At the time of writing, the Polish złoty (zł) exchanged at an average of 3.82 zł to the US dollar and 4.55 zł to the euro. The Mapping the World’s Prices 2019 report by Deutsche Bank lists Warsaw as having the twelfth lowest cost of living. A single person’s average monthly expenses without rent are approximately 2,823 zł ($740), and the average monthly salary is 4,580 zł ($1,199). A two-room apartment of 50 m2 located in central Warsaw costs 2,500 zł ($617) to 3200 zł ($838) per month to rent. Household bills could come to 1,000 zł ($260), while public transport passes are 110 zł ($26). On average, a 500 ml glass of local beer costs 12 zł ($3) and a two-course meal including soup comes to 30 zł ($8). Poland’s government-funded, insurance-based health system affords large parts of society, including employees and their families, free healthcare. This applies to all residents, including those with temporary permits. However, private health insurance is commonly provided to foreign employees by their companies.

The website rentflatpoland.com is specifically designed for house-hunting in Poland as an expat. The housing sections of gratka.pl and olx.pl also have listings updated daily. There are groups on Facebook also dedicated to searching for accommodation in Warsaw. It is acceptable to take a room in shared accommodation if necessary. There are two types of rental agreements with landlords allowed in Poland: private (informal) agreements akin to subletting and formal tenancy agreements. Informal agreements are common but can cause paperwork issues for the tenant; for example, when they try to open a bank account. Tenancy agreements typically have a duration of six or twelve months. Guarantors are usually not required, but there could be a deposit payment of two or even three months’ rent up front. Household bills tend to be excluded from the agreement.