Cost of Living in Poznan 2026: Complete Breakdown

Q: Is Poznan a cheap city to live in?

Poznan is one of Poland's most affordable major cities. It is 16-22% cheaper than Warsaw and slightly below Krakow and Gdansk. A student can live comfortably on 2,300-2,800 PLN (535-650 EUR) per month in a shared flat . By Western European standards, Poznan is approximately 50-60% cheaper than cities like Munich, Amsterdam, or Paris.

Q: How much rent should I expect in Poznan?

A room in a shared apartment costs 1,000-1,500 PLN per month in popular neighborhoods. A studio or one-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,800-4,200 PLN depending on location and condition. Jezyce is the most popular neighborhood for internationals at 1,100-1,600 PLN for a shared room. Remember to factor in czynsz and utilities. Browse current listings on Domkaspot's Poznan page .

Q: What is the best neighborhood in Poznan for expats?

Jezyce is the top pick for most internationals. It is trendy, walkable, full of cafes and independent shops, and offers rents below the Old Town. Grunwald is the best student neighborhood, with proximity to Adam Mickiewicz University and affordable housing. Wilda is the up-and-coming budget option with an industrial-chic vibe. Find listings in all areas on Domkaspot .

Q: What is the average salary in Poznan in 2026?

The average net salary in Poznan is approximately 5,000-6,000 PLN per month. IT and tech professionals earn significantly more, with mid-level developers earning 11,000-17,000 PLN net. Entry-level positions in shared services and BPO typically start at 4,500-6,000 PLN gross. Salaries are about 15-20% lower than Warsaw but cost of living is proportionally lower.

Q: Is Poznan good for students?

Excellent. Poznan has a strong university tradition centered around Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM), Poznan University of Technology, and Poznan University of Economics and Business. The city has over 120,000 students, creating a vibrant, affordable, student-friendly atmosphere. Erasmus grants of 600-700 EUR per month cover essential living costs in a shared flat . Student discounts are widely available on transport, culture, and dining.

Q: How does Poznan compare to Wroclaw for living costs?

Poznan and Wroclaw are very similar in cost, with Poznan being marginally cheaper in some categories (housing, groceries) and Wroclaw slightly cheaper in others (entertainment). Both cities are 15-20% cheaper than Warsaw. Poznan has a slight edge on international connectivity (Berlin is 3 hours away) while Wroclaw has a larger student population. Both are excellent choices for budget-conscious internationals.

Domkaspot Editorial

Feb 15, 2026•15 min read

Cost of Living in Poznan 2026: Complete Breakdown

Introduction

Poznan is one of Poland's most underrated cities for international living. As the historical capital of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) and home to one of the country's oldest universities, it combines a rich cultural heritage with a strong economy, a vibrant student scene, and costs that sit comfortably below Warsaw and Krakow. Known for its business-oriented mentality, international trade fairs, and the famous St. Martin's croissants, Poznan has quietly become a top destination for students, young professionals, and remote workers.

This guide breaks down every major expense category for living in Poznan in 2026. We cover rent across the city's key neighborhoods, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare, entertainment, and three realistic monthly budget scenarios. Whether you are relocating for work, starting a university semester, or scouting remote-work bases in Poland, these figures will help you plan a realistic budget.

All costs are based on 2026 market data from local rental platforms, Numbeo, and Domkaspot's own analysis of Poznan housing listings. For a comprehensive look at your city options, see our ranking of the best cities in Poland for expats.

Housing: Rent by Neighborhood

Housing is the largest expense in any Poznan budget, typically consuming 35 to 50 percent of monthly income. Poznan rents are approximately 15 to 20 percent below Warsaw and roughly comparable to Wroclaw, making it one of the best-value larger cities in Poland for housing quality.

Rent Prices by Neighborhood

Poznan is a compact, well-connected city. Even its outer neighborhoods are easily accessible by tram. The table below shows typical monthly rents across the most popular areas for internationals.

Neighborhood	Studio/1-Bed Apartment	Room in Shared Flat	Character
Stare Miasto (Old Town)	2,800-4,200 PLN	1,300-1,900 PLN	Historic center, restaurants, tourist area, most expensive
Jezyce	2,200-3,400 PLN	1,100-1,600 PLN	Trendy, hip, cafes and galleries, best for young professionals
Wilda	1,800-2,800 PLN	900-1,300 PLN	Gentrifying, affordable, industrial-chic character
Grunwald	2,000-3,000 PLN	1,000-1,400 PLN	Residential, green, near university, popular with students
Rataje	1,700-2,600 PLN	850-1,250 PLN	Eastern suburb, affordable, good tram connections, newer buildings

Solo Living vs Flatsharing: The Cost Difference

The savings from flatsharing in Poznan are substantial. Here is a comparison for the popular Jezyce neighborhood, the top pick for most internationals.

Expense	Living Alone (1-Bed, Jezyce)	Shared Flat (Room, Jezyce)	Annual Savings
Monthly Rent	2,700 PLN	1,200 PLN	18,000 PLN
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet)	650 PLN	280 PLN (split)	4,440 PLN
Total Monthly Housing	3,350 PLN	1,480 PLN	22,440 PLN
Total Annual Housing	40,200 PLN	17,760 PLN	22,440 PLN

An annual saving of 22,440 PLN (approximately 5,200 EUR) from flatsharing is transformative for a student or early-career professional. That is enough to fund a three-month study-abroad trip, a year of Polish language lessons, or a serious emergency fund. The co-living option in Poznan typically costs 1,800 to 2,800 PLN per month all-inclusive.

Utilities and Bills

Utility costs in Poznan are broadly in line with other mid-sized Polish cities. Winter heating is a significant expense, particularly in older buildings common in Jezyce and Wilda.

Monthly Utility Breakdown

Estimates below are for a standard 45-55 sqm apartment. In a flatshare, costs are divided among residents.

Utility	Monthly Cost (Apartment)	Your Share (2-Person Flat)	Your Share (3-Person Flat)
Electricity	170-310 PLN	85-155 PLN	57-103 PLN
Heating (via czynsz)	250-520 PLN (winter peak)	125-260 PLN	83-173 PLN
Water & sewage	65-120 PLN	33-60 PLN	22-40 PLN
Internet (fiber)	55-85 PLN	28-43 PLN	18-28 PLN
Mobile phone	30-55 PLN	30-55 PLN	30-55 PLN
Total Utilities	570-1,090 PLN	301-573 PLN	210-399 PLN

The czynsz (administration fee) in Poznan typically ranges from 350 to 750 PLN depending on the building and apartment size. Newer developments in Rataje and parts of Grunwald tend to have more predictable, moderate czynsz due to better insulation and energy efficiency. Always ask landlords for the total monthly cost including rent, czynsz, and estimated utilities before committing.

Food and Groceries

Poznan is a fantastic food city, blending traditional Wielkopolska cuisine with a growing international dining scene. Grocery costs are among the lowest of Poland's major cities, and the eating-out scene offers excellent value.

Grocery Shopping

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Poznan are 5 to 10 percent below Warsaw levels. Biedronka, Lidl, and Netto have locations across all neighborhoods.

A typical monthly grocery budget for one person:

Budget-conscious: 550-800 PLN (cooking at home, discount stores, minimal eating out)
Moderate: 800-1,150 PLN (mix of home cooking, some specialty items, occasional dining)
Comfortable: 1,150-1,700 PLN (regular dining out, organic products, delivery apps)

Eating Out

Poznan's restaurant scene is excellent and affordable. Jezyce in particular has seen an explosion of trendy cafes and restaurants.

Milk bar (bar mleczny) full meal: 14-22 PLN
Lunch menu at a casual restaurant: 22-38 PLN
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: 120-210 PLN
Pyry z gzikiem (Poznan's signature potato dish): 15-25 PLN
St. Martin's croissant (rogal swiatomarcinski): 8-15 PLN
Craft beer at a pub: 12-20 PLN
Coffee at a specialty cafe: 11-17 PLN
Food delivery (Glovo, Wolt) average order: 28-48 PLN plus delivery fee

Do not leave Poznan without trying pyry z gzikiem, the city's signature dish of potatoes with a white cheese and herb dip, and the famous rogal swiatomarcinski (St. Martin's croissant), a crescent-shaped pastry filled with white poppy seeds, almonds, and dried fruit. The croissants are traditionally baked for St. Martin's Day (November 11) but are available year-round at select bakeries.

Transportation

Poznan has an efficient public transport system consisting of trams and buses operated by MPK Poznan. The city is compact and flat, making cycling a popular year-round option. Most internationals do not need a car.

Public Transport Costs

Single ticket (40 minutes): 4.60 PLN
Single ticket (60 minutes): 6.00 PLN
Monthly pass (all zones): 105 PLN
Student monthly pass: 52.50 PLN (50% discount)
3-month pass: 270 PLN
24-hour ticket: 15 PLN

Other Transport

Uber/Bolt ride (5 km): 13-22 PLN
Uber/Bolt ride to Poznan airport: 25-40 PLN
Poznan city bike (Nextbike): first 20 min free, then 2 PLN per 20 min
Electric scooter: 3.50 PLN start + 0.65 PLN per minute
Train to Warsaw (2.5-3 hours, IC): 55-110 PLN one way
FlixBus to Berlin (3 hours): 60-120 PLN one way

Poznan's tram network is the backbone of city transport, connecting all major neighborhoods to the Stare Miasto area. The city is also investing in cycling infrastructure, with new bike lanes added annually. If you live in Jezyce or Grunwald, you can walk or cycle to most university buildings and the city center in under 15 minutes. Poznan's proximity to Berlin (just 3 hours by bus or train) is a bonus for weekend trips and international connections.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Poznan follows the same structure as the rest of Poland. EU citizens can access public healthcare (NFZ) with an EHIC card. Private healthcare is affordable and widely used for faster service.

Private GP visit: 140-230 PLN
Private specialist visit: 180-350 PLN
Private health insurance (monthly, basic): 100-180 PLN
Private health insurance (monthly, comprehensive): 180-350 PLN
Dental check-up and cleaning (private): 140-280 PLN
Prescription medicines: 3.50-20 PLN (subsidized) or full price
Emergency room (public, with EHIC/NFZ): free

Poznan has several excellent hospitals and private clinics. Major private healthcare providers include Medicover, LuxMed, and Centrum Medyczne HCP. University students are typically enrolled in NFZ through their institution. If your employer does not provide private healthcare, a basic package at 100-180 PLN per month covers GP visits and basic specialist referrals.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Poznan's cultural and entertainment scene punches above its weight. The city hosts major events like the Malta Festival (international theater), Poznan International Fair, and a thriving nightlife centered around Stare Miasto and Jezyce.

Cinema ticket: 24-36 PLN (student discounts available)
Gym membership (monthly): 80-160 PLN
Museum entry: 10-25 PLN (many free on select days)
Concert/live music: 30-100 PLN
Beer at a pub (0.5L craft): 11-18 PLN
Nightclub entry: 0-25 PLN (often free before midnight)
Malta Lake kayak rental: 20-40 PLN per hour
Weekend trip to nearby Gniezno (Poland's first capital): 30-50 PLN
Streaming services: Netflix 33 PLN/month, Spotify 20 PLN/month
Haircut (men's): 35-65 PLN
Haircut (women's): 70-170 PLN

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Three Scenarios

Here are three realistic monthly budgets for living in Poznan in 2026, covering different lifestyles and housing choices.

Category	Student (Shared Flat)	Young Professional (Shared Flat)	Professional (Solo Apartment)
Rent	1,000 PLN	1,300 PLN	2,800 PLN
Utilities (your share)	230 PLN	320 PLN	650 PLN
Groceries	600 PLN	900 PLN	1,050 PLN
Eating out	150 PLN	400 PLN	650 PLN
Transport	53 PLN (student)	105 PLN	105 PLN
Healthcare	0 PLN (EHIC/uni)	140 PLN	220 PLN
Entertainment	180 PLN	350 PLN	500 PLN
Phone + Internet	45 PLN	65 PLN	85 PLN
Clothing/Personal	100 PLN	230 PLN	400 PLN
Total Monthly	2,358 PLN (~550 EUR)	3,810 PLN (~885 EUR)	6,460 PLN (~1,500 EUR)

Poznan vs Other Polish Cities

How does Poznan compare to other major Polish cities for cost of living? Here is a side-by-side view of key monthly costs.

Category	Poznan	Warsaw	Krakow	Wroclaw	Gdansk
Room in shared flat	1,000-1,500 PLN	1,600-2,200 PLN	1,200-1,800 PLN	1,000-1,600 PLN	1,100-1,600 PLN
1-bed apartment (center)	2,500-4,000 PLN	4,200-6,500 PLN	3,200-5,000 PLN	2,500-3,800 PLN	2,800-4,200 PLN
Monthly groceries	650-1,050 PLN	800-1,200 PLN	700-1,100 PLN	700-1,050 PLN	700-1,100 PLN
Monthly transport pass	105 PLN	110 PLN	100 PLN	110 PLN	100-130 PLN
Lunch at restaurant	22-38 PLN	30-45 PLN	25-38 PLN	25-40 PLN	24-40 PLN
Cost index (Warsaw=100)	78-84	100	85-90	80-85	82-88

Poznan is 16 to 22 percent cheaper than Warsaw and slightly below Krakow and Gdansk in most categories. The city offers comparable quality of life to Wroclaw at similar price levels, with the added advantage of excellent international transport connections (Berlin is just 3 hours away). For students and budget-conscious professionals, Poznan is one of Poland's best value propositions.

For detailed comparisons with other cities, see our cost of living guides for Warsaw and Krakow.

How to Save Money in Poznan

Poznan is already affordable, but these strategies can stretch your budget even further.

Share your apartment. Flatsharing in Poznan saves over 22,000 PLN per year compared to living alone. Use Domkaspot to find compatible flatmates.
Shop at Biedronka and Lidl. These discount chains are 20-30% cheaper than mid-range supermarkets for comparable quality.
Cycle everywhere. Poznan is flat and bike-friendly. A used bike costs 200-400 PLN on OLX and eliminates the need for a transport pass in warmer months.
Cook at home. A home-cooked meal costs 10-15 PLN versus 30-50 PLN at a restaurant. Meal prepping on Sundays saves time and money.
Take advantage of student discounts. Student IDs unlock 50% off public transport, discounts at museums, cinemas, and many restaurants near university campuses.
Visit Stary Browar for window shopping, not buying. The luxury mall is architecturally stunning but pricey. Stick to budget stores and markets for actual shopping.
Use the Nextbike city bikes. The first 20 minutes are free with each trip. For short errands, you can ride across the city without paying a zloty.
Explore Berlin on the cheap. FlixBus to Berlin costs 60-120 PLN. Weekend trips to Germany are surprisingly affordable from Poznan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Poznan a cheap city to live in?

How much rent should I expect in Poznan?

What is the best neighborhood in Poznan for expats?

What is the average salary in Poznan in 2026?

Is Poznan good for students?

How does Poznan compare to Wroclaw for living costs?

Start Planning Your Poznan Budget

Poznan offers an outstanding combination of affordability, cultural richness, and strategic location. Its proximity to Berlin makes it uniquely positioned among Polish cities for those who want easy access to Western Europe. The strong university ecosystem, growing tech scene, and famous hospitality of the Wielkopolska region make it a city where internationals feel welcome quickly.

The smartest financial move is flatsharing. With annual savings exceeding 22,000 PLN compared to solo living, finding compatible flatmates in Poznan through Domkaspot's personality-based matching is the fastest path to an affordable, enjoyable life in this remarkable city.

Ready to find your place in Poznan? Start your search today.

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