Poland has quickly become one of Europe's most attractive study destinations, offering a compelling combination of world-class universities, rich cultural heritage, and impressively affordable living costs. If you're considering studying here, you'll be joining a growing community of international students who've discovered that pursuing higher education in Poland doesn't require a massive budget or cutting corners.

The country has over 100,000 international students, and the number continues to grow each year, and it's not hard to see why once you understand the financial reality of life here. Whether you're drawn to the historic beauty of Kraków, the great energy of Warsaw, or the student-friendly atmosphere of Wrocław, Poland offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. This guide breaks down what you need to budget for and how your money can stretch much further than it would in most of the world.

Life in Poland

The average cost of living in Poland for students ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 PLN per month (roughly €670–€1,070), depending on your lifestyle and chosen city. For context, that's substantially less than comparable UK cities or Germany. But affordability isn't the only advantage.

Several Polish universities, including the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Warsaw University of Technology, are ranked within the global top 500 by QS World University Rankings.

Beyond academics, Polish cities consistently rank among Europe's best for student satisfaction. Wrocław and Kraków rank highest in student satisfaction surveys, with vibrant cultural scenes, active student communities, and excellent quality of life. The country regularly tops European satisfaction indices for younger populations, meaning your money doesn't just go further; you'll actually enjoy your time here.

Cost of Living in Poland

The cost of living in Poland for students averages 3,200 PLN (€860) per month, including rent, though this varies by city and choices. Personal habits affect totals, but here's what Numbeo data shows for the average expenses you should expect:

How Much Does Food Cost in Poland for Students?

Cooking at home with groceries will stretch your budget in Poland, helping you save by avoiding frequent fast-food orders. These are the everyday grocery prices, according to Numbeo:

University canteens serve full meals for 10-15 PLN. Biedronka and Lidl keep grocery bills low, typically selling items, groceries, and daily necessities at affordable prices.

How to Save Up in Poland?

Poland already offers strong study opportunities with cost advantages, but these strategies help your money go even further.

Affordable Casita Poland Student Accommodation Options

Finding affordable accommodation in Poland will help you save a large amount of money that can go towards many of your other needs. These are some of the best ones available:

Basecamp by Xior Krakow 

Basecamp by Xior Krakow offers fully furnished single and shared rooms, with ample amenities to ensure a comfortable and lovely stay. It’s also a short bus ride to the city centre, making you within a short distance of anything you may need throughout your stay.

Warsaw Sky Living

Warsaw Sky Living offers self-contained studios, twin rooms, and triple private rooms, ensuring that you have a variety of options that will suit your living needs. The property is equipped with a large selection of amenities, including Wi-Fi, laundry, an on-site gym, CCTV, and a communal games room.

Krakow

Krakow offers single, twin, and couple studio apartments of different styles and sizes, ensuring a variety of options. This property has a large selection of amenities to enjoy and make use of throughout your stay. It’s also a short distance away from the city centre, allowing you to easily explore the city and all it has to offer.

Cheapest Shopping Brands

As previously mentioned, Biedronka and Lidl provide cheap groceries, as well as many other daily necessities. Beyond those:

• Pepco: An incredibly affordable brand found on almost every corner, where students can get homeware, basic kitchen supplies, and simple clothing items at very low prices.

• Sinsay: A trendy Polish brand belonging to the LPP group (the "Polish H&M"), where students can shop for fast fashion pieces like tops, dresses, denim, and activewear with frequent sales.

• Reserved: Another flagship Polish brand offering stylish, slightly more upscale but still affordable clothing for interviews or nights out.

• CCC: One of the largest footwear retailers in Central Europe, offering frequent discounts and a wide range of affordable shoes and bags.

Most Affordable Mode of Transport

The most affordable mode of transport in Poland is using the extensive public transport network of trams and buses with a student discount, instead of using traditional ride-sharing apps. As a student under 26 with a valid student ID (Legitymacja Studencka), you are entitled to a 50% discount on all public transport tickets.

In cities like Warsaw, you can buy a 3-month "City Card" for as little as £25-£30. Walking is also a viable option in the compact city centres of Kraków and Wrocław. For convenience, apps like Jakdojade are essential for navigating routes.

Do not underestimate the student ID discounts! Beyond the previously mentioned transport discounts, they can even provide you with free entry to various museums, as well as substantial discounts for gyms, restaurants, and cinemas.

Cheap Student Activities in Poland

You can save up a lot of your budget by simply taking advantage of free or low-cost activities throughout the country. You can visit Warsaw’s museums, which are usually free or have a significant discount for students, or relax and unwind in the many public parks. There are also plenty of sights to see and explore, which will only cost you the price of transportation.

Part-Time Work

Poland's regulations allow full-time international students to work without a work permit. Securing a part-time job not only helps cover living expenses but also provides invaluable work experience, which you’ll be grateful for after you graduate and may even provide you with career opportunities in Poland.

Poland's job market is robust, with high demand in the BPO/SSC (Business Process Outsourcing) sectors, where English speakers are highly valued. IT, hospitality, and tutoring are also popular options for students, as they may align with their university courses.

Tying Up Poland’s Cost of Living

That’s the basics of what it costs to live in Poland. The country has a lot to offer students with top universities, an amazing culture, and a lifestyle that mixes study and fun in a way few other places do. It remains one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, but budgeting is still key.

The key is finding a balance. Choose accommodation that works for your needs, shop around for groceries at Biedronka or Lidl, and make use of your student discounts everywhere you go. This way, you’ll still have money left to enjoy Poland’s festivals, travel, and food without stressing too much about expenses.

If you want to learn more about this lovely country, check out our other Poland blogs: Ultimate Guide for New Students Moving to Poland and Best Universities in Poland for International Students 2026.