Rent Affordability Calculator

How to Calculate Rent Affordability in Poland

Figuring out how much rent you can comfortably afford is the first step to finding a home in Poland. Whether you are relocating for work, studying at a Polish university, or simply exploring life abroad, understanding local rental costs relative to your income helps you avoid financial stress. In cities like Warsaw and Krakow, rent can consume a significant portion of your salary, while smaller cities like Lodz, Katowice, or Lublin offer much more affordable options.

Polish landlords typically ask for rent (czynsz) plus additional costs like czynsz administracyjny (building administration fees) and media (utilities). These extras can add 400-800 PLN on top of the base rent, so it is important to factor them into your affordability calculation. Our calculator accounts for these hidden costs so you get a realistic picture of what you can truly afford.

Financial advisors generally recommend keeping housing costs below 30% of your net income. In Poland, this threshold is especially helpful because it leaves room for groceries, transport, healthcare, and savings. If your rent-to-income ratio creeps above 40%, sharing an apartment with flatmates through Domkaspot can bring your costs back into a healthy range while improving your social life in a new city.

• Always calculate affordability using your net salary (po odliczeniach), not the gross amount listed in your umowa o prace.
• Remember to include czynsz administracyjny and media costs on top of base rent — these add 400-800 PLN per month.
• If your rent exceeds 30% of income in Warsaw, consider neighborhoods like Praga Poludnie or Wola for better value.
• Sharing an apartment typically saves 30-50% on housing costs compared to renting a studio alone.