Average Rent Prices in Poland 2026: City-by-City Comparison

Introduction: Why Rent Data Matters

Whether you are an expat planning a move, a student choosing a university city, or a digital nomad looking for an affordable European base, understanding rent prices across Poland is essential. Rent is the single largest expense for anyone relocating -- typically consuming 30 to 55 percent of monthly income -- and the difference between Polish cities can be dramatic. A shared room in Lublin costs roughly half what you would pay in Warsaw, and a studio in Lodz is cheaper than a shared room in the capital's city center.

This guide presents current 2026 rent data for eight major Polish cities: Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Lodz, Katowice, and Lublin. We cover four housing types -- shared rooms, studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments -- along with the additional costs that landlords rarely mention upfront: czynsz (administration fees), utilities, and internet.

All figures are monthly prices in Polish zloty (PLN) based on Domkaspot's analysis of rental listings, data from Numbeo and Otodom, and cross-referencing with Poland's Central Statistical Office (GUS). These are base rent prices -- the actual amount you pay to the landlord before utilities and administrative fees. For a full cost picture, see our section on czynsz and additional costs below, or use our cost of living calculator for a personalized estimate.

Complete Rent Price Comparison Table: All 8 Cities

Several patterns emerge immediately. Warsaw is the most expensive city across all housing types, with shared rooms starting at 1,800 PLN and one-bedroom apartments averaging 3,500 PLN. At the other end of the spectrum, Lublin offers the most affordable rents, with shared rooms at 1,000 PLN -- 44% cheaper than the capital.

The mid-tier cities -- Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, and Poznan -- cluster between 1,300 and 1,500 PLN for shared rooms and 2,200 to 2,500 PLN for studios. Among these, Gdansk commands a slight premium driven by coastal tourism demand, while Poznan offers the best value among Poland's top-five cities.

Two-bedroom apartment prices are calculated at approximately 130% of one-bedroom rents, reflecting the standard market premium for additional space. These are particularly relevant for couples, small families, or groups of flatmates who prefer to rent a full apartment together through platforms like Domkaspot.

To understand how these rent figures fit into your total monthly budget, try our rent affordability calculator, which factors in income, savings goals, and local cost variations.

Warsaw: Poland's Most Expensive Rental Market

Warsaw consistently ranks as Poland's priciest city for renters, and in 2026 that has not changed. The capital's economic gravity -- home to the Warsaw Stock Exchange, multinational headquarters, major tech companies, and the country's highest average salaries -- creates sustained demand that keeps rents elevated. Average prices sit at 1,800 PLN for a shared room, 2,800 PLN for a studio, and 3,500 PLN for a one-bedroom apartment.

However, Warsaw is not a monolith. Rents vary dramatically by neighborhood. The city center (Srodmiescie) commands premiums of 30-50% above the city average, with studios regularly listed at 3,800-5,000 PLN. Popular expat districts like Mokotow and Wola sit closer to average, offering a strong balance of amenities, transport, and price. For budget-conscious renters, the east-bank districts -- particularly Praga Polnoc and Praga Poludnie -- offer rents 20-35% below the city average while providing excellent metro connectivity and an increasingly vibrant cultural scene.

Warsaw's rental market is also heavily seasonal. Demand peaks sharply in August and September as university students arrive and professionals return from summer relocations. Rents during this period can be 10-15% higher than the market average. The quietest months -- January and February -- offer the best opportunities for negotiation and selection. If you are planning a move, timing it for early in the year can save you hundreds of zloty per month.

For the full picture of Warsaw expenses beyond rent, see our complete cost of living guide for Warsaw 2026. Browse available listings on our Warsaw apartments page.

Krakow: The Cultural Capital's Rental Landscape

Krakow is Poland's second-largest rental market and arguably its most popular city among international residents. The city's combination of UNESCO-listed architecture, world-class universities (Jagiellonian University, AGH), a booming tech sector, and an unmatched cultural scene attracts students, professionals, and digital nomads from across Europe and beyond. Average rents land at 1,400 PLN for a shared room, 2,400 PLN for a studio, and 3,000 PLN for a one-bedroom -- roughly 15-20% below Warsaw.

Krakow's rental geography divides into distinct zones. The Old Town and its immediate surroundings (Stare Miasto, Kazimierz) are the most expensive areas, with one-bedrooms reaching 3,800-4,500 PLN. These neighborhoods are also the most affected by short-term rental competition -- Airbnb listings have absorbed a significant portion of the city-center housing stock. For better value, neighborhoods like Podgorze, Krowodrza, and Bronowice offer rents 20-30% below the center while maintaining excellent tram connections.

Krakow's student population is a defining feature of its rental market. The city is home to over 170,000 students, including approximately 15,000 international students. This creates intense demand for shared accommodation, particularly near university campuses. If you are studying at Jagiellonian or AGH, our Jagiellonian housing guide and AGH housing guide provide neighborhood-specific advice.

Explore available Krakow apartments and rooms on Domkaspot.

Wroclaw: Strong Value in a Growing City

Wroclaw has quietly established itself as one of Poland's most livable cities for international residents. Its compact, walkable center built across islands on the Oder River, a strong tech and BPO sector, and a large university student population make it a compelling alternative to Warsaw and Krakow. Rents average 1,400 PLN for a shared room, 2,300 PLN for a studio, and 2,900 PLN for a one-bedroom apartment -- on par with Krakow for shared accommodation and slightly cheaper for solo rentals.

Wroclaw's rental market benefits from a more balanced supply-demand dynamic than Warsaw or Krakow. The city has seen significant new construction over the past five years, particularly in developing districts like Nadodrze, Krzyki, and Swojczyce. This new supply has helped moderate price growth, though demand from the city's 130,000-plus student population (including a large international contingent) keeps the market competitive during September and October.

For expats and professionals, Wroclaw's advantage lies in its cost-to-quality ratio. The city offers Western European-standard amenities -- excellent public transport, international dining, a thriving startup ecosystem -- at prices that are 20-30% below Warsaw and 5-10% below Krakow. Neighborhoods like Srodmiescie, Stare Miasto, and the popular Nadodrze district offer walkable urban living at prices that would be impossible in comparably attractive Western European cities. Read our complete Wroclaw expat guide for more detail, or browse Wroclaw apartments on Domkaspot.

Gdansk and Poznan: Mid-Range Markets with Distinct Characters

Gdansk and Poznan represent Poland's mid-range rental tier -- more affordable than the Warsaw-Krakow-Wroclaw trio, yet offering robust job markets, strong universities, and high quality of life. Their rental profiles are similar in cost but differ significantly in character.

Gdansk averages 1,500 PLN for a shared room, 2,500 PLN for a studio, and 3,100 PLN for a one-bedroom. These figures place it slightly above Krakow and Wroclaw, which may seem counterintuitive for a city outside the traditional top three. The premium is driven by Gdansk's unique position as Poland's premier coastal city. Demand from tourists (via Airbnb conversions), a growing tech sector anchored by companies like Intel and Amazon, and the city's appeal to Nordic and German expats all contribute to sustained rental pressure. The Tricity agglomeration (Gdansk-Sopot-Gdynia) offers a wider price range -- Gdynia tends to be 5-10% cheaper than Gdansk proper. Read our Gdansk expat guide for neighborhood recommendations.

Poznan offers the best value among Poland's top-five cities, with shared rooms at 1,300 PLN, studios at 2,200 PLN, and one-bedrooms at 2,800 PLN. The city is Poland's western economic hub, with strong automotive, food processing, and logistics industries. Its central location -- roughly equidistant between Warsaw and Berlin -- makes it attractive to commuters and remote workers. The Poznan International Fair (MTP) drives short-term rental spikes during major trade events, but the long-term rental market remains more stable and renter-friendly than in most Polish cities. Poznan's student population is substantial but somewhat smaller relative to city size compared to Krakow or Wroclaw, which reduces the September rental crunch. Explore our Poznan guide and browse Poznan listings.

Both cities are strong options for renters who want urban amenities without Warsaw prices. The choice between them often comes down to lifestyle: Gdansk for those drawn to the coast, maritime culture, and Scandinavian connectivity; Poznan for those who prioritize affordability, western Poland access, and a slightly smaller-city feel.

Budget Cities: Lodz, Katowice, and Lublin

For renters on a tight budget -- students, early-career professionals, freelancers, or anyone who values saving over location prestige -- Poland's second-tier cities offer remarkable value. Lodz, Katowice, and Lublin all deliver monthly rents that are 30-45% below Warsaw while providing improving infrastructure, growing job markets, and genuine quality of life.

Lodz (shared room: 1,100 PLN, studio: 1,800 PLN, one-bedroom: 2,300 PLN) is Poland's third-largest city and has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. The revitalization of its industrial heritage -- particularly the massive Manufaktura complex and the New Centre of Lodz around the rebuilt train station -- has turned the city into an emerging creative and tech hub. Rents remain Poland's lowest among major cities, and the completion of high-speed rail connections to Warsaw (approximately 70 minutes) has made Lodz an increasingly viable option for commuters. Browse Lodz apartments.

Katowice (shared room: 1,100 PLN, studio: 1,900 PLN, one-bedroom: 2,400 PLN) sits at the heart of the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Area, an agglomeration of over 2 million people. The city has pivoted from its industrial past to become a significant services and tech center, hosting companies like Rockwell Automation, IBM, and Capgemini. Its rents are comparable to Lodz for shared rooms but slightly higher for studios and apartments, reflecting the broader metropolitan job market. The Silesian conurbation also offers unique flexibility -- neighboring cities like Gliwice and Sosnowiec have even lower rents while remaining within easy commuting distance. Explore Katowice listings.

Lublin (shared room: 1,000 PLN, studio: 1,700 PLN, one-bedroom: 2,200 PLN) is Poland's most affordable major city and an increasingly popular choice for international students, particularly medical students at the Medical University of Lublin. The city has a young, dynamic population -- nearly one in five residents is a university student -- and a beautifully preserved Old Town. While Lublin's economy is smaller than the cities listed above, its cost advantages are overwhelming: total monthly living costs can be 40-50% below Warsaw. For a complete breakdown, see our Lublin cost of living guide or browse Lublin apartments.

These three cities share a common advantage: because they are less saturated with international demand, the rental market is less competitive, landlords are more open to negotiation, and long-term leases at favorable rates are easier to secure. If your work or studies are flexible on location, these cities offer the strongest financial case in Poland.

Understanding Czynsz and Additional Costs

This means that a one-bedroom apartment advertised at 3,500 PLN in Warsaw will actually cost approximately 4,380 PLN per month once you add administration, utilities, and internet. In Lublin, a 2,200 PLN one-bedroom comes to around 2,830 PLN total. The add-on costs represent 20-30% on top of the base rent, which is a significant amount to factor into your budget.

When comparing listings on Polish platforms, always ask for the total monthly cost (calkowity koszt miesiezny) including all fees. On Domkaspot, we work to provide transparent all-in pricing wherever possible. You can also use our cost of living calculator to build a complete budget estimate including all housing-related costs.

One important note for flatsharing: when you rent a room in a shared apartment, czynsz and utilities are typically split among all tenants, which can reduce your share of these add-on costs by 50-70% compared to renting solo. This is one of the key financial advantages of shared living.

Year-over-Year Rent Trends: 2024 to 2026

The data reveals two key dynamics. First, the rate of increase has decelerated substantially compared to 2022-2024, when year-over-year jumps of 12-18% were common in major cities. In 2025-2026, increases across the top-five cities have settled into a 4-6% annual range -- still above general inflation, but no longer the crisis-level spikes that characterized the post-pandemic period.

Second, smaller cities are growing faster. Lublin (+7.3%), Lodz (+7.0%), and Katowice (+6.7%) are all outpacing the major metros. This reflects a spillover effect: as Warsaw and Krakow become less affordable, demand shifts to secondary cities, pushing their prices up at a faster rate. This pattern is likely to continue as remote work enables more flexibility in where people live.

What is driving these continued increases? Several structural factors remain in play: construction costs remain elevated (materials and labor are 25-30% above 2021 levels), demand from international residents continues to grow (particularly students and tech workers), and the conversion of apartments to short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb continues to remove supply from the long-term market, particularly in tourist-heavy cities like Krakow and Gdansk.

Looking ahead, most market analysts expect rent growth in 2026-2027 to continue in the 4-7% range nationally, with the gap between expensive and affordable cities continuing to narrow. For a deeper dive into market dynamics, read our Poland housing market trends and predictions analysis.

How to Find the Best Rent Deals in Poland

While Poland's rental market favors landlords in most cities, informed renters can still secure significantly better deals through smart timing, thorough research, and confident negotiation. Here are the most effective strategies.

Search in January and February. The Polish rental market has a clear seasonal cycle. Demand peaks in August-September (university start, post-summer relocations) and hits its lowest point in January-February. Searching during the winter months gives you access to more listings, less competition, and landlords who are more willing to negotiate. If your timeline allows, starting your search in early January can save you 5-15% compared to a September move.

Look beyond the city center. In every Polish city, the price difference between central and peripheral neighborhoods is dramatic -- often 25-40%. With Poland's generally excellent public transport (Warsaw has a metro, all major cities have extensive tram and bus networks), living 15-20 minutes from the center can save you 500-1,000 PLN per month. Use our city guides to identify neighborhoods that offer the best balance of price, transport, and amenities: Warsaw neighborhoods, Krakow neighborhoods, Wroclaw neighborhoods, Gdansk neighborhoods.

Consider flatsharing. Renting a room in a shared apartment through Domkaspot is consistently the most cost-effective housing option. A shared room in Warsaw (1,800 PLN) costs roughly half what you would pay for a studio (2,800 PLN) -- and when you factor in split utilities, the savings are even greater. Our personality-matching system helps you find compatible flatmates, reducing the social risk that makes many people hesitate about shared living.

Negotiate with data. Polish landlords are often open to negotiation, particularly if you can demonstrate knowledge of the local market. Knowing that the average studio in Poznan is 2,200 PLN gives you leverage if a landlord is asking 2,500 PLN for a standard unit. Our rent negotiation calculator provides city-specific data and suggested talking points to help you negotiate confidently.

Use the rent affordability calculator. Before committing to any apartment, run the numbers through our rent affordability calculator. The tool factors in your income, savings goals, and location to determine a sustainable rent level. Financial advisors generally recommend spending no more than 30-35% of net income on rent -- though in practice, many renters in Warsaw and Krakow exceed this threshold.

Verify listings and landlords. The Polish rental market has a scam problem, particularly on Facebook groups and unmoderated platforms. Always view the apartment in person (or via live video call), verify the landlord's identity and property ownership, and never transfer money before signing a contract. Read our rental scam prevention guide for detailed warning signs and protective steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion: Choosing the Right City for Your Budget

Poland's rental market in 2026 offers a wide spectrum of options. At one end, Warsaw provides unmatched career opportunities and cultural depth at prices that -- while the highest in Poland -- remain a fraction of what you would pay in London, Paris, or Amsterdam. At the other end, cities like Lublin, Lodz, and Katowice deliver genuine urban living at monthly rents that make Poland one of Europe's most affordable countries for renters.

The right choice depends on your priorities. If your career or studies demand a specific city, use the data in this guide to set a realistic budget and explore neighborhoods that offer the best value. If you have location flexibility, the mid-tier and budget cities deserve serious consideration -- the financial difference over a year-long lease can amount to 12,000-20,000 PLN in savings.

Whatever city you choose, Domkaspot can help you find verified apartments and rooms across all eight cities covered in this guide. Our flatmate matching system uses personality-based compatibility to connect you with the right people -- because finding affordable housing is only half the equation. Finding the right living situation makes all the difference.

Ready to start your search? Browse apartments across Poland or use our cost of living calculator to build a personalized monthly budget for any Polish city.