.9 $13

Restaurant meal for one

55 PLN 83 PLN 170 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $41

Fine dining meal for one

110 PLN 160 PLN 630 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $40 $160

Cappuccino or latte

14 PLN 22 PLN 33 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.4 $8.2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

11 PLN 13 PLN 17 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.3 $4.1

12 eggs

7.9 PLN 10 PLN 16 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.9

Fresh whole chicken

19 PLN 24 PLN 35 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.1 $8.7

Pack of beef

23 PLN 34 PLN 69 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.6 $17

Medium bag of rice

8.3 PLN 11 PLN 16 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.1

Bag of tomatos

3.2 PLN 4.2 PLN 7.9 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.1 $2

Bag of apples

5.8 PLN 7.5 PLN 12 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $3.1
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Warsaw

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

14 PLN 17 PLN 33 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.2 $8.3

Average car full tank

79 PLN 110 PLN 210 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $53

Average car 1-day rental

74 PLN 99 PLN 150 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $25 $37

Average car price

38,000 PLN 76,000 PLN 100,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9,500 $19,000 $25,000

Bus ticket one way

2.5 PLN 3.8 PLN 7.5 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $0.95 $1.9

Car Service

100 PLN 150 PLN 310 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $78
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a single person in Warsaw

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

90 PLN 640 PLN 7,100 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $160 $1,800

Internet and cable

83 PLN 170 PLN 220 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $42 $56

Mobile phone charges

54 PLN 90 PLN 270 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $23 $68

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

35 PLN 47 PLN 71 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $12 $18

One month gym membership

130 PLN 160 PLN 320 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $41 $81
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Warsaw

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

98 PLN 140 PLN 210 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $35 $52

Woman dress

94 PLN 130 PLN 420 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $33 $110

Woman shoes

83 PLN 110 PLN 260 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $66

Men's shoes

74 PLN 90 PLN 180 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $23 $45

Men suit

83 PLN 100 PLN 550 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $26 $140

Regular t-shirt

42 PLN 57 PLN 170 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $43
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Warsaw

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,500 PLN 2,300 PLN 6,100 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $570 $1,500

1-bedroom apartment

2,300 PLN 3,700 PLN 9,300 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $940 $2,300

2-bedroom apartment

3,200 PLN 4,800 PLN 13,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$800 $1,200 $3,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

320,000 PLN 480,000 PLN 960,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment

390,000 PLN 650,000 PLN 2.5M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98,000 $160,000 $620,000

2-bedroom apartment

610,000 PLN 1.8M PLN 3.7M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $460,000 $920,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Warsaw

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,600 PLN 2,000 PLN 2,600 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $490 $660

Double Bed

1,100 PLN 1,600 PLN 2,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $500

Single Bed

970 PLN 1,300 PLN 1,600 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $320 $410

Living Room

1,900 PLN 2,400 PLN 8,400 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $600 $2,100

Dining Table

780 PLN 1,000 PLN 2,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $490

Sofa or Couch

1,100 PLN 1,500 PLN 3,200 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $370 $810
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Warsaw

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

1,100 PLN 1,600 PLN 3,200 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $810

Fridge or Freezer

970 PLN 1,500 PLN 2,100 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $380 $520

Washing Machine

1,200 PLN 1,700 PLN 3,100 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $430 $770

Stove or Cooker

1,100 PLN 1,400 PLN 2,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $490

Mobile Phone

1,300 PLN 1,600 PLN 2,300 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $400 $580

Laptop or Computer

1,500 PLN 1,800 PLN 3,300 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $460 $830
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Warsaw

How do individuals spend their money in Warsaw?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


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 and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost31%

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

LOW$150   610 PLN
AVERAGE$1,100   4,300 PLN
HIGH$12,000   48,000 PLN
Per Month

Individuals in Warsaw typically spend from 19% to 43% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 31% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 4,300 PLN with expenditure ranging from 610 PLN to 48,000 PLN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities8%

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

LOW$23   90 PLN
AVERAGE$160   640 PLN
HIGH$1,800   7,100 PLN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Warsaw ranges from 4% to 13% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 640 PLN with 90 PLN and 7,100 PLN being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$33   130 PLN
AVERAGE$230   920 PLN
HIGH$2,600   10,000 PLN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 130 PLN to 10,000 PLN in a month on commuting with 920 PLN being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$63   250 PLN
AVERAGE$450   1,800 PLN
HIGH$5,000   20,000 PLN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Warsaw is 1,800 PLN. The cost of groceries can range between 250 PLN to 20,000 PLN. Individuals spend on average about 19% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 13% and 24% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$32   130 PLN
AVERAGE$220   890 PLN
HIGH$2,500   9,900 PLN
Per Month

Individuals in Warsaw allocate 6% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 12%. The range of medical expenses range from 130 PLN to 9,900 PLN with 890 PLN being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$20   79 PLN
AVERAGE$140   560 PLN
HIGH$1,600   6,200 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 79 PLN to 6,200 PLN with 560 PLN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.9   32 PLN
AVERAGE$56   220 PLN
HIGH$620   2,500 PLN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 220 PLN per month with 32 PLN being the minimum spent amount and 2,500 PLN being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

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

LOW$75   300 PLN
AVERAGE$530   2,100 PLN
HIGH$5,900   23,000 PLN
Per Month
Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in Warsaw

Affordable living in Warsaw

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Warsaw?


Yes
69%
No
31%

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

Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Warsaw

What percentage of individuals in Warsaw are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
76%
Not Saving
24%

Almost 76% of surveyed individuals in Warsaw said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 24% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Warsaw

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.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

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.

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 22% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

510 PLN
$130
4,600 PLN
$1,100
51,000 PLN
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 14% to 36% of their monthly income to their savings, with 22% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 4,600 PLN with 510 PLN and 51,000 PLN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Warsaw

Saving Challenges in Warsaw

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% 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. 11% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% 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. 20% 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 social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Warsaw

Typical saving choices for individuals in Warsaw

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Emergency Funds For Individuals

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 individuals whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes67%

No33%


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

Financial goals and targets of single people living in Warsaw

Financial goals of individuals in Warsaw

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Warsaw, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction39%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 39% 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 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Warsaw

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Warsaw

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


Rent Cost in Warsaw

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 PLN 2,300 PLN 6,100 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $570 $1,500

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,300 PLN 3,700 PLN 9,300 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $940 $2,300

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,200 PLN 4,800 PLN 13,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$800 $1,200 $3,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,900 PLN 6,500 PLN 18,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$980 $1,600 $4,500

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

7,500 PLN 19,000 PLN 37,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,700 $9,400

Townhouse monthly rent cost

6,100 PLN 9,200 PLN 26,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $2,300 $6,600

House monthly rent cost

7,500 PLN 19,000 PLN 38,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,700 $9,400

Villa monthly rent cost

9,100 PLN 23,000 PLN 37,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,300 $5,700 $9,200

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Warsaw ranges between 1,500 PLN and 6,100 PLN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,300 PLN to 9,300 PLN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 3,200 PLN and 13,000 PLN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,900 PLN to 18,000 PLN. The average rent of a townhouse in Warsaw is around 9,200 PLN while house rental costs can be as high as 19,000 PLN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 9,100 PLN to 37,000 PLN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Warsaw

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

320,000 PLN 480,000 PLN 960,000 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment price

390,000 PLN 650,000 PLN 2.5M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98,000 $160,000 $620,000

2-bedroom apartment price

610,000 PLN 1.8M PLN 3.7M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $460,000 $920,000

3-bedroom apartment price

2.1M PLN 3.1M PLN 9.4M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520,000 $780,000 $2.3M

Townhouse price

2.7M PLN 6.4M PLN 24M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690,000 $1.6M $6M

House price

3.3M PLN 20M PLN 28M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820,000 $4.9M $7.1M

Villa price

3.9M PLN 22M PLN 33M PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$980,000 $5.5M $8.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Warsaw can range from 320,000 PLN to 960,000 PLN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 390,000 PLN to 2.5M PLN. A villa can cost you 22M PLN on average with prices ranging from 3.9M PLN to 33M PLN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Warsaw 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


49 x141 monthly income 276
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Warsaw can be x141 to x276 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x141 multiples of the average monthly salary in Warsaw.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 36% of income 48%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Warsaw is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 48% 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.


27 PLN 270 PLN 4,000 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.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Warsaw

Financial Literacy in

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 individuals in Warsaw 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 single people of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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%

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Warsaw

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Warsaw


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
26%
Debt Free
74%

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


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Warsaw

Debt-to-income ratio in Warsaw

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 a single person's monthly income in Warsaw goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%16%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%14%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Warsaw pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% 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 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Warsaw

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan41%

10% of debtors in Warsaw confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Warsaw.


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 Warsaw

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals 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
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Warsaw

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Warsaw

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

90 PLN 640 PLN 7,100 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $160 $1,800

Internet and cable cost

83 PLN 170 PLN 220 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $42 $56

Mobile phone bill and charges

54 PLN 90 PLN 270 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $23 $68

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 640 PLN. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 83 PLN to 220 PLN with 170 PLN being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 90 PLN but can range between 54 PLN and 270 PLN depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3.5% 7.1% of income 12%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Warsaw is around 7.1%. This means that people pay 7.1% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.5% to 12% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Warsaw

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Warsaw

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

16 PLN 32 PLN 53 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $7.9 $13

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Warsaw is approximatly 32 PLN with meal cost ranging from 16 PLN to 53 PLN. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

55 PLN 83 PLN 170 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $41

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 55 PLN and 170 PLN with 83 PLN being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Warsaw.

Fine dining meal for one price

110 PLN 160 PLN 630 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $40 $160

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 110 PLN to 630 PLN with the average cost being 160 PLN for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Warsaw.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

14 PLN 22 PLN 33 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.4 $8.2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Warsaw is around 22 PLN. Price ranges between 14 PLN and 33 PLN depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

11 PLN 13 PLN 17 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.3 $4.1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Warsaw is 13 PLN. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 17 PLN and the minimum being 11 PLN depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7.9 PLN 10 PLN 16 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.9

A dozen eggs costs around 10 PLN on average with 7.9 PLN and 16 PLN being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

19 PLN 24 PLN 35 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.1 $8.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Warsaw is between 19 PLN and 35 PLN depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 24 PLN.

Pack of beef price

23 PLN 34 PLN 69 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.6 $17

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 34 PLN. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

8.3 PLN 11 PLN 16 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.1

A bag of rice in Warsaw costs around 11 PLN on average with prices rangeing between 8.3 PLN and 16 PLN depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

3.2 PLN 4.2 PLN 7.9 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.1 $2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 3.2 PLN to 7.9 PLN. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5.8 PLN 7.5 PLN 12 PLN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $3.1

A bag of apples costs 7.5 PLN on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


21% 30% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Warsaw is around 30%. This means that individuals spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 37% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 250 PLN to 20,000 PLN with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

Published: March 1, 2024   Last Update: April 5, 2025



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