Planning to study in Warsaw? Our 2026 guide breaks down student costs for housing, food, and transport to set up your Erasmus Student Budget for your life abroad. Warsaw is one of the most popular student cities in Central Europe, attracting thousands of international students each year for their studies or Erasmus programs. If you're planning your move, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely: "How much will it cost?". Erasmus Student Budget Erasmus Student Budget. Erasmus Student Budget. Erasmus Student Budget Erasmus Student Budget.
Understanding the cost of living is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience abroad. Your monthly expenses will depend heavily on your lifestyle choices. Planning an experience that fits your Erasmus Student Budget without missing out on what this amazing city has to offer.
By the end y ou'll have a clear idea of how to set up an Erasmus student budget and live comfortably in Poland's capital.
So, how much money do you actually need per month? A typical Erasmus student budget in Warsaw falls between PLN 3,000 and PLN 5,000. This range allows for a comfortable lifestyle, covering essentials while leaving room for socializing and hobbies.
For students on a tighter budget, it's possible to live more frugally. With careful planning, you could manage on a minimum of PLN 2,000 to PLN 2,500 per month. This usually means opting for a dormitory, cooking most of your meals at home, and being mindful of entertainment spending.
The biggest factors that influence your monthly costs are:
Finding the right place to live is your first major decision, and it will have the biggest impact on your budget. Here are the main options for students:
Renting a room in a private apartment shared with other students or young professionals is a very popular option. It offers more independence and often a higher standard of living than dorms.
If you value your privacy and have a larger budget, renting your own small apartment is a great option.
Your food budget will depend on whether you prefer cooking at home or eating out. If you cook your own meals, you can expect to spend around PLN 600 - 800 per month on groceries. Supermarkets like Biedronka and Lidl offer great value.
Eating out is more expensive but a great way to explore the local cuisine.
To save money, try cooking in batches, shopping at local markets for fresh produce, and taking advantage of student-friendly lunch deals.
Warsaw has an excellent and affordable public transportation system. Most students get a city transport pass, which allows for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the metro.
If you rent a private or shared apartment, you'll need to budget for utilities. These costs can vary, especially for heating during the winter. When sharing with flatmates, you can expect to split bills for electricity, water, and gas.
The good news is that internet and mobile phone plans in Poland are very affordable compared to Western Europe. You can get a good mobile plan with plenty of data for around PLN 30–50 per month.
This is where your spending can vary the most. A budget of PLN 300–800 per month should cover social activities, but this depends entirely on your lifestyle. Erasmus students, in particular, often find their "social spending" is higher due to travel and frequent nights out.
Here are some typical costs:
Warsaw offers an incredible student experience without the high price tag of many other European capitals. With smart planning, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer. The key takeaways are that your budget will largely depend on your housing choice and lifestyle. By cooking at home, using student discounts, and embracing the city's affordable public transport, you can live comfortably on PLN 3,000–4,000 per month.
Ready to start your adventure? With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to manage your finances and make the most of your time studying in Warsaw.
A student can expect to spend between PLN 3,000 and PLN 5,000 per month for a comfortable lifestyle. A more frugal budget can be as low as PLN 2,000–2,500, while a higher-end budget could exceed PLN 6,000.
Yes, Warsaw is considered very affordable for Erasmus students, especially when compared to cities in Western and Northern Europe. The low cost of food, transport, and entertainment allows students to enjoy a vibrant social life without overspending.
Student housing costs vary. University dormitories are the cheapest option, ranging from PLN 480–1,100 per month. A room in a shared private apartment typically starts at PLN 1,600, while a private studio can cost PLN 2,500 or more.
Living on PLN 2,000 per month is challenging but possible. It would require living in the cheapest dormitory, cooking all your meals, and limiting entertainment spending. This budget leaves very little room for unexpected expenses.
Students who cook at home can budget around PLN 600–800 per month for groceries. A 90-day public transport pass costs about PLN 140, which is less than PLN 55 per month, making transportation very affordable. Erasmus student budget
