Tips and Tricks for Finding Housing in Poland

Published on October 25, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Finding housing in Poland might seem challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the local market. However, with the right information and proper preparation, this process can become much more accessible and even enjoyable.

In this article, we explore essential practical tips and tricks for effectively navigating the Polish real estate landscape, from understanding available housing options to negotiating contracts and communicating with landlords.

Whether choosing between a downtown apartment or a more remote house, we provide you with the keys to make an informed choice that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Finding Housing in Poland: Essential Tips

Essential Tips for Finding Housing in Poland

Popular and Reliable Online Platforms

• Otodom: The most popular platform for real estate listings in Poland, covering the entire country, with precise filters by city, housing type, price, and area. Mobile app available.
• OLX: Widely used for private rentals, offers numerous listings for rooms, studios, or apartments. Simple interface, but caution required against scams.
• Gumtree: Less used than the previous two, but also offers private listings. Useful for complementary searches.
• Facebook Groups: Many specialized groups by city or housing type, but caution is advised as scams are frequent.

Comparison of Major Cities

City	Rent Cost (1-bedroom apt. downtown)	Availability	Characteristics
Warsaw	High (~3000-4000 PLN/month)	High demand, varied supply, highest prices in the country	Capital, many expats, sometimes more formal procedures
Krakow	Medium to high (~2500-3500 PLN/month)	Good supply, but highly sought after by students and tourists	University city, many student accommodations
Wroclaw	Medium (~2200-3000 PLN/month)	Decent supply, more affordable prices than Warsaw	Dynamic city, less shortage than in the other two

Practical Tips for Search and Negotiation

• Prepare necessary documents in advance: passport/ID, proof of income or university enrollment, security deposit (typically 1-2 months’ rent), sometimes a guarantor.
• Be responsive: good deals go quickly, contact the landlord immediately if a property interests you.
• Negotiate the rent: a 5-10% negotiation is often possible, especially if the property remains available for several weeks.
• Request a viewing before signing, even via video call if you’re not on site.
• Read the lease agreement (umowa najmu) carefully. 12-month leases are common, but short-term (3-6 months) or student leases also exist.

Common Lease Types

• Standard Lease (umowa najmu): Classic commitment, usually for one year, renewable.
• Occasional Rental Lease (umowa najmu okazjonalnego): More secure for the landlord, but also protects the tenant. Requires a notarial deed.
• Student Lease: Sometimes more flexible, but not systematic.

Tenant Rights in Poland

• Right to notice (generally 1 to 3 months depending on the contract).
• The landlord cannot evict without valid reason and legal procedure.
• Landlord’s obligation to provide housing in good condition.
• Security deposit refund except in case of damages.

Verifying Listings and Landlords

• Be wary of offers that are too attractive or urgent.
• Verify the landlord’s identity (ask for proof of ownership or identification).
• Never pay a deposit without having visited the property or obtained a signed contract.
• Use secure platforms when possible or seek advice from a local or recognized agency.

Tips for Effective Search

• Prepare a complete file in advance to speed up the process.
• Use advanced platform filters to precisely target your needs (location, price, amenities).
• Activate alerts and notifications on Otodom and OLX to be informed as soon as a new listing matches your criteria.
• Ask for advice from expats, students, or colleagues already settled in.

⚠️
Always take the time to verify the legitimacy of the listing and the landlord. Do not sign any document without reading it carefully and, if in doubt, have it reviewed by a Polish speaker or professional.
⚠️

Budget Needed to Live in Poland: Practical Guide

BUDGET NEEDED TO LIVE IN POLAND: PRACTICAL GUIDE

Expense Category	Warsaw / Krakow (major cities)	Rural areas / small towns (e.g., Elblag)
Studio rent downtown	€668–900/month	€400–500/month
3-room apartment rent downtown	€1,147–1,165/month	€650–800/month
Utilities (water, electricity, etc.)	€260/month	€170–210/month
High-speed internet	€14–15/month	€14–15/month
Mobile plan	€8–9/month	€8–9/month
Grocery shopping	€200–250/month	€150–180/month
Transportation pass	€50/month	€20–30/month
Lunch at restaurant	€9–10	€7–9
Movie ticket	€6–7	€5–6
Gym membership	€34/month	€25–30/month

Estimated Total Monthly Cost for a Single Person:

• Major cities (Warsaw, Krakow): €1,100 to €1,400
• Medium cities / rural areas: €800 to €1,000

Examples of Common Prices (2025):

• Bread (500g): €1.17
• Milk (1L): €0.92
• 12 eggs: €2.90
• Gasoline (1L): €1.5
• Monthly fitness membership: €34

Major Cities vs Rural Areas Comparison:

Rent can be up to 40% cheaper outside major cities.

Food and leisure expenses are also lower in the provinces.

In Elblag, for example, a downtown apartment costs €493/month (vs €668–900 in Warsaw/Krakow).

Salaries are on average lower in rural areas (e.g., €936 in Elblag vs €1,400 in Warsaw).

Tips for Saving on Cost of Living:

• Rent outside downtown or share accommodation to reduce rent.
• Shop at local markets and discount supermarkets (Biedronka, Lidl).
• Use public transportation (attractive monthly passes).
• Prefer “bar mleczny” (traditional low-price cafeterias).
• Compare internet/mobile offers, many low-cost operators offer plans from €8–9/month.
• Take advantage of cultural or sports subscriptions at student or resident rates.

Cost Differences Between Expats and Locals:

Expats may tend to consume more imported products or prefer sought-after neighborhoods, which increases the budget.

Locals often benefit from family networks or know the best deals (housing, food).

Certain procedures (opening accounts, rental, insurance) may generate additional fees for expats.

Testimonials and Case Studies:

“I’ve been living in Krakow for 2 years, sharing a modern downtown apartment. My monthly budget, all inclusive (rent, utilities, outings), is around €1,100. In the provinces, my friends pay around €700–800 per month for a similar standard of living.”

— Mathilde, French expat in Krakow

“By living in Elblag, I was able to save nearly 30% on my rent. Local products are very affordable, but you have to get used to a more limited cultural offering than in Warsaw.”

— Jakub, Polish executive originally from Gdańsk

Recommendations for Finding the Best Deals:

• Search expat Facebook groups and local platforms (OLX, Gumtree) for housing.
• Subscribe to supermarket newsletters to take advantage of promotions.
• Opt for online or local banks to avoid high banking fees.

Key Takeaway:
The cost of living in Poland is generally 25 to 35% lower than in France. It varies significantly between major cities and rural areas. By adapting consumption habits, it’s possible to live comfortably on a moderate budget.

Expat-Favorite Neighborhoods in Poland

City	Neighborhoods favored by expats	Attractive characteristics	Cost of living
Warsaw	Śródmieście, Mokotów, Wilanów, Powiśle, Żoliborz	– Excellent accessibility (metro, tram, bus) – Intense cultural life (museums, cafes, galleries) – High safety in Mokotów, Wilanów, Żoliborz – Proximity to shops, international schools – Modern housing or historic villas	Śródmieście and Mokotów: more expensive than Polish average Wilanów: high-end Żoliborz, Powiśle: affordable for quality offered
Krakow	Stare Miasto, Kazimierz, Podgórze	– Historic charm and architecture – Dynamic expat community – Easy access to transportation – Numerous restaurants, bars, green spaces – Renovated housing meeting international expectations	Stare Miasto: most expensive Kazimierz: moderate prices, artistic vibe Podgórze: affordable, family-friendly
Wrocław	Stare Miasto, Krzyki, Srodmiescie	– Lively downtown, nightlife – Green spaces, modern infrastructure – Good tram and bus network – Proximity to universities, international companies – Varied housing (studios, family apartments)	Stare Miasto: central and expensive Krzyki, Srodmiescie: advantageous value for money
Gdańsk	Oliwa, Przymorze, Wrzeszcz	– Proximity to sea, beaches, parks – Cosmopolitan atmosphere – International schools, shops – Good transportation links – Modern and spacious housing	Oliwa, Przymorze: slightly more expensive Wrzeszcz: very attractive and affordable

Detailed Characteristics by Neighborhood:

Warsaw

• Śródmieście: Lively downtown, immediate access to services, nightlife, museums, and enhanced security. Ideal for young professionals and couples seeking urban lifestyle.
• Mokotów: Chic residential district, numerous green spaces, international schools, upscale shops, excellent transportation connections. Many expats appreciate the peace and quality of life. Anecdote: An expat testifies that “Mokotów perfectly combines the tranquility of a residential neighborhood with quick access to downtown.”
• Wilanów: Recent neighborhood, villas and modern buildings, international population, foreign schools, parks. Testimonial: “Here, everything is designed for expat families, even the supermarket offers imported products.”
• Powisle: Bohemian vibe, trendy cafes, art galleries, proximity to Vistula River, appreciated safety. Suitable for creative minds.
• Żoliborz: Family neighborhood, houses with gardens, quiet, proximity to schools, many parks. An expat couple shares: “We chose Żoliborz for its village atmosphere in the heart of the city and its many green spaces.”

Krakow

• Stare Miasto: Historic center, preserved architecture, vibrant cultural life, all shops nearby. Most expensive neighborhood, but highly sought after by expats wanting to live in the heart of the action.
• Kazimierz: Former Jewish quarter, artistic vibe, bars, restaurants, galleries. Cheaper than Stare Miasto, friendly and creative atmosphere.
• Podgórze: More residential, appreciated by families, proximity to schools and parks, reasonable prices.

Wrocław

• Stare Miasto: Nightlife, restaurants, monuments, many young expats and students.
• Krzyki: Residential neighborhood, quiet, quick access to downtown, modern infrastructure.
• Srodmiescie: International community, green spaces, easy access to universities and companies.

Gdańsk

• Oliwa: Proximity to park, universities, family atmosphere, easy access to sea.
• Przymorze: Modern housing, shopping centers, nearby beaches.
• Wrzeszcz: Lively neighborhood, cosmopolitan atmosphere, practical transportation, easy access to downtown and beach.

Cost of Living Differences:

Central and residential neighborhoods favored by expats (Śródmieście, Mokotów, Wilanów, Stare Miasto, Oliwa) have rents 20 to 40% higher than peripheral or less renowned neighborhoods.

Transitioning neighborhoods (Praga in Warsaw, Nowa Huta in Krakow) remain more affordable but offer fewer international services and a more authentic, popular atmosphere.

Daily Life and Testimonials:

Many expats highlight the ease of access to services, neighborhood friendliness, cultural richness, and perceived safety in daily life.

Popular neighborhoods often offer easy integration thanks to the presence of international schools, adapted shops, and a dynamic expat community.

An expat living in Gdańsk confides: “Wrzeszcz is a perfect mix between urban life, access to the sea, and a real international atmosphere.”

Key Takeaway: The neighborhoods preferred by expats in major Polish cities offer a balance between comfort, accessibility, safety, social life, and availability of suitable housing. The cost of living is higher than in the periphery but remains attractive compared to Western Europe.