Cost of Living in Warsaw for Erasmus Students – 2026 Budget Guide

A realistic monthly budget for an Erasmus or international student in Warsaw (2026) typically ranges from approx. 3,300 to 5,400 PLN (approx. €770–€1,260), depending on your housing choices and lifestyle – slightly higher than Krakow due to capital city rental rates and dining. Accommodation is by far your biggest variable: booking an all-inclusive student dormitory room eliminates surprise utility bills in winter and keeps your finances predictable from day one. Below is a detailed breakdown of real student living costs in Warsaw.

How Much Does Living in Warsaw Actually Cost for a Student?

This is the most common question international students ask after receiving their Learning Agreement. Your actual expenses depend on three main factors: housing type, how often you cook vs. eat out, and how frequently you use public transport and enjoy city nightlife. Warsaw offers an incredible student experience with competitive prices compared to Western European capitals.

The figures below reflect current market data for Warsaw and official fares from Warsaw Public Transport (WTP/ZTM).

Accommodation – The Biggest Budget Item

Rent typically accounts for 50–60% of a student's monthly expenses in Warsaw.

• Private student dormitory room (all-inclusive with utilities, Wi-Fi & gym): approx. 2,200–3,600 PLN/month per person (shared twin vs. private single studio).
• Room in a shared flat with roommates (excluding utilities): approx. 1,400–2,200 PLN/month + bills for electricity, heating, water, and garbage (approx. 250–400 PLN per person).
• Private studio apartment on the open market: from approx. 2,600–3,400 PLN/month + utilities (approx. 500–800 PLN).

When comparing student dorms vs private flat rentals in Warsaw, most exchange students choose all-inclusive private dorms to avoid unpredictable winter heating adjustments.

New StudentSpace Dormitory in Warsaw Mokotow – Opening for 2026/2027

For the upcoming academic year, StudentSpace opens its brand-new private dormitory at 18 Woloska Street in Mokotow. It features 500 fully furnished modern rooms with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, dedicated study rooms, gaming & chillout zones, fitness gym, 24/7 security, and high-speed Wi-Fi – all included in one flat monthly fee. Located in Mokotow, it offers fast and direct transit to SGH, Warsaw University of Technology (PW), University of Warsaw (UW Management Faculty), Medical University of Warsaw (WUM), Lazarski University, and Vistula.

Food & Groceries – Cooking at Home vs. Dining Out

Warsaw has a thriving culinary scene with options for every budget.

• Monthly groceries (cooking in your kitchenette, 1 person): approx. 650–950 PLN/month (Biedronka, Lidl, local produce markets).
• Daily student lunch / Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny) meal: approx. 25–40 PLN.
• Street food / kebab / burger combo: approx. 24–36 PLN.
• Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant: approx. 120–220 PLN (main courses + drinks).
• Cappuccino / flat white in a specialty café: approx. 14–20 PLN.

A realistic monthly food budget, if you cook most meals in your kitchenette and dine out 2–3 times weekly, is approx. 800–1,200 PLN.

Public Transport – ZTM Warsaw & 50% Student Discount

Warsaw's public transport (trams, buses, metro) is managed by ZTM/WTP and is exceptionally affordable thanks to the statutory 50% Polish student discount.

• Single transfer ticket 75-min (Zone 1): standard 4.40 PLN / student 2.20 PLN.
• 30-day personalized travel pass (Zone 1): standard 110 PLN / student 55 PLN.
• 30-day travel pass (Zones 1+2, includes airport & suburbs): standard 180 PLN / student 90 PLN.
• 90-day travel pass (Zone 1): student 125 PLN (approx. 41.70 PLN/month).
• 90-day travel pass (Zones 1+2): student 230 PLN (approx. 76.70 PLN/month) – the best value option for a full semester.

Note: The 50% student discount applies with a valid student ID card (Polish ELS or recognized ISIC). StudentSpace Woloska is connected by direct tram, bus, and nearby metro lines.

Mobile Phone, Internet & Leisure

• Mobile plan / prepaid SIM (eSIM with 20–50 GB data): approx. 30–45 PLN/month (Orange Flex, Play, Plus).
• Home internet (in private rental flats): approx. 60–80 PLN/month (included free in StudentSpace).
• Gym membership in the city: approx. 120–180 PLN/month (included free in StudentSpace).
• Cinema ticket (student discount): approx. 22–32 PLN.
• Beer in a student pub: approx. 14–22 PLN.

Monthly leisure and social budget: approx. 300–550 PLN.

Summary: Sample Monthly Student Budget in Warsaw

For a student living in an all-inclusive private dorm (StudentSpace), cooking at home with casual dining out and holding a 90-day ZTM pass:

• Accommodation (room, utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, gym): approx. 2,200–3,600 PLN
• Food & groceries: approx. 800–1,200 PLN
• Public transport (ZTM 90-day student pass): approx. 42–77 PLN
• Mobile phone: approx. 30–45 PLN
• Leisure, coffee, social life: approx. 250–500 PLN
• TOTAL (estimated): approx. 3,300–5,400 PLN / month (approx. €770–€1,260).

What About the Erasmus+ Grant?

The Erasmus+ monthly grant for incoming students to Poland ranges from approx. €350 to €550/month depending on your sending country. This covers roughly 35% to 60% of total monthly living expenses in Warsaw – the remainder is usually budgeted from savings or family support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a student need per month in Warsaw? A realistic monthly budget for an Erasmus student in Warsaw is approx. 3,300–5,400 PLN (€770–€1,260) covering all-inclusive accommodation, food, transport, mobile data, and leisure.

Is Warsaw more expensive than Krakow for students? Yes, usually by about 10–15%, primarily in private market apartment rents and restaurant dining. Basic supermarket groceries and public transport ticket prices are virtually identical.

How much is the student transit ticket in Warsaw? A 75-minute single ticket with 50% student discount costs 2.20 PLN, a 30-day pass costs 55 PLN, and a 90-day pass costs 125 PLN (approx. 41.70 PLN/month). A valid student ID is required.

Does the Erasmus grant cover all expenses in Warsaw? Generally, the grant covers 35% to 60% of total expenses. Students should plan additional personal funds to cover the rest comfortably.

What is included in the StudentSpace monthly fee in Warsaw? All heating, electricity, water, high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception and security, private fitness gym, and co-working study spaces are included with zero surprise bills.

Sources

• Numbeo – Cost of Living in Warsaw
• Warsaw Public Transport (WTP/ZTM) – Fares & Timetables
• StudentSpace – Student Dorm Warsaw, Woloska St.