Living Costs for Students in Poland
Get a detailed breakdown of monthly and annual expenses for international students in Poland. Learn about accommodation, food, transport, and other costs to plan your budget effectively.
Cost of living
Lower than Western Europe
Monthly Expenses Overview
A comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to spend each month as an international student in Poland. These figures represent average costs across the country, with variations depending on your chosen city and lifestyle.
Essential Monthly Expenses
University dormitory: 800-1,200 PLN
Shared apartment: 1,000-1,400 PLN
Studio apartment: 1,400-2,000 PLN
Groceries: 400-600 PLN
Eating out (occasional): 200-300 PLN
Student monthly pass: 50-60 PLN
Regular monthly pass: 100-150 PLN
Electricity, heating, water: 150-300 PLN
Internet & mobile: 100 PLN
Books & supplies: 100-200 PLN
Entertainment: 200-400 PLN
Budget Distribution
Cost Comparison by City
Living costs vary considerably across Poland. Compare major Polish student cities to find the best balance between lifestyle and budget for your studies.
| City | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Monthly Total | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 1,200-1,800 PLN | 800-1,000 PLN | 110 PLN | 2,500-3,500 PLN | Higher Cost |
| Krakow | 1,000-1,600 PLN | 700-900 PLN | 80 PLN | 2,200-3,100 PLN | Moderate |
| Wroclaw | 900-1,500 PLN | 600-850 PLN | 90 PLN | 2,000-2,900 PLN | Moderate |
| Poznan | 850-1,400 PLN | 600-800 PLN | 85 PLN | 1,900-2,800 PLN | Affordable |
| Gdansk | 950-1,500 PLN | 650-850 PLN | 90 PLN | 2,100-3,000 PLN | Moderate |
| Lublin | 750-1,200 PLN | 550-750 PLN | 70 PLN | 1,700-2,500 PLN | Affordable |
Accommodation Factors
- • Distance from city center
- • University dorms vs. private rentals
- • Shared vs. single accommodation
- • Utilities inclusion
Food & Groceries Factors
- • Shopping at local markets vs. supermarkets
- • Cooking at home vs. eating out
- • University canteen prices
- • Food delivery services
Transport Considerations
- • Student discounts (up to 51% off)
- • Bicycle sharing programs
- • Walking distance to university
- • Evening/weekend travel needs
Budget-Conscious Approach
Consider smaller cities like Lublin, Lodz, or Bialystok where living costs can be 30-40% lower than Warsaw while still offering quality education and vibrant student communities.
Career-Focused Approach
Major cities like Warsaw and Krakow offer better internship and job opportunities, which may justify the higher living costs if career development is your priority.
Remote University Locations
Some universities have campuses in smaller towns where costs are significantly lower. Consider these if your program is available and budget is tight.
Location Strategy
In any city, living in districts further from the center can reduce accommodation costs by 20-30%. Check public transportation connections before committing to ensure convenient access to your university.
Student Budget Tips
Stretch your zloty further with these practical money-saving strategies specifically tailored for international students in Poland.
Shop at local markets ("bazary") for fresh produce at 30-50% cheaper than supermarkets. Buy in bulk and consider discount chains like Biedronka, Lidl, and Aldi for the best prices.
University dormitories cost 800-1,200 PLN monthly versus 1,400-2,000 PLN for private studios. Consider shared apartments with 2-3 roommates to reduce costs significantly.
Purchase a semester-long student transportation pass for significant discounts. Most cities offer 40-51% discounts for students. Consider cycling in warmer months using city bike-sharing systems.
Use university libraries extensively rather than buying textbooks. Join student social media groups to find second-hand books and materials from senior students at reduced prices.
University canteens offer meals for 15-25 PLN, compared to 35-50 PLN at restaurants. Prepare meals at home and bring lunch to university. Consider meal planning to reduce food waste.
Always carry your student ID (legitymacja) for discounts at museums, cinemas, theaters, and many stores. Use student discount apps like ISIC and UNiDAYS for additional savings.
Recommended Apps
- Mobile Banking Apps – Most Polish banks (mBank, Millennium, PKO BP) offer budget tracking features in their apps
- Jakdojade – For finding the most cost-effective public transport routes
- Goodie – Aggregates discounts and promotions at various stores
- Pyszne/Glovo – For occasional food delivery with new user discounts
Useful Polish Phrases for Budgeting
Key Saving Strategies
- The 50/30/20 Rule – Allocate 50% of your budget to necessities (accommodation, food), 30% to wants (entertainment, eating out), and 20% to savings
- Weekend Travel Strategy – Book intercity trains (PKP) in advance for up to 60% discount. Student discount applies on top of this (51%)
- Seasonal Shopping – Buy winter clothing in spring and summer clothing in autumn during end-of-season sales
- Free Cultural Events – Many museums have one free day per week, and universities often host free cultural events, concerts, and lectures
Pro Tip
Set up a separate "emergency fund" account with about 1,000 PLN for unexpected expenses. Having this buffer will prevent you from disrupting your regular budget when surprise costs occur.
Student Discounts & Programs
Polish students enjoy some of the most generous discount systems in Europe. Learn how to leverage your student status to significantly reduce your living expenses.
Official Polish student card providing access to most domestic discounts. Valid for public transport, museums, and many services.
How to obtain:
Provided by your university upon enrollment. Valid with a current semester stamp.
International Student Identity Card recognized worldwide. Provides discounts on travel, accommodations, and services internationally.
How to obtain:
Apply online or through your university international office. Costs around 50 PLN yearly.
European youth card for those under 30. Offers discounts on transportation, cultural events, and accommodations across Europe.
How to obtain:
Apply online at euro26.pl. Costs approximately 60 PLN yearly.
Various university clubs often offer member discounts at partner establishments and events.
How to obtain:
Join through your university student union or directly through club signup.
| Service | Discount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| City public transport | 40-51% | Student ID required, valid for buses, trams, metros |
| PKP Intercity trains | 51% | All types of trains, booking in advance gives additional discounts |
| FlixBus | 10-15% | International coach service, student code required |
| Regional bus services | 49-51% | For travel between cities and towns |
Online Resources
- • studentsdiscount.co - Database of student offers
- • dlastudenta.pl - Dedicated student discount platform
- • University's social media pages and groups
- • City-specific student Facebook groups
On-Campus Resources
- • International Student Office
- • Student Union (Samorząd Studencki)
- • University notice boards
- • Orientation week presentations
Ask Before You Pay
- • Always ask "Czy jest zniżka dla studentów?"
- • Check for unadvertised student offers
- • Look for "last minute" or "student rush" tickets
- • Combine student discount with other promotions
Related Resources
Continue your financial planning journey with these additional resources and tools to help you prepare for studying in Poland.
Get personalized cost estimates based on your lifestyle, city choice, and accommodation preferences.
Explore other financial aspects of studying in Poland to complete your financial planning.
Find accommodation, prepare for your arrival, and ensure all your pre-departure arrangements are in place.
Pro Tip
Calculate Your Living Expenses in Poland
Use our interactive calculator to get a personalized estimate of your living costs based on your lifestyle and city of choice.
Use Cost Calculator