Planning to study in Poland? This article helps international students forecast their budget for 2024 by detailing the costs of living, from food and groceries to accommodation and transportation. Learn how Poland offers great value for money, making it an attractive destination for students seeking quality education and an affordable lifestyle.
Costs of living in Poland: Food
Prices for basic grocery items in supermarkets are relatively low compared to many Western countries. The positive impact of grocery costs on the overall comparison of costs of living in Poland and other countries is much lower than that of housing costs. For example, a loaf of bread (1kg) costs around 4-5 PLN (£0,98), a liter of milk is about 4 PLN (£0,78), and a kilogram of apples is approximately 2-5 PLN (£0,4-0,98). For those who prefer fresh produce, local markets and bazaars offer a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish at competitive prices.
Dining out can also be affordable – a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 20-30 PLN (£3,9-5,9), while a three-course meal for one in a mid-range restaurant is about 60-100 PLN ((£11,8-19,7)). Whether you prefer cooking at home or dining out, you can find options to fit any budget, making Poland an attractive place to live in terms of food-related expenses.
Food and Groceries – box diet
In Poland, meal delivery services, commonly known as “dieta pudełkowa” or “box diet,” have become increasingly popular. These services offer a convenient way to enjoy balanced, nutritious meals without the hassle of cooking. What’s more, they are available at competitive prices, making them accessible to a wide range of people.
Typically, a full day of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, costs between 40-70 PLN (£7,85-13,8) per day, depending on the specific plan and provider. This pricing makes meal delivery services an affordable luxury for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet without spending excessive time and money on meal preparation. With a variety of plans catering to different dietary needs and preferences, from vegetarian to keto, the meal delivery trend in Poland offers both convenience and value.
Food and Groceries – Monthly Budget in Poland(2024 – single person)
- Budget Option: 500 PLN/month (£98)
- Mid-Range Option: 850 PLN/month (£167)
- Premium Option: 1350 PLN/month (£265)
- Box Diet: 1200 – 2100 PLN/month (£235 – 412)
To Rent or not to Rent in 2024? The biggest part of expenses in Poland for international students in 2023 is rent.
Accommodation costs, whether renting a room or an apartment, constitute the largest portion of people who decided to study in Poland. This is followed by expenses for food, transportation, and utilities. Students also need to account for health insurance and personal expenses for leisure activities.
Rental costs for studio apartments in major Polish cities in 2023 in Euro monthly:
- Warsaw (Warszawa): 658 eur
- Cracow (Krakow): 621
- Poznan: 435
- Gdansk: 558
- Wroclaw: 550
- Katowice: 402
- Lodz: 410
For medical students, there are more than enough reasons to buy a flat instead of renting. If you are going to do so, Modern Version of a Real Estate Agent”>check me.
Transportation costs in Poland. Cost of Monthly Pass for International Student and Regular
Transportation costs in Poland are generally affordable, making it convenient for both locals and expatriates to navigate cities.
Public transportation, including buses, trams, and trains, is widely used and well-connected. A monthly pass for public transport in major cities like Warsaw or Kraków typically costs between 100 to 150 PLN (Warsaw – Center, 110 PLN for 30 days) (£20-30), students pay half of this price . Single tickets range from 3 to 5 PLN, depending on the city and the type of transport.
Current costs of monthly tickets in Warsaw and Krakow (2024 August)
Kraków (Cracow), for details check here:
- Monthly, One transportation route: Regular 64 zł, Student 32 zł
- Monthly, All transportation routes: Regular 90 zł, Student 45 zł
- Six Month, All transportation routes: Regular 470 zł, Student 235 złThe Most Popular Cities in Poland for International Students
In Warsaw, the city is divided into zones; you can view the zone map here. I will provide prices for students; regular prices (without discounts) are twice as high.
- 30 days: zone 1: 55 zł, zone 2: 56 zł, zone 1+2: 90 zł
- 90 days: zone 1: 140 zł, zone 2: 141 zł, zone 1 + 2: 230 zł
For more details and updates click here.
Monthly Cost of Living in Poland for International Student in Poland, Alighn Your Budget with Expenditures
Assume you decided to move to Poland, and start in big city, Warsaw. Let’s calculate total monthly expenses of those who decided to maintain average standard of living.
- Rent: 2900 zł
- Food: 850 zł
- Transportation: 55 zł
- Utilities (Energy, Water, Gas): 150 zł
- Internet + Mobile Phone: 40 zł
- Partying, dining out: 0 zł (You are moving to Poland to study ;p )
In Total, in Warsaw you will spend 4 000 złotych monthly, it’s equal to 930 Euro or $1020 or £800.
Consider also tutition fees, if you pay for your studies. Remember, in Poland, students are allowed to work!
Living expenses in Poland shouldn’t be a Reason to Study Abroad.
f you are planning to study in Poland, the lower living costs, especially when compared to other European countries, can be tempting. But use your time wisely. Personally, I recommend studying medicine in Poland. Medical universities in Poland provide a high level of education. Obtaining the right to practice in Poland will provide you with a well-paying job. If you don’t fall in love with Poland, Polish women, or Polish men, you can move further into Europe for even more opportunities.
Student Visa Application Process for EU and Non-EU citizens
The student visa application process varies for EU and Non-EU citizens. EU citizens do not need a visa to study in other EU countries, including Poland. They only need to register their residence with local authorities if their stay exceeds 90 days. Non-EU citizens, however, must apply for a student visa at the Polish consulate or embassy in their home country. This process includes submitting an application form, passport photos, proof of enrollment in a Polish educational institution, financial proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance. Once in Poland, Non-EU students must also apply for a temporary residence permit for extended stays.
Conclusion
Forecasting your budget and understanding living costs in Poland for 2024 is crucial for international students. With relatively low grocery prices compared to many Western countries, food expenses are manageable. For instance, basic items like bread, milk, and apples are significantly cheaper. Dining out is affordable too, with a meal at a modest restaurant costing around 20-30 PLN, and a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant about 60-100 PLN. Meal delivery services like “box diets” offer convenience and balanced meals at competitive prices, ranging from 40-70 PLN per day. Monthly food budgets vary from 500 PLN for basic needs to 1350 PLN for premium options. There is a low chance that you will have to adjust your spending habits, living in Poland makes your cash more valuable.
Accommodation remains the largest expense, with rental costs in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk reflecting this. In Warsaw, a studio apartment can cost around 658 EUR monthly, if you want to find the perfect one may cost even more. Public transportation is affordable, especially for students who pay half the regular fare, making it easier to navigate cities like Warsaw and Krakow. Overall, favorable cost of living in Poland, balancing quality education with manageable expenses, making it an attractive destination for international students. Remember also about aditional fees like tuition fees if applied.
