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Cost of Living in Poland 2026: How to Budget with Official Numbers

Instead of guessed price lists, start with the numbers the state publishes, add the fixed costs every foreigner meets, then price rent and groceries for your city.

Cost of Living in Poland 2026: How to Budget with Official Numbers
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Cost of Living in Poland 2026: How to Budget with Official Numbers
Official sources · checked 5 November 2026

Cost of Living in Poland 2026: How to Budget with Official Numbers

Instead of guessed price lists, start with the numbers the state publishes, add the fixed costs every foreigner meets, then price rent and groceries for your city.

4,806 złgross minimum wage in 2026
8,903.56 złaverage gross wage in 2025 (GUS)
440 złtypical first residence card fees (340 zł + 100 zł)

Start with income, not prices

The minimum gross wage in 2026 is 4,806 zł and the average gross wage in 2025 was 8,903.56 zł (GUS). Net pay depends on your contract and age; use our salary calculator and read Is 14,000 PLN a good salary in Warsaw?

Fixed costs foreigners meet in year one

ItemOfficial cost
Temporary residence permit (stamp duty, most cases)340 zł
Residence card100 zł
EU long-term resident or permanent permit640 zł
Voluntary NFZ health insurancemonthly contribution set by NFZ each year

Fees from voivodeship office fee tables. Some permits (e.g. work-related) have different stamp duties; check yours.

Rent, groceries and transport

These vary most by city. We do not publish invented averages. Use these guides with real offers and price lists:

Inflation

Prices change every month. GUS publishes consumer price indices; compare your budget with the latest CPI announcement before you sign a long lease.

Hidden costs

Translations, notaries, deposits and service fees in English add up. Read The hidden cost of living in Poland in English.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Poland in 2026?

4,806 zł gross per month.

What was the average wage in Poland in 2025?

8,903.56 zł gross per month, according to GUS.

How much does a first residence card cost?

Usually 340 zł stamp duty plus 100 zł for the card; some permit types have different stamp duty.

Official sources

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