The standard of living in Poland is higher than in the CIS countries, and therefore the cost of living here exceeds the usual indicators for foreigners. Those who are going to come to Poland not only for work, but also for entertainment and sightseeing, should take into account that the duration of the working day at a Polish enterprise is 8-10 hours. Those who get a job through a recruiting agency or on a watch can work for 12 hours. The working week lasts 5-6 days. This means that there will be practically no time left for rest, which means that the cost of entertainment in the cost of living in Poland can be ignored.
Operating expenses per month
If we assume that the only purpose of a trip to Poland is to earn money, you can make an approximate calculation of monthly expenses, based on paying only the bare essentials:
- rental housing (for those who have not chosen to work with accommodation);
- utilities;
- food products, personal hygiene products;
- household chemicals;
- clothes - as needed;
- travel by public transport;
- Internet and mobile communications.
How to save on rental housing
Even if a married couple is going to work in Poland, planning to subsequently stay in the country for permanent residence, it will be possible to immediately acquire an apartment only if there are sufficiently large savings. Real estate in Poland is quite expensive, which means that housing will have to be rented.
For example, in the capital - Warsaw - 1 square meter of housing area is estimated at 10671.93 zlotys (2561.26 euros) if the apartment is located in the city center, and 7122.64 zlotys (1709.43 euros) if the housing is located within city, but not in the center.
In cities that are less popular for relocation, prices are much lower. For example, in Bialystok, 1 square meter of the area of an apartment will cost 5100 zlotys (1224 euros) and 4300 zlotys (1032 euros) if the apartment is located in the center and outside the center, respectively.
You can think about saving money on housing already at the stage of searching for vacancies. Quite a few employers in Poland offer residential employment.
As a rule, we are talking about working on farms, caring for an elderly person, looking after small children. If such prospects suit the applicant, you can forget about looking for housing, about paying rent and utilities, which are not cheap in Poland.
Another option is to rent a room or find a place in a hostel. Compared with the cost of renting an apartment, such housing will cost 2 times cheaper. For example, in Warsaw, one-room apartments are rented for at least 1,500 zlotys (360 euros) per month, while a room will only cost 700 zlotys (168 euros).
Finally, it is possible to rent an apartment for several people, then the rent is distributed among the tenants, and the costs will not be so high. However, in such a situation, you will have to ask the Pole for help so that he can agree on the lease - foreign workers are reluctant to rent apartments.
In extreme cases, you can stay at a hostel. The cost of an overnight stay will vary depending on the number of places in the room and the city. On average, for a bed in 10-12-bed rooms, you will have to pay 25-30 zlotys (6-7.2 euros) per day, and 1-2-bed rooms cost more than 100 zlotys (24 euros) per day per person.
Average rental prices for apartments of various sizes in the largest cities in Poland (PLN / EUR):
| Apartment area | up to 38 sq.m. | from 38 to 60 sq.m. | from 60 to 90 sq.m. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gdansk | 1353 (324.72) | 1995 (478.80) | 2590 (621.60) |
| Warsaw | 1984 (476.16) | 2799 (671.76) | 4015 (963.60) |
| Wroclaw | 1477 (354.48) | 2260 (542.40) | 2921 (701.04) |
| Krakow | 1445 (346.80) | 1877 (450.48) | 2585 (620.40) |
| Poznan | 1159 (278.16) | 1636 (392.64) | 2201 (528.24) |
| Bydgoszcz | 996 (239.04) | 1267 (304.08) | 1713 (411.12) |
| Katowice | 1279 (306.96) | 1769 (424.56) | 2399 (575.76) |
| Lublin | 1306 (313.44) | 1688 (405.12) | 2205 (529.20) |
| Lodz | 1203 (288.72) | 1645 (394.80) | 2581 (619.44) |
| Szczecin | 1186 (284.64) | 1552 (372.48) | 2014 (483.36) |
Payment of utility services
In Poland, the cost of utilities will depend on the volume of consumption and the city of residence. On average, you will have to spend about 620 zlotys (149 euros) per month. The only way to save on utilities is their careful consumption.
How to cut down on food costs
With the cost of food in Poland, not everything is clear. For example, meat is sold here at a price that is one of the lowest in the European Union. But an egg can reach a price of 8., 40 zlotys (2 euros) for 12 pieces, which is more expensive than in many CIS countries.
Overall, consumer prices in Poland are among the lowest in Europe. A consumer basket with the most essential goods here costs 50-70 zlotys (12-16., 8 euros).
As practice shows, one should be prepared for the cost of food in the amount of 400-600 zlotys (96-144 euros) per month per person.
You can save on buying food without denying yourself a normal diet as follows:
- cook food on your own and refuse to visit catering establishments (lunch for two in an inexpensive cafe costs 50 zlotys (12 euros) or more);
- buy goods "in stock" on the days of promotions and discounts. Polish shops often run similar campaigns to attract customers;
- become a regular customer of one store and receive a bonus card;
- purchase goods that will have an expiration date in a few days. They are placed in specially designated areas of the store; discounts for such products reach 50%;
- buy goods of your own brand in supermarkets (the quality of goods is not worse than that of well-known brands, and the cost is significantly lower);
- give preference to local goods over imported ones; for example, local cheese will cost almost 2 times cheaper than imported one.
How not to overpay for household chemicals and cosmetics
One person will spend about 40 zlotys (9.6 euros) per month on personal hygiene items, household chemicals and cosmetics. Below is a table with the most popular hygiene products:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Lump soap | from 2 zloty (from 0.48 euros) |
| Liquid soap (500 ml) | from 10 zloty (from 2.4 euros) |
| Toothpaste (tube) | from 6 zloty (from 1.44 euros) |
| Shampoo (bottle) | from 6 zloty (from 1.44 euros) |
| Shaving aid | from 15 PLN (from 3.6 EUR) |
| Powders (box) | from PLN 9 (from EUR 2.16) |
| Dishwashing liquid (bottle) | from 4 PLN (from 0.96 EUR) |
In order not to pay extra when buying household chemicals and personal hygiene products, it is recommended to shop in stores that regularly hold promotions (list of supermarkets).
How to spend less money on public transport
Public transport tickets in Poland are not cheap. However, one should not try to pass by a "hare" - Polish controllers constantly check the availability of a ticket and do not forgive for a ticketless ride. The fine will be about 150 zlotys (36 euros), with this money you can buy a travel card.
To save money, you can do the following:
- purchase a travel ticket every month;
- buy a bicycle (bike lanes and bike parking are located everywhere, so using this type of transport will not be burdensome, and you can also avoid traffic jams);
- do not use taxi services.
Please note that the cost of public transport tickets is set based on the travel time. For example, in Warsaw, for a 20-minute ticket, a passenger will pay PLN 3.40 (EUR 0.81), for a 75-minute ticket - PLN 4.40 (EUR 1.05), for a 90-minute ticket - PLN 7 (EUR 1.68) ). In the city of Rzeszow, it is not profitable to travel by bus from 11 pm to 5 pm, because at this time there is a double tariff.
Where to buy cheap clothes and shoes
If a foreign worker plans to stay in Poland for a long time, he may need new clothes and shoes. On average, you can spend up to 400 zlotys (96 euros) to buy clothes per season, if you do not buy expensive branded items.
In order not to spend so much money, you can adhere to the following rules:
- looking for signs in stores with the words “rabat” and “promocja” - these are real discounts, not a marketing ploy;
- shop at seasonal sales, the largest of which start on December 24 and June 25. Prices here can be quite low: T-shirts can cost 10 zlotys (2.4 euros), blouses cost 30 zlotys (7.2 euros), and men's boots 20 zlotys (4.8 euros);
- going to stock clothing stores like the Outlet Factory.
Relatively inexpensive and high-quality clothes are sold in supermarkets such as Biedronka, Auchan, Tesco, Lidl. From popular brand stores, promotions are regularly held by Monnari, H&M, Badura, Martes Sport, Pepco.
How to save money on internet and mobile phone bills
If you do not connect to any tariff plan with a Polish mobile operator, a minute of calls on a mobile within the country will cost 0.24 zlotys (0.05 euros). You can save a lot by choosing the most suitable package of services from one of the Polish mobile operators, it will cost an average of 40 zlotys (9.6 euros). Particular attention should be paid to the cost of calls abroad, since you will probably want to call your relatives.
The cost of the internet connection may be included in the rental price. If not, you should decide if you need internet, as the connection will cost another 40-80 zlotys per month (9.6-19.2 euros), depending on the connection speed.
If you don't want to give up the Internet, you can connect the mobile Internet. You can go to a public place where Wi-Fi is distributed free of charge.
The following table shows the difference in prices for basic goods and services in the cities most often chosen by foreign citizens for employment:
| Expenditure item | Gdansk | Warsaw | Wroclaw | Krakow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental housing (PLN / EUR) | ||||
| 1-room apartment in the city center | 1983.33 (475.99) | 2355.75 (565.38) | 1963.41 (471.21) | 1938.39 (465.21) |
| 1-room apartment within the city | 1380.56 (331.33) | 1771.36 (425.12) | 1604.88 (385.17) | 1446.55 (347.17) |
| 3-room apartment in the city center | 3307.14 (793.71) | 4026.51 (966.36) | 3306.67 (793.60) | 3326.47 (798.35) |
| 3-room apartment within the city | 2335.71 (560.57) | 2948.15 (707.55) | 2532.14 (607.71) | 2337.14 (560.91) |
| Food (PLN / EUR) | ||||
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 1.77 (0.42) | 1.94 (0.46) | 1.88 (0.45) | 1.78 (0.42) |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 4.94 (1.18) | 5.80 (1.39) | 5.87 (1.40) | 5.55 (1.33) |
| Onions (1 kg) | 2.08 (0.49) | 1.92 (0.46) | 1.99 (0.47) | 1.93 (0.46) |
| Apples (1 kg) | 3.42 (0.82) | 2.79 (0.66) | 3.02 (0.72) | 2.70 (0.64) |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 4.32 (1.03) | 4.35 (1.04) | 4.50 (1.08) | 4.54 (1.08) |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 4.46 (1.07) | 4.75 (1.14) | 4.50 (1.08) | 4.50 (1.08) |
| Leaf lettuce (1 bunch) | 3.09 (0.74) | 3.10 (0.74) | 3.07 (0.73) | 2.73 (0.65) |
| Milk (1 l) | 2.51 (0.60) | 2.60 (0.62) | 2.66 (0.63) | 2.46 (0.59) |
| Egg (12 pcs.) | 8.14 (1.95) | 7.75 (1.86) | 7.47 (1.79) | 6.69 (1.60) |
| Rice (1 kg) | 3.51 (0.84) | 3.63 (0.87) | 3.62 (0.86) | 3.54 (0.84) |
| Loaf of white bread (500 g) | 2.77 (0.66) | 2.85 (0.68) | 2.89 (0.69) | 2.90 (0.69) |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | 25.57 (6.13) | 23.66 (5.67) | 22.70 (5.44) | 21.71 (5.21) |
| Boneless / Skinless Chicken Breasts (1kg) | 15.27 (3.66) | 15.94 (3.82) | 16.67 (4.00) | 15.54 (3.72) |
| Beef, rear cut (1 kg) | 33.07 (7.93) | 34.80 (8.35) | 31.78 (7.62) | 32.80 (7.87) |
| Water (1.5 L) | 2.02 (0.48) | 1.91 (0.45) | 1.78 (0.42) | 1.88 (0.45) |
| Marlboro cigarettes (block) | 15.00 (3.60) | 15.00 (3.60) | 15.50 (3.72) | 15.00 (3.60) |
| Utilities (PLN / EUR) (Electricity, heating, air conditioning, water supply, sewerage, household waste disposal) | ||||
| Maintenance of an apartment with a total area of 85 m2 | 810.39 (194.49) | 591.96 (142.07) | 640.59 (153.74) | 659.99 (158.39) |
| Clothing (PLN / EUR) | ||||
| Levis 501 Jeans or Similar (1 Pair) | 272.85 (65.48) | 262.90 (63.09) | 253.29 (60.78) | 259.59 (62.30) |
| Summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...) | 136.12 (32.66) | 138.54 (33.24) | 122.50 (29.40) | 128.31 (30.79) |
| Nike Running Shoes or Similar Mid-Range Shoes (1 Pair) | 282.65 (67.83) | 288.95 (69.34) | 270.51 (64.92) | 268.52 (64.44) |
| Men's leather shoes (1 pair) | 304.13 (72.99) | 336.59 (80.78) | 317.24 (76.13) | 296.18 (71.08) |
| Travel by public transport (PLN / EUR) | ||||
| One-way ticket (city transport, trip duration - 20 minutes) | 3.20 (0.76) | 4.40 (1.05) | 3.00 (0.72) | 3.80 (0.91) |
| Pass for a month | 90.00 (21.36) | 110.00 (26.40) | 90.00 (21.60) | 89.00 (21.36) |
| Taxi (basic fare) | 7.00 (1.68) | 8.00 (1.92) | 6.00 (1.44) | 7.00 (1.68) |
| Taxi (for 1 km of the way) | 2.40 (0.57) | 2.50 (0.60) | 2.00 (0.48) | |
| Taxi (1 hour waiting) | 35.00 (8.40) | 40.00 (9.60) | 25.00 (6.00) | 35.00 (8.40) |
| Fuel (PLN / EUR) | ||||
| Gasoline (1 l) | 4.63 (1.11) | 4.67 (1.12) | 4.59 (1.10) | 4.60 (1.10) |
| Internet, mobile communication (PLN / EUR) | ||||
| Mobile communication (1 minute of conversation, prepaid system, local communication, no discounts and tariff plans) | 0.24 (0.05) | 0.24 (0.05) | 0.25 (0.06) | |
| Internet (unlimited tariff, from 60 Mbps.) | 54.56 (13.09) | 52.07 (12.49) | 51.47 (12.35) | 50.97 (12.23) |
| Expenditure item | Poznan | Bydgoszcz | Bialystok |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental housing (PLN / EUR) | |||
| 1-room apartment in the city center | 1596.67 (383.20) | 1220.00 (292.80) | |
| 1-room apartment within the city | 1300.0 (312.00) | 1244.44 (298.66) | 983.33 (235.99) |
| 3-room apartment in the city center | 2526.67 (606.40) | 2680.00 (643.20) | 2100.00 (504.00) |
| 3-room apartment within the city | 1991.67 (478.00) | 2360.00 (566.40) | 1660.00 (398.40) |
| Food (PLN / EUR) | |||
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 1.73 (0.41) | 2.12 (0.50) | 1.47 (0.35) |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 4.73 (1.13) | 5.33 (1.27) | 4.90 (1.17) |
| Onions (1 kg) | 1.97 (0.47) | 2.33 (0.55) | 1.67 (0.40) |
| Apples (1 kg) | 3.42 (0.82) | 3.14 (0.75) | 2.70 (0.64) |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 4.28 (1.02) | 4.47 (1.07) | 4.15 (0.99) |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 4.92 (1.18) | 5.00 (1.20) | 4.67 (1.12) |
| Leaf lettuce (1 bunch) | 2.53 (0.60) | 3.10 (0.74) | 2.55 (0.61) |
| Milk (1 l) | 2.32 (0.55) | 2.15 (0.51) | 2.02 (0.48) |
| Egg (12 pcs.) | 6.49 (1.55) | 7.68 (1.84) | 6.59 (1.58) |
| Rice (1 kg) | 2.97 (0.71) | 2.70 (0.64) | 3.25 (0.78) |
| Loaf of white bread (500 g) | 2.64 (0.63) | 2.38 (0.57) | 2.39 (0.57) |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | 23.88 (5.73) | 20.60 (4.94) | |
| Boneless / Skinless Chicken Breasts (1kg) | 15.87 (3.80) | 15.67 (3.76) | 15.33 (3.67) |
| Beef, rear cut (1 kg) | 37.00 (8.88) | 30.67 (7.36) | 29.80 (7.15) |
| Water (1.5 L) | 1.86 (0.44) | 1.80 (0.43) | 1.69 (0.40) |
| Marlboro cigarettes (block) | 15.00 (3.60) | 15.00 (3.60) | 15.50 (3.72) |
| Utilities (PLN / EUR) (Electricity, heating, air conditioning, water supply, sewerage, household waste disposal) | |||
| Maintenance of an apartment with a total area of 85 m2 | 600.63 (144.15) | 622.78 (149.46) | 854.55 (205.09) |
| Clothing (PLN / EUR) | |||
| Levis 501 Jeans or Similar (1 Pair) | 275.06 (66.01) | 311.27 (74.70) | 265.43 (63.70) |
| Summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...) | 114.06 (27.37) | 166.67 (40.00) | 134.00 (32.16) |
| Nike Running Shoes or Similar Mid-Range Shoes (1 Pair) | 267.06 (64.09) | 291.67 (70.00) | 275.00 (66.00) |
| Men's leather shoes (1 pair) | 280.94 (67.42) | 261.75 (62.82) | 259.57 (62.29) |
| Travel by public transport (PLN / EUR) | |||
| One-way ticket (city transport, trip duration - 20 minutes) | 3.60 (0.86) | 3.00 (0.72) | 2.80 (0.67) |
| Pass for a month | 105.50 (25.32) | 88.00 (21.12) | 80.00 (19.20) |
| Taxi (basic fare) | 5.50 (1.32) | 7.00 (1.68) | 5.00 (1.20) |
| Taxi (for 1 km of the way) | 2.00 (0.48) | 2.20 (0.52) | 2.80 (0.67) |
| Taxi (1 hour waiting) | 25.60 (6.14) | 25.00 (6.00) | 35.00 (8.40) |
| Fuel (PLN / EUR) | |||
| Gasoline (1 l) | 4.65 (1.11) | 4.55 (1.09) | 4.82 (1.15) |
| Internet, mobile communication (PLN / EUR) | |||
| Mobile communication (1 minute of conversation, prepaid system, local communication, no discounts and tariff plans) | 0.28 (0.06) | 0.29 (0.07) | 0.24 (0.05) |
| Internet (unlimited tariff, from 60 Mbps.) | 53.27 (12.78) | 51.33 (12.31) | 43.00 (10.32) |
Of course, in large cities - Warsaw, Krakow, Szczecin or Poznan - it is easy to find employment options for specialists in various fields and those who agree to unskilled work.
In search of vacancies in industrial enterprises, you need to go to Gdansk and Lodz. For seasonal employment, resort areas are more suitable.
The indisputable advantage of small towns is the low cost of rental housing and budget prices for essential goods. But there is a big competition for good vacancies in such settlements, you will have to look for a place six months before arrival.
Finally
It is important for labor migrants to Poland to understand in advance how their budget will be formed and how costs can be reduced. It is realistic to start saving already at the stage of job search: the right choice of the city and the conditions of employment will at least affect the cost of paying for housing.
Assistants in rational budgeting will be participating in sales, buying products from local manufacturers, using the public Internet, choosing the right mobile operator and tariff package.
