City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Germany
COL index 72.8
Poland
COL index 51.3
Berlin vs Warsaw — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Warsaw is 29.5% cheaper than Berlin for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Berlin | Metric | Warsaw | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72.8 | Cost of living index | 51.3 | -29.5% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €33,725 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,568 | +23.3% |
| €1,500 | Rent — 1BR centre | €950 | -36.7% |
| €2,206 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,458 | -33.9% |
| €46,326 | PPP — net / COL | €81,028 | +74.9% |
| 32.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 16.9% | -48.2% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Germany = €2,810 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Warsaw, you would need roughly €27,541 gross in Poland (≈ €1,980 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High rent-to-income ratio (53.4%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€950)
- +Favourable tax rate (16.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Warsaw delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Warsaw carries a lower cost-of-living index; Warsaw has the lighter effective tax burden; Warsaw wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Warsaw edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Berlin cheaper than Warsaw?+
Warsaw is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Berlin 72.8, Warsaw 51.3 — a 29.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Berlin and Warsaw?+
Berlin sits at 72.8 on our COL index, Warsaw at 51.3. That works out to roughly 29.5% — Warsaw being the cheaper of the two.
Is Berlin a good place to live compared to Warsaw?+
It depends on priorities. Berlin delivers €33,725 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 32.5% effective tax rate. Warsaw delivers €41,568 at 16.9%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,500 vs €950.
How do salaries compare in Berlin vs Warsaw?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €33,725/year (€2,810/month) in Berlin and €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Warsaw.
Which city has lower taxes, Berlin or Warsaw?+
Poland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Germany 32.5%, Poland 16.9%.