Cost of Living in Lodz 2026: Complete Breakdown

Q: Is Lodz the cheapest major city in Poland?

Yes. Among Poland's six largest cities (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Lodz), Lodz consistently has the lowest cost of living. Rents are 25-35% below Warsaw, groceries are 15-20% cheaper, and public transport is the most affordable at 90 PLN per month. A student in a shared flat can live comfortably on under 2,000 PLN (465 EUR) per month.

Q: Is Lodz worth living in despite lower salaries?

Absolutely, especially for students, remote workers, and creatives. While average salaries are 20-30% lower than Warsaw, the cost of living is 25-30% lower, meaning your purchasing power is comparable. For remote workers earning Warsaw or Western European salaries, Lodz offers exceptional value. The city's cultural renaissance, with transformed industrial spaces, street art, and a growing creative scene, makes it an increasingly attractive place to live.

Q: How far is Lodz from Warsaw?

Lodz is approximately 135 km from Warsaw. Express trains from Lodz Fabryczna station reach Warsaw Centralna in about 1.5 hours, with tickets costing 30-60 PLN. This has made Lodz a viable option for professionals who want Warsaw job access with Lodz affordability. Some people commute a few days per week, combining remote work with occasional office visits.

Q: What are the best neighborhoods in Lodz for internationals?

Srodmiescie (City Center) is the top choice, especially the areas around Piotrkowska Street and Manufaktura. This is where most cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues are concentrated. Polesie is best for students at Politechnika Lodzka. Widzew is growing rapidly with new developments and offers the best value for modern apartments. Browse all neighborhoods on Domkaspot's Lodz page .

Q: Is Lodz good for students?

Very good. Lodz has several major universities including the University of Lodz, Lodz University of Technology (Politechnika Lodzka), and the famous Lodz Film School. The large student population creates a vibrant, affordable social scene. Living costs under 2,000 PLN per month make it the most budget-friendly student city in Poland. Find student housing and flatmates through Domkaspot.

Q: What is the cultural scene like in Lodz?

Surprisingly vibrant. Lodz has reinvented itself as a creative capital with world-class museums (MS1 and MS2), the EC1 science center, Europe's best street art, the Manufaktura cultural complex, and festivals like the Lodz Design Festival and Transatlantyk Film Festival. The Lodz Film School is one of the most prestigious in the world. The city's industrial heritage provides unique venues for cultural events that feel very different from traditional Polish cities.

Q: How much should I budget for a security deposit in Lodz?

Expect one to two months' rent. For a shared room at 900 PLN, this means 900-1,800 PLN. For a solo apartment at 2,200 PLN, the deposit is 2,200-4,400 PLN. Lodz deposits are the most affordable among major Polish cities. Always photograph the apartment condition at move-in and get a signed protocol to ensure smooth deposit return.

Domkaspot Editorial

Feb 16, 2026•15 min read

Cost of Living in Lodz 2026: Complete Breakdown

Introduction

Lodz is Poland's most affordable major city, and in 2026 it remains one of the best-kept secrets for budget-conscious internationals. Poland's third-largest city by population, Lodz has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade: former textile factories have been converted into cultural centers, art galleries, and coworking spaces, the revitalized Piotrkowska Street is one of the longest commercial streets in Europe, and a growing tech and creative industry scene is attracting young professionals from across the continent.

What sets Lodz apart from Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw is the sheer affordability. Rents are 25 to 35 percent below Warsaw, groceries and entertainment are the cheapest among major Polish cities, and the quality of life has improved dramatically thanks to major urban renewal investments. For students living on tight budgets, remote workers maximizing their purchasing power, or anyone who wants to stretch their money as far as possible without sacrificing city amenities, Lodz deserves serious consideration.

This guide provides a complete category-by-category breakdown of Lodz living costs in 2026, with real pricing data, neighborhood comparisons, and budget scenarios. All figures are based on current market data and Domkaspot's analysis of Lodz housing listings.

Housing: Rent by Neighborhood

Housing in Lodz is remarkably affordable. The city offers the lowest rents among Poland's six largest cities, with quality apartments available at prices that would seem impossibly low to anyone coming from Western Europe. Even the city center is accessible on a modest budget.

Rent Prices by Neighborhood

Lodz is divided into five main districts. The city center (Srodmiescie) and its surrounding areas are where most internationals choose to live, as the outer districts are more suburban and less well-connected.

Neighborhood	Studio/1-Bed Apartment	Room in Shared Flat	Character
Srodmiescie (City Center)	2,000-3,200 PLN	900-1,400 PLN	Revitalized center, Piotrkowska Street, cultural venues, best for lifestyle
Polesie	1,600-2,500 PLN	750-1,100 PLN	Western district, green, residential, Politechnika Lodzka nearby
Widzew	1,500-2,300 PLN	700-1,050 PLN	Eastern district, affordable, new developments, Atlas Arena area
Baluty	1,400-2,200 PLN	650-1,000 PLN	Northern district, historically working-class, most affordable, improving rapidly

Solo Living vs Flatsharing: The Cost Difference

Even in Poland's most affordable major city, flatsharing in Lodz creates significant savings. Here is a comparison for the Srodmiescie area.

Expense	Living Alone (1-Bed, Srodmiescie)	Shared Flat (Room, Srodmiescie)	Annual Savings
Monthly Rent	2,400 PLN	1,050 PLN	16,200 PLN
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet)	600 PLN	260 PLN (split)	4,080 PLN
Total Monthly Housing	3,000 PLN	1,310 PLN	20,280 PLN
Total Annual Housing	36,000 PLN	15,720 PLN	20,280 PLN

Even in Lodz, flatsharing saves you over 20,000 PLN (4,700 EUR) per year compared to living alone. For students on Erasmus grants, that saving is the difference between comfortable living and constant financial pressure. Lodz's large student population means there is a healthy supply of shared apartments, and platforms like Domkaspot make finding compatible flatmates simple and safe.

Utilities and Bills

Utility costs in Lodz are slightly below the national average, reflecting the city's overall affordability. However, many buildings in central Lodz are older and less energy-efficient, which can mean higher heating costs in winter.

Monthly Utility Breakdown

Estimates below are for a standard 45-55 sqm apartment. Costs are divided among residents in shared housing.

Utility	Monthly Cost (Apartment)	Your Share (2-Person Flat)	Your Share (3-Person Flat)
Electricity	160-290 PLN	80-145 PLN	53-97 PLN
Heating (via czynsz)	230-480 PLN (winter peak)	115-240 PLN	77-160 PLN
Water & sewage	60-110 PLN	30-55 PLN	20-37 PLN
Internet (fiber)	50-80 PLN	25-40 PLN	17-27 PLN
Mobile phone	30-55 PLN	30-55 PLN	30-55 PLN
Total Utilities	530-1,015 PLN	280-535 PLN	197-376 PLN

The czynsz (administration fee) in Lodz is generally lower than in Warsaw or Krakow, ranging from 300 to 650 PLN. Newer buildings in Widzew and the revitalized areas of Srodmiescie offer better energy efficiency and more predictable utility costs. When viewing apartments, pay attention to the building's age and heating system, as this is the biggest variable in your utility budget.

Food and Groceries

Lodz offers the lowest food costs among Poland's major cities. Grocery shopping is significantly cheaper than Warsaw, and the eating-out scene, while smaller than Krakow or Wroclaw, offers exceptional value.

Grocery Shopping

Monthly grocery costs in Lodz are the lowest of any major Polish city, roughly 15 to 20 percent below Warsaw.

A typical monthly grocery budget for one person:

Budget-conscious: 500-750 PLN (cooking at home, discount stores like Biedronka and Lidl)
Moderate: 750-1,050 PLN (mix of home cooking and occasional dining)
Comfortable: 1,050-1,500 PLN (regular dining out, specialty products)

Eating Out

Lodz's restaurant scene has grown significantly along Piotrkowska Street and in the revitalized Manufaktura complex. Prices are the most affordable of any large Polish city.

Milk bar (bar mleczny) full meal: 12-20 PLN
Lunch menu at a casual restaurant: 20-35 PLN
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: 100-180 PLN
Fast food meal: 25-35 PLN
Craft beer at a pub: 10-16 PLN
Coffee at a cafe: 10-16 PLN
Pizza (full size): 22-38 PLN
Food delivery (Glovo, Wolt) average order: 25-45 PLN plus delivery fee

Piotrkowska Street, the heart of Lodz's social life, is lined with restaurants and cafes at every price point. The Manufaktura complex, a converted textile factory, houses restaurants, a cinema, and a shopping center. For the best budget meals, seek out the milk bars (bar mleczny) that serve traditional Polish home cooking at subsidized prices.

Transportation

Lodz has a public transport network of trams and buses operated by MPK Lodz. The city is also rapidly developing its cycling infrastructure. The recently opened Lodz Fabryczna railway station has improved connections to Warsaw and other cities.

Public Transport Costs

Single ticket (40 minutes): 3.60 PLN
Single ticket (60 minutes): 4.80 PLN
Monthly pass (all zones): 90 PLN
Student monthly pass: 45 PLN (50% discount)
3-month pass: 230 PLN
24-hour ticket: 14 PLN

Other Transport

Uber/Bolt ride (5 km): 12-20 PLN
Uber/Bolt ride to Lodz airport: 20-35 PLN
Lodz city bike (Lodzki Rower Publiczny): first 20 min free, then 1-2 PLN per 20 min
Electric scooter: 3 PLN start + 0.59 PLN per minute
Train to Warsaw (Lodz Fabryczna, 1.5 hours): 30-60 PLN one way
FlixBus to Krakow (3.5 hours): 30-65 PLN one way

Lodz has the cheapest public transport of any major Polish city. The monthly pass at 90 PLN (45 PLN for students) is the best deal in the country. The new Lodz Fabryczna station in the city center has transformed intercity travel, with express trains to Warsaw taking just 1.5 hours. This makes Lodz increasingly viable as a base for people who need occasional access to Warsaw's job market and airport.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Lodz follows the standard Polish system. EU citizens access public care with an EHIC card. Private healthcare is available and affordable.

Private GP visit: 120-200 PLN
Private specialist visit: 160-320 PLN
Private health insurance (monthly, basic): 90-170 PLN
Private health insurance (monthly, comprehensive): 170-330 PLN
Dental check-up and cleaning: 120-250 PLN
Prescription medicines: 3.50-20 PLN (subsidized) or full price
Emergency room (public, with EHIC/NFZ): free

Lodz is home to the Medical University of Lodz, one of Poland's most respected medical schools, which means the city has excellent hospital infrastructure. Major private healthcare providers include Medicover, LuxMed, and Carolina Medical Center. Private healthcare in Lodz is 10-20% cheaper than in Warsaw, adding to the city's overall cost advantage.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Lodz has reinvented itself as a creative and cultural city. The revitalized industrial spaces host art galleries, theaters, music venues, and the famous Lodz Film School (whose alumni include Roman Polanski and Andrzej Wajda). Entertainment is exceptionally affordable.

Cinema ticket: 22-32 PLN (student discounts available)
Gym membership (monthly): 70-140 PLN
Museum entry: 8-20 PLN (many free on select days)
Concert/live music: 25-80 PLN
Beer at a pub (0.5L): 9-15 PLN
Nightclub entry: 0-20 PLN
Manufaktura bowling (1 hour): 30-60 PLN
Streaming services: Netflix 33 PLN/month, Spotify 20 PLN/month
Haircut (men's): 30-55 PLN
Haircut (women's): 60-150 PLN

Lodz's Cultural Renaissance

Lodz's transformation from a post-industrial city to a cultural hub is one of Poland's great urban renewal stories. Key attractions include the EC1 science and technology center (converted power plant), the Museum of Art (MS1 and MS2), the massive Manufaktura cultural and shopping complex, and the street art that decorates buildings throughout the city center. The annual Lodz Design Festival, Light Move Festival, and Transatlantyk Film Festival draw visitors from across Europe.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Three Scenarios

Here are three realistic monthly budgets for living in Lodz in 2026. These are the lowest of any major Polish city.

Category	Student (Shared Flat)	Young Professional (Shared Flat)	Professional (Solo Apartment)
Rent	800 PLN	1,100 PLN	2,400 PLN
Utilities (your share)	210 PLN	290 PLN	580 PLN
Groceries	550 PLN	800 PLN	950 PLN
Eating out	120 PLN	350 PLN	550 PLN
Transport	45 PLN (student)	90 PLN	90 PLN
Healthcare	0 PLN (EHIC/uni)	120 PLN	200 PLN
Entertainment	150 PLN	300 PLN	450 PLN
Phone + Internet	40 PLN	60 PLN	80 PLN
Clothing/Personal	80 PLN	200 PLN	350 PLN
Total Monthly	1,995 PLN (~465 EUR)	3,310 PLN (~770 EUR)	5,650 PLN (~1,310 EUR)

Lodz vs Other Polish Cities

Lodz's cost advantage over other major Polish cities is clear. Here is a detailed comparison.

Category	Lodz	Warsaw	Krakow	Wroclaw	Poznan
Room in shared flat	750-1,200 PLN	1,600-2,200 PLN	1,200-1,800 PLN	1,000-1,600 PLN	1,000-1,500 PLN
1-bed apartment (center)	2,000-3,200 PLN	4,200-6,500 PLN	3,200-5,000 PLN	2,500-3,800 PLN	2,500-4,000 PLN
Monthly groceries	550-950 PLN	800-1,200 PLN	700-1,100 PLN	700-1,050 PLN	650-1,050 PLN
Monthly transport pass	90 PLN	110 PLN	100 PLN	110 PLN	105 PLN
Lunch at restaurant	20-35 PLN	30-45 PLN	25-38 PLN	25-40 PLN	22-38 PLN
Average net salary	4,500-5,200 PLN	6,800-7,500 PLN	5,500-6,500 PLN	5,200-6,000 PLN	5,000-6,000 PLN
Cost index (Warsaw=100)	70-75	100	85-90	80-85	78-84

Lodz is 25 to 30 percent cheaper than Warsaw and 10 to 15 percent cheaper than Krakow, Wroclaw, and Poznan. The trade-off is a smaller job market and lower average salaries. However, with the express train to Warsaw taking just 1.5 hours, some professionals live in Lodz and commute or work remotely for Warsaw-based employers -- enjoying Warsaw salaries at Lodz prices.

For students, Lodz is an exceptional choice. A monthly budget under 2,000 PLN (465 EUR) is achievable, which is below most Erasmus grants. See our guides for Warsaw and Krakow for detailed comparisons.

How to Save Money in Lodz

Lodz is already Poland's most affordable major city, but these tips can help you live even more economically.

Share your apartment. Flatsharing in Lodz saves over 20,000 PLN per year compared to living alone. Use Domkaspot to find compatible flatmates.
Use the student transport pass. At 45 PLN per month, Lodz has the cheapest student transport pass among major Polish cities.
Shop at Biedronka and Lidl. Already cheap, these stores in Lodz offer some of the lowest grocery prices in Poland.
Take advantage of Piotrkowska Street happy hours. Many bars and restaurants on Lodz's main street offer significant discounts during off-peak hours.
Use the express train to Warsaw strategically. If you need Warsaw amenities (airports, specific stores, events), the 1.5-hour train costs 30-60 PLN -- cheaper than living in Warsaw.
Explore free cultural events. Lodz hosts numerous free festivals, gallery openings, and cultural events, especially in summer.
Buy second-hand. Allegro Lokalnie and OLX have excellent deals in Lodz, where prices for second-hand goods are typically lower than in Warsaw or Krakow.
Cook with friends. Shared cooking in your flatshare cuts individual grocery costs by 20-30% while building social connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lodz the cheapest major city in Poland?

Is Lodz worth living in despite lower salaries?

How far is Lodz from Warsaw?

What are the best neighborhoods in Lodz for internationals?

Is Lodz good for students?

What is the cultural scene like in Lodz?

How much should I budget for a security deposit in Lodz?

Start Planning Your Lodz Budget

Lodz is the smart choice for internationals who want maximum value from every zloty. Poland's most affordable major city delivers a quality of life that belies its low price tag: revitalized industrial architecture, a thriving cultural scene, excellent university infrastructure, and a growing job market, all at costs that make other Polish cities look expensive.

Whether you are a student stretching a scholarship, a remote worker maximizing purchasing power, or a creative professional drawn to the city's industrial-chic atmosphere, Lodz offers a lifestyle that costs less than you might believe possible. And with flatsharing through Domkaspot, your housing costs drop even further.

Ready to discover Poland's best-value city? Start your housing search today.

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