If you’re trying to figure out the best places to live in Poland, keep reading!
While Poland is a desirable country to relocate to among residents of CIS countries like Ukraine and Belarus, it’s also increasing in popularity among expats elsewhere.
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However, while there are various Polish cities with foreign communities, they all have their own unique characteristics.
So, if you’re considering a move to this part of Central Europe, check out these six best places to live in Poland for expats.
Warsaw
The capital of Poland, Warsaw, is the busiest, most bustling city in the country, home to 1.8 million people.
Moreover, it’s the administrative center where you will find most of the leading international companies, such as Google, Amazon, and J.P. Morgan.
For that reason, Warsaw is easily one of the best cities in Poland for expats looking to climb the career ladder.
Warsaw is located in east-central Poland, with the River Vistula running directly through it. It boasts a well-developed and modern infrastructure, high-quality schools and hospitals, and a fab public transport system.
Warsaw is probably one of the most expensive cities in Poland, but it also offers the highest wages.
Moreover, the capital city has a meager employment rate with such a strong economy. Thus, for expats moving to Poland without a job, Warsaw is the safest bet.
There is a large expat community and plenty of English speakers because of the vast job opportunities. As a result, out of all the best Polish cities, Warsaw is probably the most adaptable.
Still, the capital city does have its downsides. It’s highly crowded with near-constant traffic jams in some areas, which can be very stressful for many people.
It’s also not the prettiest city and lacks greenery, making it a concrete jungle. The average income here is $1500, and rent on a one-bedroom apartment can cost between $550 and $750.
Kraków
Kraków is Poland’s former capital and one of the oldest cities in the country, with a rich heritage.
In the center of Kraków, you’ll find an old medieval town full of many preserved buildings and incredible architecture. In addition, there are plenty of cultural attractions, including galleries and museums.
Being a cultural and historical hub, Kraków is a trendy city with tourists. However, there is also a significant expat and international student community here; thus, English is widely spoken.
This gives the historic city a diverse, modern, youthful spirit with many cosmopolitan spots around town.
Like Warsaw, Kraków has a very low unemployment rate and plenty of jobs for foreigners. There is also a wide range of opportunities spanning all industries, from tech to construction.
Wages are pretty high in Kraków, but so are living costs. The average income per person is $1200 and renting a one-bedroom costs between $450 and $600.
Other pros of this southern city include an efficient public transport system and low crime rates.
Moreover, the nearby nature spots, such as the blissful Tatra Mountains and the idyllic ski resort town of Zakopane, give foreigners living here a good work/life balance.
Wrocław
Wrocław is a smaller city located on the Oder River in the west. It has around 631,000 people residents, including a sizable community of foreigners from over 120 countries.
Wrocław is one of the best cities to live in Poland as it is the second-fastest-growing city after Warsaw.
Moreover, it is home to offices of many prominent global firms, such as Nike, Google, HP, and IBM. Therefore, there are plenty of jobs and business opportunities in all fields.
Aside from the ample jobs and strong economy, Wrocław is an entertainment hub full of bars, clubs, restaurants, and theaters. Thus, for young professionals looking for somewhere to work and play hard, this is it.
Another highlight of Wrocław is how beautiful the city is. It is often nicknamed Venice of the North because of its numerous rivers, islands, and over 100 bridges!
The medieval Old Town is just as pretty, with colorful buildings, stunning architecture, and cute traditional restaurants.
The city is also renowned for its sustainable transportation, including modern buses, electric cars, and city bikes.
Wages are in line with Kraków, around $1150 per month, and renting a one-bedroom apartment costs about the same.
Poznań
As an important business and scientific hub, Poznań, in the west, is another of the top spots for living and working in Poland. Besides its thriving business district, Poznań is a highly diverse city with a lively night scene and several bohemian neighborhoods.
The city is mainly known for being the host of many international events, conferences, fairs, and exhibitions, which have strengthened its economy significantly.
As a result, Poznań is now one of the most desirable cities for investment and is full of business opportunities and jobs.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that this city has the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
Away from the high-rises and crowds of suits, you’ll find a lovely historical center, plenty of gorgeous parks and town squares, and some marvelous architecture.
Other perks of Poznań are efficient transportation, excellent schools, and low crime rates.
The wages are lower here than in some bigger cities, around $1050 a month. However, this is not necessarily bad as the cost of living is also lower, including rental prices.
You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment for less than $500; larger 3-bedroom houses are no more than $800.
Gdansk
The list of best places to live in Poland would not be complete without Gdansk.
The coastal city of Gdansk is located on the Baltic coast in the country’s north and is one of the happiest places to live here. This is because 80% of 470,000 residents claim to be satisfied with their life here.
One reason is that the city has so much to do and a lively atmosphere. There are numerous entertainment venues, sports and cultural events, and beautiful beaches with high-quality seaside restaurants.
Aside from the top amenities, Gdansk has plenty of job opportunities in various industries, such as finance, engineering, and manufacturing.
In addition, the vast seaport here creates many of the city’s jobs, making Gdansk one of the most important industrial centers in the country.
Wages are pretty high, too, averaging $1260. In addition, rental costs are average, with one-bedroom apartments costing between $500 and $600 and 3-bedroom houses up to $1000.
Lodz
Lodz is another worthy contender for the best cities to live in Poland. The large town is located in the center of the country.
It is less than a 2-hour drive from the capital but is a much cheaper place to live.
While it used to be a famous textile industry, today, Lodz offers much more, including a thriving cultural and arts scene and plenty of job opportunities for expats.
The latter is due to the city being home to offices of many large global companies like Philips, Amazon, and Procter & Gamble.
As a result, there is a sizable community of foreigners living and working here. It has a quieter vibe, fewer crowds, and cheaper living costs than the bigger cities; plus, it’s close enough to the capital for any business needs.
Rent is over 50% lower here than in the capital city, with one-bedroom apartments costing, on average, $400. In addition, consumer costs are over 25% lower.
Final Thoughts On Best Places To Live In Poland
Whether you prefer big bustling cosmopolitans, beautiful old towns, or picturesque coastal cities, there is a Polish city for everyone.
All six of these best places to live in Poland have ample job opportunities, low crime rates, and high living standards.
So, choosing between them is purely a personal preference.
Want to learn more about Poland first? Discover the pros and cons of living in Poland.
Are you moving there soon? Learn how to get a Poland SIM card.
Not sure if Poland is the right place for you? Read one of the following guides:
