Manage Your Finances

Are you getting ready to embark on an exciting adventure in beautiful Warsaw? We know there’s a lot to think about, and getting your finances in order is an important part of the process. This guide will give you all the information you need to budget effectively for your new life in Warsaw, Poland’s vibrant capital city.

Estimated monthly costs (in PLN)

 

We’ll run through the estimated monthly costs for essentials like accommodation, food, transport and so on. We’ll also give you some handy tips and resources to help you make the most of your zlotys (the local currency).
So, whether you’re a budgeting pro or just starting out, this guide will give you a clear picture of what to expect financially in Warsaw. Let’s dive in!

Accommodation (in PLN)

  • Student dormitory room: The most affordable option is a room in a student dorm, which typically costs around PLN 480-950 (EUR 112-223) per month, including utilities. However, these rooms are usually shared with other students.
  • Studio apartment: A studio apartment is a small apartment with everything you need, including a living area, sleeping area and kitchenette. The going rate for a studio apartment in Warsaw is anything from PLN 1,500 to 3,000 (EUR 350-700) per month, depending on where you are and how big it is. Utilities aren’t usually included in the rent.
  • One-bedroom apartment: A one-bedroom apartment is larger, with a separate bedroom and living area. They can cost anywhere from PLN 2,000 to 4,000 (EUR 475-950) per month, depending on the location and size. Utilities aren’t usually included in the rent.

Food (in PLN):

  • Groceries: PLN 600-800
  • Eating out occasionally: PLN 150-250 per meal (Warsaw has a great restaurant scene, so eating out may be slightly more expensive)

Transport (PLN)

  • Monthly/quarterly public transport pass: PLN 110-280 (standard fare) or PLN 55-140 (reduced fare for students) (Warsaw has a comprehensive public transport network with different zone options)
  • Occasional taxi rides: The fare depends on the distance, but budget around PLN 35-55 per ride.

Utilities (in PLN)

  • The cost of electricity, water and internet (combined) is between PLN 200 and 350, depending on how much you use and which plan you choose.

Textbooks and Course Materials (in PLN)

  • This can vary significantly depending on the programme. Budget around PLN 100-200 per month as a starting point.

    Important note! UEHS students can use the library to access course materials. The listed costs are based on additional, optional materials that may not be needed. For more details about the course materials, check out the library website: https://vizja.pl/en/library/.

Phone plan (in PLN)

  • Mobile phone plan with data: PLN 30-100 (depending on data allowance)

Total estimated monthly costs

Based on the above, your monthly expenses in Warsaw could be anywhere from PLN 3,570 (if you’re really tight with your budget) to 5,550 PLN (if you’re a bit more flexible).

Remember, this is just a starting point. Realistically, you can expect to spend closer to the higher end of this range, especially if you enjoy eating out or plan on living in a more central location.

Saving tips

Make the most of student discounts wherever you can (transport, museums etc.). You might also want to think about getting a student ID card (ISIC) for even better discounts.
ISIC stands for International Student Identity Card. It’s a globally recognised document that proves you’re a full-time student in secondary or higher education (age 12 and up).

Here are some key benefits of ISIC:

Student discounts: ISIC gets you access to discounts on travel, accommodation, meals, entertainment and more in over 125,000 locations across 130 countries.
Proof of student status: It’s an internationally recognised form of student identification, which can be helpful in various situations.
Additional services: Some ISIC cards may offer additional benefits like travel insurance or access to student lounges at airports.
If you’re a student who travels abroad or wants to make the most of student discounts, an ISIC card could be a great asset. You can find out more about ISIC and how to apply for a card on the official ISIC website: https://www.isic.org/. Important note! The student ID card you get from the UEHS is only valid in Poland. You can get an ISIC on an individual basis, which covers more places and has more discounts.