How much is a month of life in Poland: basic costs and prices

Poland is one of the most popular countries that Ukrainians choose for evacuation. For whom it is only a temporary point on the further route, and for whom it remains here and tries to arrange their life. uamedia.eu writes about how much food, rent, transport, clothing and what money is needed for.

Photo: rbc.ua 4 Prices of products in Poland

If we are talking about housing rent and product prices, then the standard of living in Poland is not too different from Ukraine. However, Poles earn almost three times more on average. In particular, the minimum wage in Poland at the end of 2022 was 3,010 zlotys, and in Ukraine — 6,700 hryvnias (about 800 zlotys at the current exchange rate).

Natalya Mironchak, who has been living in Poland for eight years, says that her biggest expenses are rent and food. She spends approximately 200 – 250 zlotys (1,680 – 2,100 hryvnias) on purchases per week for two people.

On average, prices for products in Poland are as follows (prices are in hryvnias):

• meat, 1 kilogram — 184 hryvnias;
• bread — 33/42 hryvnias;
• eggs, 10 pieces — 92 hryvnias;
• milk (900 grams) — 30 hryvnias;
• sour milk cheese, 250 grams — 46 hryvnias;
• apples, 1 kilogram — 34 hryvnias;
• bananas, 1 kilogram — 55 hryvnias;
• tomatoes/cucumbers, 1 kilogram — 67/84 hryvnias;
• carrots, 1 kilogram — 34 hryvnias;
• flour, 1 kilogram — 34 hryvnias;
• vermicelli, 1 kilogram — 38 hryvnias;
• buckwheat (400 grams) — 54 hryvnias;
• potatoes, 1 kilogram — 67 hryvnias.

At the same time, a hearty dinner in a cafe will not be cheap – one person will have to pay approximately 100 – 150 zlotys (840 – 1,260 hryvnias).

Read: Cash assistance in Poland: affordable programs for Ukrainians Housing prices in Poland

The cost of renting apartments in Poland depends on the city and the number of rooms. Natalya pays 1,100 zlotys (9,240 hryvnias) for a two-room apartment in Zamoste. However, she rented an apartment even before the start of the full-scale war. Now, according to her, the prices fluctuate in the range of up to 2,000 zlotys (16,800 hryvnias).

Natalya pays another 120 zlotys (1,000 hryvnias) for water, cleaning and lighting the entrance, garbage removal, and parking lot lighting. Utilities for an average two-room apartment measuring 46 square meters cost approximately 340 zlotys (2,856 hryvnias): approximately 270 zlotys for gas and 70 for electricity.

Clothing, transport and other expenses

Prices for clothes and personal care products in Poland are not too different from Ukrainian prices, sometimes a little lower. Yes, you can buy jeans for 80 zlotys (670 hryvnias), a sweater for 80 – 120 zlotys (670 – 1,000 hryvnias), a T-shirt – 30 zlotys (250 hryvnias). You will have to pay 150-250 zlotys (1260-2100) for shoes, and up to 300 zlotys (2500 hryvnias) for outerwear.

Travel in Zamoste public transport is paid for Ukrainians. According to Natalya, the pass costs about 100 zlotys (840 hryvnias) per month. You can also buy one ticket for 3 zlotys (25 hryvnias), which is valid for all types of public transport for one hour. However, the cheapest way to buy a carnet is for five one-time tickets that cost 12 zlotys (110 hryvnias).

If you plan to drive your own car, you should expect that the average price of gasoline in Poland fluctuates between 6.50 and 7.15 zlotys per liter (54.6 and 60 hryvnias). Diesel fuel is slightly more expensive at 7.60 – 7.80 zlotys per liter (64 – 65.50 hryvnias).

As for medical care, Ukrainians who came to Poland during the war receive it for free. To do this, you should go to a hospital or clinic and present a certificate from the border service or a stamp in your passport. Prices in Polish pharmacies differ significantly from Ukrainian ones. Yes, Natalya said that in case of a cold, you will have to pay at least 80 zlotys (670 hryvnias).

In addition, Ukrainians in Poland can use special portals that provide free medical care.

Entertainment expenses in Poland depend on the city. If it is relatively small, like Zamoste, then a session in the cinema will cost 18 zlotys (150 hryvnias) on average. But if you are a bowling fan, then you will have to pay 60 zlotys per hour (504 hryvnias) or 45 zlotys per half hour (378 hryvnias) to rent a track for a maximum of six people.

A month of life in Poland: how much should you expect?

A family of two will have to spend about 1,000 — 1,300 zlotys (8,400 — 10,920 hryvnias) per month on products in Poland. If you add to this sum public transport fare, rent for housing and, for example, a trip to the cinema or bowling, then for a month of living in Poland, two adults need to count on the sum:

However, it should be taken into account that this is the minimum amount from which you can start off. If you plan to live in a big city, drive your own car, or have a child, this implies additional costs.

• • 3,600 zlotys (30,200 hryvnias),
  • if you do not live in a rented apartment, then the expenses will be less, approximately – 1,500 zlotys (12,600 hryvnias).

Source: Ministry of Finance

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