If you are a hopeful expat looking to get dual citizenship in Poland, you’ll want to know the cost of living you can expect. Even more importantly, you’ll want to know how that compares to the cost of living in the U.S.
This isn’t always a simple answer. No single number can actually tell you how much it costs to live in a country. That’s why we broke our answer down into five major categories: housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment.
It’s worth keeping in mind that individual answers are not so clear-cut. But in general, we find that Poland offers a lower overall cost of living. Along with that lower cost comes plenty of benefits.
Check out the comparison tables below to see what the savings might look like for your family.
1. Housing Expenses
For most of us, housing is the largest ongoing expense. And it’s here that moving to Poland offers probably the biggest chunk of savings for the average expat. This is especially true if you are moving from a major U.S. city where rents have been on a staggering rise in the past decade.
| Expense | United States (Avg.) | Poland (Avg.) |
| Rent (900 sqft / 85 m², city center) | $2,783 (expensive area) / $2,057 (normal area) | Approx. $720 – $1,100 (PLN 2,891 – PLN 4,236) |
| Rent (studio, city center) | $2,065 | Approx. $470 – $850 (PLN 2,000 – PLN 3,500) |
| Utilities (for two people) | $227 per month | Approx. $135 – $215 per month (PLN 500 – PLN 800) |
| Internet (monthly) | $60 | Approx. $15 – $25 (PLN 60 – PLN 87) |
Takeaways:
- Rental costs in major Polish cities (e.g., Warsaw or Kraków) tend to be significantly lower than in major U.S. metropolitan areas.
- Utilities are also usually cheaper in Poland.
2. Food and Grocery Prices
Because it’s a required expense, food prices are our second category. Groceries are generally lower in Poland by and large. When we look at restaurants and dining out, Poland once again wins out in the comparison.
Groceries
| Grocery Item | United States | Poland |
| Milk (1 liter) | $1.07 | $0.89 (PLN 3.50) |
| Loaf of bread (fresh, ~1 lb) | $2.62 | $1.13 (PLN 4.50) |
| Eggs (12-pack) | $4.86 | $3.10 (PLN 12.33) |
| Chicken breast (per kg) | ~$12.04 | ~$4.88 (PLN 20.19) |
| Apples (per kg) | $3.79 | $1.82 (PLN 7.50) |
| Tomatoes (per kg) | $4.47 | $2.50 – $3.25 (PLN 10 – PLN 13) |
Restaurants and Dining
| Restaurant | United States | Poland |
| Meal (inexpensive) | $20 | $10 (PLN 40) |
| Mid-range dinner (2 ppl) | $102 | $45 – $75 (PLN 180 – PLN 300) |
| Fast food combo | $12 | $8.50 (PLN 31) |
Takeaways:
- Basic groceries and dining out tend to be more budget-friendly in Poland.
- Cooking at home can be particularly cost-effective given lower-priced fresh produce.
3. Transportation Costs
Both countries offer public and private transportation options to a certain degree. Poland typically carries a lower monthly cost than many U.S. cities. Fuel prices vary, but overall car-related expenses may balance out differently when factoring in insurance, maintenance, and taxes.
Also, a larger percentage of American cities offer virtually zero access to reliable and robust public transportation.
| Expense | United States | Poland |
| Monthly public transport pass | $79 | $30 – $35 (PLN 119) |
| One-way public transport ticket | $2.50 – $3.50 | $1.10 (PLN 4.40) |
| Gasoline (per liter) | ~$0.93 | ~$1.40 (PLN 5.50) |
| Taxi ride (1 mile) | $2.50 – $3.50 | $1.40 – $2.00 (PLN 5.50 – PLN 8.05) |
Takeaways:
- Public transportation in Poland is often a more cost-effective option, especially for those living in or near larger cities.
- Car ownership costs may differ based on insurance and maintenance fees; however, overall monthly transport expenses typically remain lower in Poland.
4. Healthcare Expenditures
For Americans, healthcare is an enormous cost. That makes Poland’s public healthcare system and less expensive private options a massive improvement in cost of living for most expats.
| Expense | United States | Poland |
| Short doctor’s visit (private) | $174 | $40 – $80 (PLN 150 – PLN 300) |
| Antibiotics (per box) | $22 | $6 – $10 (PLN 25 – PLN 40) |
| Cold medicine (6-day supply) | $9 | $4 – $7 (PLN 15 – PLN 30) |
| Private health insurance (monthly) | $300 – $600 | $40 – $75 (PLN 160 – PLN 300) |
Key Observations:
- Poland offers universal healthcare, though many expats opt for private coverage to reduce waiting times.
- Even private healthcare costs in Poland are often lower compared to average expenses in the U.S.
5. Entertainment and Lifestyle
Life isn’t all about rent and groceries. It’s also about taking care of yourself and having a good time.
| Expense | United States | Poland |
| Gym membership (monthly) | $63 | $35 – $50 (PLN 138 – PLN 200) |
| Movie ticket | $15 | $7.50 (PLN 29) |
| Cocktail at a club | $15 | $6 – $10 (PLN 25 – PLN 40) |
Takeaways:
- Activities like movie outings and gym memberships generally cost less in Poland.
- Dining and nightlife can also be more financially manageable in Polish cities.
Overall Monthly Costs
A direct comparison can be helpful for a family of four and a single individual, excluding housing where noted (as rent costs vary widely within each country). These figures provide a general sense of monthly expenses:
| Group | United States (Avg.) | Poland (Avg.) |
| Family of four | $5,841 (excluding rent) | $2,422 (PLN 9,828, excluding rent) |
| Single person | $3,342 (excluding rent) | $735 (PLN 2,979, excluding rent) |
Takeaways:
- While actual budgets will vary based on lifestyle and city choice, research consistently suggests that living in Poland entails lower monthly costs compared to the U.S.
Additional Considerations
Regional Variations
Both countries have regional cost differences—the U.S. especially.
In Poland, Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk are the most expensive cities. In the U.S., large coastal cities (e.g., New York, San Francisco) are generally more expensive than smaller Midwestern or Southern cities.
Currency and Exchange
Poland uses the Polish zloty (PLN), while the U.S. uses the U.S. dollar (USD). Exchange rates can fluctuate, affecting real-time, short-term costs for expats and travelers.
Employment and Income Levels
While living expenses may be lower in Poland, salaries also tend to be lower than those in the United States. If you are also changing your employment from the U.S. to Poland, you need to calculate your new costs against your new salary.
Is Poland Less Expensive Than the U.S.?
By most measures, Poland offers a lower cost of living than the United States, particularly in areas such as housing, food, healthcare, and entertainment.
Does that make you even more interested in becoming a Polish dual citizen? Check out our educational resources on the various pathways to citizenship.
