Cost of Living in Warsaw 2026: Complete Breakdown

Q: Is Warsaw expensive compared to other European capitals?

No. Warsaw remains significantly cheaper than Western European capitals. Living costs are roughly 45-50% lower than Berlin, 55-60% lower than Amsterdam, and 60-65% lower than London. Among EU capitals, only cities like Sofia, Bucharest, and Budapest are notably cheaper. However, Warsaw has been closing this gap as the Polish economy grows.

Q: How much money do I need per month to live comfortably in Warsaw?

A comfortable monthly budget in Warsaw is around 4,500-5,500 PLN (1,050-1,290 EUR) if you share an apartment, or 7,500-9,000 PLN (1,750-2,100 EUR) if you live alone. Students can manage on 2,800-3,500 PLN (650-820 EUR) per month with a shared room and careful budgeting.

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

The average gross salary in Warsaw is approximately 9,500-10,500 PLN per month, which translates to around 6,800-7,500 PLN net after taxes. In the tech sector, salaries range from 12,000 to 25,000 PLN gross depending on experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at 5,500-7,000 PLN gross.

Q: Is it cheaper to live alone or share an apartment in Warsaw?

Sharing an apartment is significantly cheaper. A room in a shared flat costs 1,400-2,200 PLN versus 3,500-6,500 PLN for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. When you include split utilities, flatsharing saves approximately 30,000 PLN (7,000 EUR) per year. Use Domkaspot to find verified, compatible flatmates.

Q: Which Warsaw neighborhoods offer the best value for money?

Praga Polnoc and Bielany offer the best value for internationals. Praga Polnoc is the city's fastest-gentrifying area with a creative vibe and rents 30-40% below the center. Bielany, near the University of Warsaw's campus, is ideal for students. Wola offers a great balance of modern amenities, metro access, and moderate prices. Browse available apartments in Warsaw on Domkaspot.

Q: Are prices in Warsaw listed including or excluding utilities?

Most apartment listings on Polish platforms quote rent separately from czynsz (administration fee) and utilities. When comparing prices, always ask for the total monthly cost including rent, czynsz, electricity, gas, water, and internet. On Domkaspot's housing listings , we aim to provide transparent all-in pricing where possible.

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

Expect to pay one to two months' rent as a security deposit. For a shared room at 1,800 PLN, this means 1,800-3,600 PLN upfront. For a solo apartment at 4,000 PLN, the deposit could be 4,000-8,000 PLN. Always get a signed receipt and photograph the apartment condition at move-in to ensure a smooth return of your deposit.

Domkaspot Editorial

Feb 11, 2026•16 min read

Cost of Living in Warsaw 2026: Complete Breakdown

Introduction

Warsaw is Poland's capital, largest city, and economic engine. It attracts tens of thousands of international students, professionals, and digital nomads every year with its mix of career opportunities, vibrant culture, and costs that remain significantly below Western European capitals. But how much does it actually cost to live in Warsaw in 2026?

This guide provides a detailed, category-by-category breakdown of Warsaw living expenses, from rent and utilities to groceries, transport, healthcare, and entertainment. We compare neighborhood costs, solo living versus flatsharing, and Warsaw versus other Polish cities. Whether you are budgeting for a semester as a student or planning a long-term move, these numbers will help you build a realistic monthly budget.

All figures are based on current 2026 data from Numbeo, local rental platforms, and Domkaspot's own market analysis of Warsaw housing listings.

Housing: The Biggest Expense

Housing is by far the largest item in any Warsaw budget, typically consuming 35 to 55 percent of monthly income depending on whether you live alone or share. Warsaw rents have stabilized somewhat after the sharp increases of 2022-2024, but the city remains Poland's most expensive rental market.

Rent by Neighborhood

Warsaw's neighborhoods vary enormously in price and character. The table below shows typical monthly rents for different housing types across the city's most popular areas for internationals.

Neighborhood	Studio/1-Bed Apartment	Room in Shared Flat	Character
Srodmiescie (Center)	4,200-6,500 PLN	1,800-2,500 PLN	Business district, nightlife, most expensive
Mokotow	3,500-5,200 PLN	1,500-2,100 PLN	Green spaces, family-friendly, popular with expats
Wola	3,200-4,800 PLN	1,400-2,000 PLN	Rapidly developing, tech offices, excellent metro
Praga Polnoc	2,500-3,800 PLN	1,100-1,700 PLN	Artsy, gentrifying, best value near center
Praga Poludnie	2,800-4,200 PLN	1,200-1,800 PLN	Residential, parks, good transport links
Bielany	2,600-3,800 PLN	1,100-1,600 PLN	University area, student-friendly, affordable
Ursynow	2,800-4,000 PLN	1,200-1,700 PLN	Southern suburb, SGGW university, metro access
Zoliborz	3,200-4,800 PLN	1,400-2,000 PLN	Quiet, upscale, intellectual reputation

Solo Living vs Flatsharing: The Cost Difference

The financial case for flatsharing in Warsaw is compelling. On average, sharing an apartment saves you 45 to 55 percent compared to renting a studio or one-bedroom alone. Here is what that looks like over a year.

Expense	Living Alone (1-Bed, Wola)	Shared Flat (Room, Wola)	Annual Savings
Monthly Rent	3,800 PLN	1,700 PLN	25,200 PLN
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet)	800 PLN	350 PLN (split)	5,400 PLN
Total Monthly Housing	4,600 PLN	2,050 PLN	30,600 PLN
Total Annual Housing	55,200 PLN	24,600 PLN	30,600 PLN

That 30,600 PLN annual saving from flatsharing is roughly equivalent to 7,200 EUR, enough for a three-week European vacation, a full year of language courses, or a significant addition to your savings. The co-living option falls somewhere in between, with all-inclusive rooms typically costing 2,200 to 3,500 PLN per month.

Utilities and Bills

Utility costs in Warsaw depend heavily on the size of your apartment, the building's energy efficiency, and the season. Winter heating is a significant expense, especially in older buildings.

Monthly Utility Breakdown

The following estimates are for a standard 50-60 sqm apartment. In a flatshare, these costs are divided among all residents.

Utility	Monthly Cost (Apartment)	Your Share (2-Person Flat)	Your Share (3-Person Flat)
Electricity	200-350 PLN	100-175 PLN	70-120 PLN
Heating (czynsz includes this)	300-600 PLN (winter peak)	150-300 PLN	100-200 PLN
Water & sewage	80-150 PLN	40-75 PLN	27-50 PLN
Internet (fiber)	60-90 PLN	30-45 PLN	20-30 PLN
Mobile phone	30-60 PLN	30-60 PLN	30-60 PLN
Total Utilities	670-1,250 PLN	350-655 PLN	247-460 PLN

A note on czynsz (administration fee): Many apartment listings in Warsaw quote rent plus czynsz separately. The czynsz is a monthly fee to the building administration that typically covers heating, water, garbage collection, building maintenance, and common area cleaning. It can range from 300 to 900 PLN depending on the building and apartment size. Always confirm whether a listed price includes czynsz or not, as this can significantly affect your actual monthly cost.

Food and Groceries

Warsaw offers a wide range of food options across every budget level. Grocery costs have stabilized after the inflation spikes of 2023-2024, though they remain higher than in smaller Polish cities.

Grocery Shopping

Your monthly grocery bill depends on your eating habits and where you shop. Budget supermarkets like Biedronka, Lidl, and Netto offer the lowest prices. Mid-range options include Carrefour, Auchan, and Kaufland. Premium stores like Alma and organic shops command a significant premium.

A typical monthly grocery budget for one person:

Budget-conscious: 600-900 PLN (cooking at home, budget stores, minimal eating out)
Moderate: 900-1,400 PLN (mix of home cooking and occasional dining out)
Comfortable: 1,400-2,000 PLN (regular dining out, organic products, delivery apps)

Eating Out

Warsaw's restaurant scene is diverse and generally affordable by European standards. Here are typical prices:

Lunch menu at a casual restaurant: 25-45 PLN
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: 150-250 PLN
Fast food meal (burger, fries, drink): 30-40 PLN
Coffee at a cafe: 12-20 PLN
Craft beer at a bar: 15-25 PLN
Milk bar (bar mleczny) meal: 15-25 PLN (traditional Polish budget canteens, excellent value)
Food delivery (Glovo, Wolt) average order: 35-55 PLN plus delivery fee

Transportation

Warsaw has an excellent and affordable public transport system. The city has two metro lines, an extensive tram network, and comprehensive bus routes. Most internationals find they do not need a car.

Public Transport Costs

Single ticket (75 minutes): 4.40 PLN
24-hour ticket: 15 PLN
Monthly pass (Zone 1 only): 110 PLN
Monthly pass (Zone 1+2): 140 PLN
3-month pass (Zone 1): 280 PLN
Student monthly pass (with valid ISIC): 55 PLN (50% discount)

Other Transport

Uber/Bolt ride (5 km): 15-25 PLN
Uber/Bolt ride (10 km, airport): 40-60 PLN
City bike rental (Veturilo): First 20 minutes free, then 2 PLN per 20 minutes
Electric scooter (Lime, Bolt): 3.50 PLN start + 0.69 PLN per minute
Monthly car fuel (if driving): 500-700 PLN
Parking in center: 6 PLN per hour

The Warsaw metro runs from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, with night buses filling the gap. If you live and work along the metro line, your commute will be quick and reliable. This is another reason to consider neighborhoods like Wola, Bielany, and Ursynow, which all have metro access and more affordable rents than the city center.

Healthcare

Poland has a public healthcare system (NFZ) that EU citizens can access with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU residents with a work contract or student visa are typically enrolled in NFZ through their employer or university.

The public system covers essential care but wait times for specialist appointments can be long. Many internationals supplement with private healthcare, which is affordable by Western standards.

Private GP visit: 150-250 PLN
Private specialist visit: 200-400 PLN
Private health insurance (monthly, comprehensive): 150-350 PLN
Dental check-up (private): 150-300 PLN
Prescription medicines: typically 3.50-20 PLN (subsidized) or full price
Emergency room (public, with EHIC/NFZ): free

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Warsaw is Poland's cultural capital with a rich offering of entertainment, from world-class museums and theaters to a thriving nightlife and cafe scene. Here is what to budget for fun.

Cinema ticket: 28-40 PLN (discounts on Tuesdays/Wednesdays)
Gym membership (monthly): 100-200 PLN (MultiSport card: 130-180 PLN, covers most gyms and pools)
Museum entry: 10-30 PLN (many free on select days)
Concert/live music: 40-150 PLN
Theater ticket: 30-120 PLN
Weekend trip to Krakow (bus + hostel): 150-300 PLN
Spotify/Netflix subscription: 23-55 PLN
Haircut (men's): 40-80 PLN
Haircut (women's): 80-200 PLN

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Three Scenarios

To bring all these numbers together, here are three realistic monthly budgets for living in Warsaw in 2026.

Category	Student (Shared Flat)	Young Professional (Shared Flat)	Professional (Solo Apartment)
Rent	1,300 PLN	1,800 PLN	4,000 PLN
Utilities (your share)	300 PLN	400 PLN	800 PLN
Groceries	700 PLN	1,000 PLN	1,200 PLN
Eating out	200 PLN	500 PLN	800 PLN
Transport	55 PLN (student)	110 PLN	140 PLN
Healthcare	0 PLN (EHIC/uni)	200 PLN	250 PLN
Entertainment	200 PLN	400 PLN	600 PLN
Phone + Internet	50 PLN	70 PLN	90 PLN
Clothing/Personal	150 PLN	300 PLN	500 PLN
Total Monthly	2,955 PLN (~690 EUR)	4,780 PLN (~1,120 EUR)	8,380 PLN (~1,960 EUR)

Warsaw vs Other Polish Cities

How does Warsaw compare to other major Polish cities? If budget is a primary concern, moving to a smaller city can stretch your money significantly further. Here is a comparison of key monthly costs.

Category	Warsaw	Krakow	Wroclaw	Gdansk	Lodz
Room in shared flat	1,600-2,200 PLN	1,300-1,900 PLN	1,200-1,700 PLN	1,300-1,800 PLN	900-1,400 PLN
1-bed apartment (center)	4,200-6,500 PLN	3,200-5,000 PLN	2,800-4,500 PLN	3,000-4,800 PLN	2,200-3,500 PLN
Monthly groceries	800-1,200 PLN	700-1,100 PLN	700-1,050 PLN	750-1,100 PLN	650-1,000 PLN
Monthly transport pass	110 PLN	100 PLN	100 PLN	100 PLN	90 PLN
Lunch at restaurant	30-45 PLN	25-40 PLN	25-40 PLN	25-40 PLN	20-35 PLN
Cost index (Warsaw=100)	100	85-90	80-85	82-88	70-75

Warsaw commands a 10 to 30 percent premium over other major Polish cities, but it also offers the highest salaries and the widest range of job opportunities, particularly in tech, finance, and consulting. The salary premium often more than offsets the higher cost of living, making Warsaw the best choice for career-focused professionals.

For students living on a fixed budget, cities like Krakow, Wroclaw, and Lodz offer a lower cost of living with excellent university infrastructure and active international communities.

How to Save Money in Warsaw

Even in Poland's most expensive city, there are plenty of strategies to reduce your monthly expenses without sacrificing quality of life.

Share your apartment. As shown above, flatsharing in Warsaw saves 30,000+ PLN per year compared to living alone. Use Domkaspot to find compatible flatmates.
Shop at budget supermarkets. Biedronka and Lidl are 20-30% cheaper than mid-range stores for identical product quality.
Use a student card. If you are a student, always carry your ISIC card. Discounts apply to public transport, museums, restaurants, and more.
Cook at home. Eating out 5 times a week adds 400-600 PLN to your monthly food budget. Meal prepping on Sundays can cut this dramatically.
Try milk bars (bar mleczny). These government-subsidized canteens serve hot Polish meals for 15-25 PLN. Quality varies but the best ones are excellent.
Get a MultiSport card. At 130-180 PLN/month, it gives access to hundreds of gyms, pools, and fitness studios across the city.
Use the Too Good To Go app. Rescue unsold food from restaurants and bakeries at 60-70% off.
Negotiate rent in off-peak months. Landlords are more flexible on price from November to February when demand is lowest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warsaw expensive compared to other European capitals?

How much money do I need per month to live comfortably in Warsaw?

What is the average salary in Warsaw in 2026?

Is it cheaper to live alone or share an apartment in Warsaw?

Which Warsaw neighborhoods offer the best value for money?

Are prices in Warsaw listed including or excluding utilities?

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

Start Planning Your Warsaw Budget

Warsaw offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of Western European costs. Whether you are a student stretching an Erasmus grant, a young professional building your career, or a remote worker enjoying Poland's favorable cost-to-quality ratio, the city delivers outstanding value.

The single most impactful decision for your budget is whether to live alone or share. With flatsharing in Warsaw saving upwards of 30,000 PLN per year, the financial argument is hard to ignore. Platforms like Domkaspot remove the risk from flatsharing by matching you with verified, compatible people through psychology-based personality matching.

Ready to find affordable housing in Warsaw? Start your search today.

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