Cost of Living in Poland

Cost of Living in Poland

Known internationally for its rich culture, friendly locals, and world-class universities, Poland has become an increasingly popular destinations for many students looking to take their studies abroad. Of particular interest to students pursuing medical degrees, the country is home to a growing number of international students, who engage with and add to Poland’s diverse and deep-seated culture.

Although it became a member of the EU in 2004, it continues to use its own currency, the Polish Zloty, instead of the EU Euro. The Polish Zloty (zł) has a value that is equivalent to approximately 0.27 US Dollar, making it one of the weaker currencies in Europe. However, this spells out good new for those studying on a budget, who will be able to stretch their savings significantly further in Poland than in other EU member states, without adhering to a lower quality of life.

So, what exactly should students in the country expect to spend? On average, here is what you should plan for:

One Year of Study in Poland:

Poland has one of the most affordable education systems in Europe, and even the world. Students with an interest in the country as a study destinations will be encouraged by the high quality of education offered to them at such a low cost.

On average, students venturing to the country can expect tuition fees to fall between 1500 and 3000 euros, on average. Plus, this often includes accommodation, saving students the hassle of finding off-campus housing and room in their budget for the extra costs that come with it.

Overall Cost of Living in Poland

While generally far lower than other top student destinations in Europe and around the globe, Poland’s cost of living will vary slightly depending on the decisions made by students. Enrolling in a university that provides on-campus accommodation, especially one in which the cost of these services is included in the tuition fees, will allow students to save more money than those looking to live in flats separated from their universities.

However, students looking to live independently from their chosen institution can rest assured that, even in city centers (which are naturally more expensive than rural or suburban areas), the cost of rent is low - even reaching prices as affordable as 100-150 euros for a shared apartment. Additionally, food, drinks, nightlife, and excursions come at an affordable price for the average student, who can take advantage of all Poland has to offer - and trust us, it’s a lot - without breaking the bank.

Poland is ranked 78th in a list of the world’s most expensive countries, and its major cities of Warsaw and Krakow fall at numbers 382 and 395, respectively. Students in urban and suburban settings, alike, will experience a high quality of life for a low cost of living.

For a quick list of what to expect when living Ireland, see the chart below: