Living in Poland: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Poland

Living in Poland

Last updated on Feb 06, 2024

Summary: People generally describe life in Poland as vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity. Expats love the low cost of living, the friendly people, the beautiful landscapes, and the rich cultural heritage. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. The population of Poland is estimated to be around 38 million people, and the largest cities are Warsaw (1.7 million), Krakow (770,000), and Lodz (700,000). The cons of living in Poland include the cold weather, the language barrier, and the lack of job opportunities for expats. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some cities, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.

What do I need to know about living in Poland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Poland, they said:

"If you plan to settle here try to avoid expat populated areas (even thought it seems like a good plan to stick with people from your country only) as that will impede your assimilation with Poland and Polish culture. One can easily survive with English language only in all big cities and the general command of English is at ok-ish level for 40 yrs old and younger (the younger the generation the better their English) in the whole country. What is more - expect people to be interested in talking back to you in English as everybody tries to improve their language skills. Learn a few Polish words - that will open more doors to Polish hearts than the best English diplomacy. We know our language is deemed to be the most difficult to learn by non Slavic people so we appreciate all "Dzien dobry" from foreigners. And it is generally frowned upon if we learn that a given expat lives in Poland for a few years and still does not even try to speak Polish," explained one expat living in Poland.

"Have a very open mind, then make the move and be prepared for the village life. It may not be easy, however, it's very rewarding and beautiful," said one expat in Siemiechow.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Allianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz Care

How do I meet people in Poland?

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.