City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Austria
COL index 66.8
Poland
COL index 51.3
Vienna vs Warsaw — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Warsaw is 23.2% cheaper than Vienna for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Vienna | Metric | Warsaw | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66.8 | Cost of living index | 51.3 | -23.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,660 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,568 | +27.3% |
| €1,480 | Rent — 1BR centre | €950 | -35.8% |
| €2,165 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,458 | -32.7% |
| €48,893 | PPP — net / COL | €81,028 | +65.7% |
| 34.7% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 16.9% | -51.4% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Austria = €2,722 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Warsaw, you would need roughly €29,067 gross in Poland (≈ €2,090 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
- +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 Vienna cheaper than Warsaw?+
Warsaw is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Vienna 66.8, Warsaw 51.3 — a 23.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Vienna and Warsaw?+
Vienna sits at 66.8 on our COL index, Warsaw at 51.3. That works out to roughly 23.2% — Warsaw being the cheaper of the two.
Is Vienna a good place to live compared to Warsaw?+
It depends on priorities. Vienna delivers €32,660 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 34.7% effective tax rate. Warsaw delivers €41,568 at 16.9%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,480 vs €950.
How do salaries compare in Vienna vs Warsaw?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna and €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Warsaw.
Which city has lower taxes, Vienna or Warsaw?+
Poland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Austria 34.7%, Poland 16.9%.