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Poland's apartment market shows significant price differences between major cities like Warsaw and Kraków compared to smaller centers like Łódź and Poznań.
As of September 2025, Warsaw leads with the highest rental and purchase costs, where a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages 3,200-3,500 PLN monthly for rent and 22,000-23,000 PLN per square meter for purchase. Property prices across Poland's major cities have risen 14-16% year-over-year, driven by supply shortages and strong demand for energy-efficient units.
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Warsaw commands the highest apartment costs in Poland, with city center one-bedroom rentals at 3,200-3,500 PLN monthly and purchase prices reaching 22,000-23,000 PLN per square meter for new builds.
Monthly utility and maintenance costs for an 85m² apartment typically range from 1,600-2,000 PLN, while mortgage rates currently average 7.3-7.4% with down payments of 10-20% for residents and 20-30% for foreigners.
| City | 1BR Rent City Center | Purchase Price Center (PLN/m²) | Monthly Utilities+Fees (85m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 3,200-3,500 PLN | 22,000-23,000 PLN | 1,600-2,000 PLN |
| Kraków | 2,100-2,400 PLN | 18,000-22,000 PLN | 1,500-1,900 PLN |
| Gdańsk | 2,500-3,200 PLN | 15,000-17,000 PLN | 1,500-1,800 PLN |
| Łódź | 1,600-2,200 PLN | 11,000-12,000 PLN | 1,300-1,600 PLN |
| Poznań | 1,900-2,400 PLN | 11,000-13,500 PLN | 1,400-1,700 PLN |
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Warsaw city center right now?
A one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw's city center costs 3,200-3,500 PLN per month as of September 2025.
Premium central locations and newly renovated properties can exceed 4,000 PLN monthly. The highest prices are found in districts like Śródmieście, particularly near Palace of Culture or around Nowy Świat street.
Standard one-bedroom apartments in good condition within the city center typically range from 3,000-3,500 PLN. These include modern amenities, central heating, and are located within walking distance of major business districts and public transportation hubs.
Older buildings or apartments requiring minor updates may be available from 2,800-3,200 PLN monthly. However, these often come with higher utility costs due to less efficient heating systems.
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How much cheaper is it to rent outside Warsaw city center?
Renting outside Warsaw's city center is significantly cheaper, with one-bedroom apartments averaging 1,700-2,000 PLN monthly.
This represents a 40-45% cost reduction compared to city center prices. Outer districts like Bemowo, Ursynów, or Mokotów offer well-connected apartments at these lower rates.
Newer developments in emerging neighborhoods such as Wilanów or Wola can cost 2,200-2,500 PLN monthly. These areas provide modern amenities while maintaining good public transport connections to the center.
The most affordable options are found in residential areas like Białołęka or Targówek, where rent can drop to 1,500-1,800 PLN monthly. These locations require longer commute times but offer larger living spaces and parking availability.
What's the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kraków compared to Warsaw?
A one-bedroom apartment in Kraków's city center averages 2,100-2,400 PLN monthly, making it 25-40% cheaper than Warsaw.
Kraków's Old Town and areas near the Main Market Square command the highest prices at 2,300-2,400 PLN monthly. These historic locations offer unique charm but may have older building infrastructure.
Districts like Kazimierz or Podgórze provide modern one-bedroom apartments for 2,000-2,200 PLN monthly. These areas combine reasonable prices with good access to the city center and cultural attractions.
Some well-located apartments can be found below 2,000 PLN monthly, particularly in residential areas like Krowodrza or Nowa Huta. These neighborhoods offer excellent value while maintaining good public transport connections.
How much should I budget monthly for a two-bedroom apartment in Gdańsk?
Budget 4,000-4,500 PLN monthly for a modern two-bedroom apartment in Gdańsk's desirable districts.
Premium locations in the Old Town or near the waterfront can reach 5,500 PLN monthly. These apartments typically feature high-end finishes, modern appliances, and proximity to major attractions.
Standard two-bedroom apartments in good residential areas like Oliwa or Wrzeszcz range from 3,800-4,300 PLN monthly. These provide excellent value with access to green spaces and efficient public transportation.
Older buildings or less central locations may offer two-bedroom options from 3,200-3,800 PLN monthly. While more affordable, these often require additional utility costs and may lack modern amenities.
What's the typical purchase price per square meter for apartments in Warsaw city center?
Warsaw city center apartments cost 22,000-23,000 PLN per square meter for new builds and 18,000-22,000 PLN per square meter for existing properties.
| Property Type | Price Range (PLN/m²) | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| New Construction (City Center) | 22,000-23,000 | Modern amenities, energy efficient, parking |
| Existing Properties (City Center) | 18,000-22,000 | Varies by condition, may need renovation |
| Premium New Builds | 25,000-28,000 | Luxury finishes, prime locations, concierge |
| Older Buildings (Renovated) | 16,000-20,000 | Historic charm, updated systems |
| Warsaw Average (All Areas) | 15,000-17,900 | Mixed neighborhoods, various conditions |
Prime locations in Śródmieście district command the highest prices, especially properties with views of the Vistula River or near business centers. New developments often include underground parking, which adds significant value to the overall purchase price.
How does the price per square meter change in smaller cities like Łódź or Poznań?
Smaller Polish cities offer 35-50% lower prices per square meter compared to central Warsaw.
Łódź averages 11,000-11,800 PLN per square meter for new builds and 10,800-11,700 PLN per square meter for existing properties. The city's revitalization projects have increased demand in the historic center.
Poznań ranges from 11,000-13,500 PLN per square meter citywide, with premium areas reaching the higher end. The city's strong economy and university presence maintain steady demand for quality apartments.
Both cities offer excellent value for investors, with modern amenities available at significantly lower costs than major metropolitan areas. New developments in these cities often feature similar quality standards to Warsaw projects but at much more accessible prices.
How much does it cost to buy a newly built apartment versus an older one in Poland?
New construction apartments typically cost 10-20% more than similar older properties, especially in prime locations.
Warsaw new builds average 17,900-18,000 PLN per square meter citywide, while existing properties cost 16,000-18,000 PLN per square meter. In city center locations, this premium can reach 3,000-5,000 PLN per square meter.
New apartments offer energy-efficient heating systems, modern electrical installations, and contemporary layouts. These features result in lower monthly utility costs and higher rental demand for investors.
Older apartments may require renovation investments of 1,000-3,000 PLN per square meter to match modern standards. However, they often feature larger room sizes, unique architectural details, and established neighborhood amenities.
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What are the average monthly utility costs for an 85m² apartment in Poland?
Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment in Poland typically cost 1,000-1,100 PLN, covering electricity, heating, water, and waste management.
Heating costs vary significantly by season, with winter months adding 300-500 PLN to monthly bills. Modern apartments with efficient heating systems cost less than older buildings with outdated infrastructure.
Internet and television services add 60-110 PLN monthly. Premium packages with high-speed internet and comprehensive TV channels reach the upper end of this range.
Total utility expenses including basic services typically range from 1,060-1,210 PLN monthly. Energy-efficient apartments in new buildings often achieve costs at the lower end of this spectrum.
How much do property taxes and maintenance fees add to monthly costs in Poland?
Property taxes and maintenance fees add approximately 600-1,000 PLN monthly to apartment ownership costs in major Polish cities.
Annual property tax (RET) costs just 1.19 PLN per square meter of usable area for 2025. For an 85m² apartment, this equals approximately 100 PLN annually or 8 PLN monthly.
Monthly building maintenance fees (czynsz) represent the significant cost, ranging from 600-900 PLN monthly in Warsaw and major cities. Premium buildings with elevators, security, and underground parking charge higher fees.
Basic property insurance adds 30-50 PLN monthly. Combined with maintenance fees, total monthly ownership costs beyond utilities typically reach 650-950 PLN for standard apartments.
What's the usual down payment percentage required when buying an apartment in Poland?
Polish residents and EU buyers typically need 10-20% down payment, while foreign buyers may require 20-30% of the purchase price.
1. **Polish residents**: 10-15% down payment for primary residence purchases 2. **EU citizens**: 15-20% down payment with stable income documentation 3. **Foreign investors**: 20-30% down payment, especially for investment properties 4. **First-time buyers**: Some banks offer 10% down payment with additional guarantees 5. **Cash purchases**: Increasingly common, representing 30-35% of transactionsBanks require stable income documentation and debt-to-income ratios below 50%. Foreign buyers must demonstrate income sources and may face additional documentation requirements.
Higher down payments often secure better interest rates and more favorable loan terms. Investment property purchases typically require larger down payments regardless of buyer nationality.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Poland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How much can I expect mortgage interest rates to add to my monthly housing costs in Poland?
Current mortgage interest rates in Poland average 7.3-7.4% for new loans as of September 2025.
For a 750,000 PLN loan at 7.4% interest over 25 years, monthly payments reach approximately 5,500 PLN. Each 1% change in interest rates affects monthly payments by 380-400 PLN for this loan amount.
Most Polish banks offer fixed rates for the first 5 years before switching to variable rates. The National Bank of Poland's base rate currently stands at 4.75%, influencing all mortgage pricing.
Variable rate mortgages may see rate changes throughout the loan term based on central bank policy. Fixed-rate periods provide payment predictability during the initial years of homeownership.
How quickly are apartment prices rising year-over-year in Poland's major cities?
Apartment prices in Poland's major cities have increased 14-16% year-over-year as of September 2025.
Warsaw and Kraków lead price growth due to severe supply shortages and strong demand for modern, energy-efficient units. New construction hasn't kept pace with population growth and investment demand.
Price growth shows signs of moderating compared to the 2021-2023 period, when annual increases reached 20-25%. However, demand continues to outpace supply in prime locations.
Smaller cities like Łódź and Poznań experience more moderate growth rates of 10-12% annually. These markets offer better value while still providing solid appreciation potential for property investors.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Poland's apartment market presents clear cost hierarchies between major cities, with Warsaw commanding premium prices but offering the strongest rental demand and price appreciation.
Monthly ownership costs beyond purchase price—including utilities, maintenance, and mortgage payments—significantly impact overall housing budgets and should be carefully calculated when making investment decisions.
Sources
- Nestpick Warsaw Rental Market
- Uniplaces Kraków Accommodation
- Spotahome Gdańsk Rentals
- INVESTROPA Warsaw Price Per Square Meter
- INVESTROPA Average Warsaw Apartment Prices
- Statista Poland Apartment Prices
- Real Estate 24 Poznań Market 2025
- Profee Cost of Living Poland 2025
- INVESTROPA Kraków Price Per Square Meter
- Trading Economics Poland Interest Rates