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:
"Before retiring in Poland, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in, as prices can vary significantly from city to city. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Poland and make sure they have adequate health insurance coverage. Finally, expats should also research the tax laws in Poland to ensure they are compliant with all regulations," commented one expat who made the move to Poland.

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How do I meet people in Poland?
When we asked people living in Poland about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Poland often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats and locals," remarked one expat living in Poland.
"Attend the local village festivals, the bi-annual town hall meetings, and attend the local parish if you are Catholic," wrote one member in Siemiechow.

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What is life like in Poland?
When we asked people living in Poland what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Poland as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around. Additionally, the country is home to a large expat and digital nomad community, providing plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make connections," commented one expat who made the move to Poland.
"Life in this village really focuses first on family values, then working (on the job and at home), local farming, socializing at the local 'pub', Church, and football (soccer)," remarked one expat living in Siemiechow, Poland.

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Is there a lot of crime in Poland?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Crime is a problem in Poland, with reports of theft, burglary, and violent crime occurring in some areas. Drug trafficking and organized crime are also present in the country. The government has taken steps to combat crime, including increasing police presence in certain areas and introducing tougher penalties for certain offenses," commented one expat who made the move to Poland.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Poland accepting of differences?
"Polish are not racist and nobody discriminate against anyone based on that person's ethnicity (that comes from our history but it is quite a long topic so maybe some other time) - so do not be afraid to live here if you are for example of African or Asian ancestry," explained one expat living in Poland.
"The entire village is 100% Roman Catholic, without any other foreigners, nationalities, or religions living here. They are very tolerant of other people and religions, and do accept the differences, however, they may be suspicious during the first year or two," said one expat in Siemiechow.

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What are the schools in Poland like?
"My best advice to is be proactive in learning about all the resources that the school has to offer. It's a school of approximately 800 students, but that covers 13 grade levels, so there are many teachers, aides, parents and counselors in the school to help with each student's needs. Many times new parents from countries without American curriculums need special assistance and this help is available," said one expat in Konstancin with children at American School of Warsaw.
"The International School of Krakow (ISK) is one of the best international schools in Poland. Located in the city of Krakow, ISK offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISK also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The British School of Warsaw is another excellent international school in Poland. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish. The International American School of Warsaw is a bilingual school in Poland that offers an American-style education. The school follows the American curriculum, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish. The International School of Gdansk is a bilingual school in Poland that offers an American-style education. The school follows the American curriculum, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish," remarked one parent with kids at in .
Is the cost of living in Poland high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Poland, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Poland is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries. Rent prices vary depending on the city and the size of the apartment, but are generally lower than in other European countries. Eating out is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 10-15 euros," remarked one expat who made the move to Poland.
"The cost of living in Poland is generally quite affordable compared to other European countries. The cost of living varies depending on the city, with larger cities such as Warsaw and Krakow having a higher cost of living than smaller cities and rural areas. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Poland is typically around $500-700 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is usually around $700-900 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Poland typically costs around $10-15 USD per person," commented one expat who moved to Poland.
What type of recreational facilities are in Poland?
When we asked people living in Poland about recreational activities, they mentioned:
"In Poland, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination for residents, offering swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. Sports complexes are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, many cities in Poland have public swimming pools, which are a great way to cool off during the summer months," said an expat in Poland.
What is the weather like in Poland?
"Northern Poland is usually colder, winters are milder but because of the humidity (Baltic Sea) it may feel like 10C lower than actual temperature," said an expat in Poland.
"The weather in Poland is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 25°C, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to as low as -10°C. Rainfall is fairly common throughout the year, with the most rain occurring in the summer months. Snowfall is also common in the winter months, especially in the mountainous regions," remarked one expat in Poland.
Are there good restaurants in Poland?
"One of the most popular restaurants in Poland is U Fukiera, located in the heart of Warsaw. U Fukiera is known for its traditional Polish cuisine, such as pierogi, bigos, and kotlet schabowy. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as Italian pasta and French crepes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Poland is Restauracja Karczma Polska, located in Krakow. This restaurant specializes in traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, bigos, and kotlet schabowy. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as Italian pasta and French crepes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Finally, Restauracja Pod Baranem is a popular restaurant in Warsaw. This restaurant specializes in traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, bigos, and kotlet schabowy. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as Italian pasta and French crepes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," commented one expat who moved to Poland.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Poland?
"People living in Poland typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, and local markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, shopping malls, and specialty stores. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Poland," said one expat.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Poland?
"In order to visit Poland, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Polish embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, and a travel itinerary. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Poland, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and proof of accommodation. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required," remarked one expat in Poland.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Poland?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Poland are generally considered to be affordable. The cost of healthcare services is relatively low compared to other European countries, and the government subsidizes a large portion of the cost. Health insurance is also relatively inexpensive, with most plans costing less than $100 per month. Additionally, the government provides free healthcare to those who are unable to afford it. Overall, healthcare and health insurance in Poland are considered to be quite affordable," said one expat.

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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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Poland?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Poland?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Poland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Poland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Poland like?
- Is the cost of living in Poland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Poland?
- What are healthcare services like in Poland?
- Is the cost of living in Poland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Poland?
- What is the weather like in Poland?
- Are there good restaurants in Poland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Poland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Poland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Poland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Poland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Poland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?