Your Expat Community in Poland

Living in Poland: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Poland, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Poland. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

1. What's the cost of living like in Poland?
Poland has a relatively low cost of living compared to Western European countries. You can expect to pay less for groceries, transportation, and dining out. However, prices may vary depending on the city you live in.

2. What are the average rents for single room flats and flats with at least three rooms in the three most sought-after cities by expats in Poland?

• Warsaw:

  • Single room flat: 2,000–3,000 PLN (525–790 USD) per month
  • 3-room flat: 3,500–5,000 PLN (920–1,315 USD) per month

• Kraków:

  • Single room flat: 1,500–2,500 PLN (395–655 USD) per month
  • 3-room flat: 2,800–4,000 PLN (735–1,050 USD) per month

• Wrocław:

  • Single room flat: 1,400–2,400 PLN (365–630 USD) per month
  • 3-room flat: 2,500–3,800 PLN (655–995 USD) per month

3. Is it easy to find a job in Poland as an expat?
Finding a job in Poland can be challenging for expats, especially if you don't speak Polish. However, there are multinational companies, startups, and the IT sector, which offer job opportunities for English speakers. Networking and leveraging online job portals can help in your job search.

4. What's the healthcare system like in Poland?
Poland has a public healthcare system funded through the National Health Fund (NFZ). Expats who work and pay social security contributions are eligible for public healthcare. However, many expats prefer private healthcare due to shorter waiting times and higher quality services. It's a good idea to have health insurance, either through your employer or a private provider.

5. How's the public transportation in Poland?
Poland has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław have extensive networks, making it easy to commute within the city. Monthly public transport tickets cost around 100–150 PLN (26–39 USD) in these cities.

6. Do I need to learn Polish to live in Poland?
While it's not mandatory to learn Polish, it can make your life easier and help you integrate into the local community. Many Poles speak English, especially in larger cities, but having basic Polish skills will be useful in daily life.

7. Is Poland safe for expats?
Poland is generally considered safe for expats, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, like anywhere else, it's important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Embark on Your Life as an Expat in Poland

Poland has both a fascinating and tragic history, with foreign occupation, high unemployment rates, and war partitioning leaving its mark on the beautiful country. However, thanks to modernization, democracy, and programs developed in the 1990s, it has developed into a popular expat destination with one of Europe's most successful economies. Krakow, for instance, offers beautiful tourist destinations, such as Kazimierz and the Old Town, and expats can enjoy local life in the Market Square, lined with outdoor cafes and a selection of some of the world's best beers. Walking and cycling is a popular mode of transport around Polish cities, with Warsaw even having city bikes which visitors, locals and expats can pick up and drop off across the city. The country also has a well-developed and inexpensive public transport system in the cities .

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Portugal or Spain, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Network for Like-Minded Expatriates across Poland

InterNations helps expatriates like you to become a part of the Polish community and explore the Polish way of life, from enjoying the traditional bigos to celebrating Smigus-Dyngus Monday. Our forum is the place to go to ask your questions, find out about your local community and the wider world of Poland, with experienced expats on hand to answer all of your questions. Moreover, InterNations offers a wide range of groups, created by members to share their interests, and events, aiming to promote networking and integration. So not only are you able to network online, but you can also meet other expats and global minds in Poland face-to-face!