Is it worth relocating to Poland for work financially?

If you're considering a move to Poland for career reasons, one of the most important questions is: Is it financially worth it? Poland has become a rising hub for international professionals, remote workers, and expats. With a growing economy, strategic location in Europe, and a relatively low cost of living, it offers some real advantages. However, whether it's worth it financially depends on several key factors including salary expectations, cost of living, taxation, and lifestyle.

In this post, we’ll take a realistic look at the financial pros and cons of relocating to Poland for work.

 

Overview of Poland’s Job Market

Poland has seen steady economic growth over the last decade. Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznań are known for hosting international companies and outsourcing centers. Key industries include:

• IT and software development
• Finance and accounting
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Business services (BPO/SSC)
• Logistics and transport
• Healthcare and education

Poland is a member of the EU and Schengen Zone, making it especially attractive to other European citizens, but it also actively recruits non-EU talent in high-demand sectors.

 

Average Salaries in Poland (2025 estimates)

Salaries in Poland are steadily increasing, though they may still be lower compared to Western Europe.

Industry	Average Gross Monthly Salary (PLN)	Approx. in EUR
IT / Software Developer	12,000 – 20,000 PLN	€2,700 – €4,500
Finance / Accounting	8,000 – 15,000 PLN	€1,800 – €3,400
Engineering	9,000 – 16,000 PLN	€2,000 – €3,600
Teaching (English)	5,000 – 9,000 PLN	€1,100 – €2,000
Logistics / Warehousing	4,000 – 7,000 PLN	€900 – €1,600
Hospitality / Tourism	3,500 – 6,000 PLN	€800 – €1,300

 

Note: Gross salary is before taxes and social security contributions. Income taxes range from 12% to 32%, depending on your income level.

 

Cost of Living in Poland

Poland is generally more affordable than Western Europe, the US, or major Asian cities.

Monthly Cost Estimates (2025)

Expense Category	Warsaw	Kraków / Wrocław	Smaller Cities
Rent (1-bed apt)	3,500–5,500 PLN	2,500–4,500 PLN	2,000–3,500 PLN
Utilities & Internet	400–700 PLN	350–600 PLN	300–500 PLN
Food & Groceries	800–1,200 PLN	700–1,100 PLN	600–900 PLN
Public Transport	150–200 PLN	120–180 PLN	100–150 PLN
Dining Out, Leisure	600–1,000 PLN	500–800 PLN	400–700 PLN

 

A single professional can expect to live comfortably on 7,000–10,000 PLN/month, depending on lifestyle and location. Families will require more, especially if they use private healthcare or international schools.

 

Taxation and Social Contributions

Poland has a progressive tax system:

• 12% for annual income up to 120,000 PLN
• 32% for income above that threshold

Social security contributions (for employees) are around 13.71% of your gross salary, plus employer contributions of about 20%.

Poland also offers tax incentives for new residents and skilled professionals under the Polish Deal, which includes lower taxation or tax exemptions for a limited time.

 

Financial Advantages of Moving to Poland

1. Lower Living Costs

Compared to countries like Germany, France, the UK, or the US, living in Poland is significantly more affordable — especially in terms of housing and everyday expenses.

2. Growing Wages in Key Sectors

Wages in sectors like IT, engineering, and finance have been increasing steadily. International companies often offer salaries above the national average.

3. Access to EU Market

If you’re a non-EU citizen, working in Poland can be a stepping stone to broader EU opportunities. For EU citizens, Poland offers relatively easy mobility.

4. Good Quality of Life for the Cost

Healthcare, public transport, and education are relatively accessible and cost-effective, and most major cities are safe, clean, and well-connected.

 

Financial Drawbacks or Challenges

1. Lower Salary vs. Western Europe

While the cost of living is lower, so are most salaries. For professionals coming from countries like Germany, the US, or the UK, there may be a significant drop in earnings.

2. Taxation Can Be Complex

Polish tax law can be bureaucratic, and tax rates can seem high after social contributions. Hiring an accountant or using professional tax services is often recommended.

3. Private Services May Be Needed

If you prefer private healthcare or international education for children, costs can add up, especially in cities like Warsaw and Kraków.

 

When Is It Financially Worth It?

Relocating to Poland is financially worth it if:

• You’re working in a high-demand industry with competitive international salaries (e.g., IT, fintech, engineering).
• You’re relocating from a country with a comparable or higher cost of living but lower savings potential.
• You’re aiming for a better quality of life with a manageable cost base.
• You’re planning to gain EU work experience or settle in the region long-term.

It may be less financially beneficial if you’re earning local wages in a low-paying sector or relocating without job security in place.

 

Final Thoughts

Poland offers a financially attractive proposition for many professionals, especially those in specialized or international roles. While local wages may not compete with Western Europe or North America, the balance of cost, quality of life, and economic opportunity makes Poland increasingly appealing. The key to making it work financially is negotiating a salary that matches your skills and understanding the full scope of living expenses and taxation.

If you're strategic about your move, Poland can absolutely be a financially rewarding destination.