Furnished vs Unfurnished Calculator

Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Poland: Which Saves You Money?

Choosing between a furnished and unfurnished apartment in Poland is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make when renting. Furnished apartments in Warsaw typically cost 500-800 PLN more per month, while in cities like Lodz or Katowice the premium is smaller at 300-500 PLN. Over a 12-month lease, that premium adds up to thousands of zloty — but so does furnishing an empty apartment from scratch.

This calculator compares your total costs over your planned lease length, factoring in the monthly rent difference, the upfront cost of furnishing (typically 5,000-10,000 PLN for basics from IKEA or OLX), and the breakeven point where unfurnished becomes cheaper. For short stays of 6-12 months, furnished almost always wins. For leases over 18 months, buying your own furniture often saves money — especially if you shop second-hand on OLX or at Biedronka's seasonal home goods sales.

In Poland, 'furnished' (umeblowane) typically includes a bed, wardrobe, desk, kitchen appliances, and washing machine. However, the quality varies wildly — some furnished apartments have brand-new IKEA setups while others come with worn-out furniture from the 1990s. Always request a full inventory list (protokol zdawczo-odbiorczy) and document the condition of every item at move-in.

• For stays under 12 months, furnished apartments almost always save money even with the monthly premium.
• Check OLX and Facebook Marketplace for second-hand furniture — you can furnish a 1-bedroom apartment for 2,000-4,000 PLN instead of 10,000 PLN new.
• Always request and sign an inventory list (protokol zdawczo-odbiorczy) documenting every piece of furniture and its condition when you move in.
• If renting unfurnished, ask the landlord about leaving furniture behind when you leave — many are happy to keep it and may reduce your deposit deductions.
• IKEA in Poland offers delivery for 49-149 PLN and has a planning service that helps you furnish efficiently on a budget.