Cost of living and prices in Poland 2024

In 2024, Poland's economy shows steady growth after a period of instability. Compared to previous years, when the country faced challenges related to the global economy and domestic changes, a significant improvement is now visible. Prices for many goods and services are rising, but wages are also increasing, which helps people cope with the rising cost of living.

Cost of renting and buying a home

In Poland in 2024, the cost of renting and buying a home varies depending on the city and neighborhood. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw can cost you 4,600 PLN, and in Krakow - about 3,200 PLN. At the same time, prices for buying a home in Warsaw can reach 13,358 PLN per square meter, which is much higher than in other large and small cities.

This variety of prices is due not only to the size and popularity of the city, but also to the location of a particular property. Housing in the city center is usually more expensive than on the outskirts or in dormitory areas because of its proximity to major amenities and infrastructure. In addition, prices may be lower in suburban areas, but this can also mean higher transportation costs and longer commute times to the city center.

Cost of basic products

The cost of basic products in Poland in 2024 varies depending on the product and the city. For example, in Warsaw, a liter of milk costs about PLN 4.08, a loaf of fresh white bread about PLN 4.52, and a kilogram of rice about PLN 6.9. Prices for meat products are also varied: chicken fillets can cost around 14.48 PLN per kilogram, while beef costs around 28.32 PLN per kilogram. Dairy products and eggs also have varying costs; for example, 10 kilograms of local cheese will cost 36.6 zlotys and a dozen eggs will cost 10 zlotys.

Fruits and vegetables also show seasonal fluctuations in prices. A kilogram of apples can cost around PLN 3.72, bananas around PLN 6.4 per kilogram, and oranges around PLN 8.64 per kilogram. Prices for vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes also vary, with prices around 9.52 PLN per kilogram of tomatoes and 2.68 PLN per kilogram of potatoes.

Comparing the cost of products in supermarkets and local markets can show differences in prices, with local markets often offering lower prices due to freshness and lower logistics costs. However, specific prices may vary depending on location and time of year.

Cost of public transportation

• In Warsaw, public transportation prices vary depending on the type of ticket and zone. For example, a single ticket for 75 minutes costs PLN 4.40, while a 90-minute ticket for zones 1 and 2 costs PLN 7. A daily ticket costs 15 zlotys for one zone and 26 zlotys for two zones. A three-day pass costs 36 zlotys. A one-month pass for public transportation in Warsaw costs 109 zlotys.
• In Krakow, fares and ticket types are varied, but specific prices are not listed on the website. It is important to note that children and young people under the age of 16 living in the metropolitan area, as well as people over the age of 70 can use public transportation free of charge. Young people over 16 and students up to 26 years of age receive a 50% discount.
• In Katowice there is the Transport GZM system, which offers short, medium and long-term tickets. For example, a 5-minute ticket costs PLN 2 until the end of March 2024, a 90-minute ticket costs PLN 6. A daily ticket costs PLN 12, and a Metroticket for 24 hours, valid on all lines, including Silesian Railway trains, costs PLN 24.

The cost of rail transportation varies depending on distance and operator. For example, Koleja Śląskie offers different types of tickets, including single, round-trip, monthly and for a specific rail line. Metroticket is a universal ticket for all modes of public transportation, including airport express lines and Koleja Śląskie trains, with a monthly pass for one city for PLN 119.

Read also: Public transportation in Warsaw

Cost of entertainment and leisure activities

In Poland, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities varies depending on the type of activity and location. For example, a ticket to the Museum of the National Institute of Fryderyk Chopin costs PLN 25 for a regular ticket and PLN 15 for a discounted ticket. At the Malbork Castle Museum, a regular ticket for the historical route costs 70 PLN and a concessionary ticket costs 50 PLN. A family ticket (2 adults + 2 children under 18) costs 220 PLN.

The cost of visiting theaters, cinemas and concerts can vary greatly depending on the event and venue. For example, ticket prices for international concerts in large cities may be higher than for local plays or concerts.

Prices in cafes and restaurants also vary: from budget establishments where you can grab a bite for a few zlotys to luxury restaurants with higher prices for lunch or dinner.

The cost of sports activities and visiting fitness centers can also vary depending on the level and location of the institution. On average, a subscription to a fitness center can cost from a few dozen to a few hundred zlotys per month, depending on the services offered and location.

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