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Are you considering a move to Warsaw, Poland, and wondering about the cost of living? Warsaw is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Warsaw and help you understand whether $2341 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1756.25.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
10.03 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
50.15 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.52 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.76 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.76 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.6 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.03 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.17 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.6 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.19 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.44 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.37 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.83 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
0.93 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.77 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.7 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.85 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.17 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.33 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.66 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
7.52 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.68 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.76 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
27.58 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.01 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.75 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
10.03 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
28838.14 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26416.16 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
303.82 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
14.33 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
40.04 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
21.32 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.52 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
506.59 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
11643.86 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
84.74 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
37.67 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
86.89 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
99.7 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1019.92 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
767.14 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1810.23 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1309.3 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
5268.89 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3291.86 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1756.25 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
7.45 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 10.03 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 50.15 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.03 USD, a loaf of bread 1.17 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 3.19 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.1 USD and a monthly pass around 27.58 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 303.82 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 40.04 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 21.32 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 506.59 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 11643.86 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 84.74 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 86.89 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1019.92 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 767.14 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 5268.89 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 3291.86 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 1756.25 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 7.45% annually.
The monthly expenses for living in Warsaw come to a total of approximately $2341. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1019 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $310 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $533 per month.
Living in Warsaw appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1756.25. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Warsaw, you would likely need an income exceeding $1756.25.
In Warsaw, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1756.25, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Warsaw is approximately $1019. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $767.14 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Warsaw can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $424 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Poland can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Poland.
Warsaw, Poland
The overall risk is low, since violent crime is not present in Warsaw, while opportunistic crimes like theft, pick-pocketing and purse snatching are frequent as in any other tourist place. However, most travelers experience no difficulties and all you need to do is to keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
When it comes to public transport, long-distance trains and buses, and those that drive from the airport are frequently places where thieves operate. Taxi drivers, as in any other big city, tend to overcharge tourists for their services, so always ask them to use the taxi meter. The public transport system in Warsaw is generally well-developed, but the driving habits are extremely bad which is proven by the fact that Poland has the highest road fatality rates among European countries.
The more tourists, the more pickpocket risks. Warsaw is an incredibly popular tourist destination which in turn leads to the higher chances of being robbed there. Thieves will try to distract your attention and steal your phone or wallet. Be especially vigilant around ATMs, at central railway stations, particularly in the Baltic towns of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot and in Warsaw and Krakow.
Weather in Poland is not extreme, but the heavy rains in spring might cause flooding. Low temperatures and great amount of snow are possible in winter, which might lead to ice on roads which is hazardous. Other serious natural disasters do not happen.
Warsaw is a great place for tourists since serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. However, you should not rely on that, because there have been reports of incidents which were racially motivated. You are not likely to be kidnapped or mugged in Warsaw, but still, it is advisable not to accept drinks from strangers and use an only official taxi.
The terrorist attacks in Europe frequently happen nowadays, and the threat exists in Poland, too. Any kind of suspicious activity should be reported to the police and before coming to Warsaw, you should monitor the news for any new threats.
Bogus police officers might ask you for your ID’s and the cash to steal it from you. They will also try to steal credit card credentials and pin code at some ATM’s. In Warsaw, not only taxi drivers, but vendors and restaurant staff will try to overcharge you, so be extra watchful when paying something.
Women solo travelers often visit Warsaw since this is the city where they can feel very safe. With the usage of common sense, they enjoy their holiday trouble-free.
When the entry requirements are in question, Poland participates in the Schengen Area, meaning that people from certain countries can enter Poland without a visa. However, if the reason for your travel is not tourism, then you need to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Poland for more information.
The official currency in Poland is Zloty and it is always better to exchange money in banks and currency exchange kiosks. All major currencies are readily exchanged in Poland. ATMs can be found anywhere in Warsaw and all credit cards are accepted.
The weather in Poland varies. During summer the temperature is between 24 and 36 degrees Celsius. Cold winters with a lot of snowfall are typical for Poland. Warsaw can be visited year-round but the best time is late spring and summer when the climate is the most favorable. The coolest months are January and February with temperatures below zero.
The major international airport in Warsaw is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, located in Włochy, around 10 km away from the city center. Other international airports that can be used when coming to Poland are Kraków, Gdánsk, Katowice, and Wroclaw.
Experienced tourists always obtain a travel insurance policy before going anywhere in the world, so it is advisable to get it, to feel protected.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 33°F | 35°F | 44°F | 56°F | 66°F | 71°F | 75°F | 74°F | 65°F | 54°F | 42°F | 35°F |
| Temp | 28°F | 30°F | 37°F | 48°F | 58°F | 63°F | 67°F | 65°F | 57°F | 47°F | 38°F | 31°F |
| Low | 24°F | 25°F | 30°F | 39°F | 47°F | 53°F | 57°F | 55°F | 48°F | 40°F | 33°F | 27°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 0°C | 1°C | 6°C | 13°C | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C | 23°C | 18°C | 12°C | 5°C | 1°C |
| Temp | -2°C | -1°C | 2°C | 8°C | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C | 18°C | 13°C | 8°C | 3°C | 0°C |
| Low | -4°C | -3°C | -1°C | 3°C | 8°C | 11°C | 13°C | 12°C | 8°C | 4°C | 0°C | -2°C |