City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Poland
COL index 40.2
Poland
COL index 51.3
Kraków vs Warsaw — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Kraków is 21.6% cheaper than Warsaw for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Kraków | Metric | Warsaw | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40.2 | Cost of living index | 51.3 | +27.6% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,568 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,568 | 0.0% |
| €780 | Rent — 1BR centre | €950 | +21.8% |
| €1,198 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,458 | +21.7% |
| €103,402 | PPP — net / COL | €81,028 | -21.6% |
| 16.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 16.9% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Poland = €3,464 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Warsaw, you would need roughly €65,115 gross in Poland (≈ €4,420 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€780 vs €950)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 40)
- +Favourable tax rate (16.9%)
- +Favourable tax rate (16.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Kraków carries a lower cost-of-living index; Kraków wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Kraków edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Kraków cheaper than Warsaw?+
Kraków is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Kraków 40.2, Warsaw 51.3 — a 21.6% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Kraków and Warsaw?+
Kraków sits at 40.2 on our COL index, Warsaw at 51.3. That works out to roughly 21.6% — Kraków being the cheaper of the two.
Is Kraków a good place to live compared to Warsaw?+
It depends on priorities. Kraków delivers €41,568 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 16.9% effective tax rate. Warsaw delivers €41,568 at 16.9%. Centre 1-bed rent: €780 vs €950.
How do salaries compare in Kraków vs Warsaw?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Kraków and €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Warsaw.
Which city has lower taxes, Kraków or Warsaw?+
Poland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Poland 16.9%, Poland 16.9%.