Budget & Costs
Poland offers an outstanding value for money. As an EU country with the Złoty as its currency, you benefit from a favorable exchange rate — everything costs about 40–50% less than in Germany.
Daily budget per person
| Style | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 25–40€ | Hostel/Dormitory | Bar Mleczny + Street food | Public transport |
| Budget | 40–65€ | Guesthouse/2★ | Local restaurants | Bus/Train 2nd class |
| Mid-range | 65–120€ | 3–4★ Hotel/Boutique | Good restaurants | Rental car/IC train |
| Comfort | 120–200€ | 4–5★ Hotel | Fine dining | Rental car/EIP |
| Luxury | 200€+ | 5★ Boutique Hotel | Fine dining | Private transfers |
Price examples (2025)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Espresso in a café | 1–2€ |
| Beer (0.5l) in a pub | 2–3€ |
| Portion of pierogi (10–12 pieces) | 3–5€ |
| Lunch at Bar Mleczny | 3–5€ |
| Dinner in a good restaurant | 10–20€ |
| 1.5l water (store) | 0.40€ |
| Single public transport ticket (Warsaw) | 1€ |
| Train ride Warsaw–Krakow (EIP, 2.5h) | 15–30€ |
| Rental car per day | 20–40€ |
| Entry to Wieliczka Salt Mine | 25€ |
| Entry to POLIN Museum | 6€ |
| Double room 3★ Hotel (Krakow) | 40–70€ |
| Double room 5★ Hotel (Warsaw) | 100–180€ |
💡 Tipp
The Polish Bar Mleczny (milk bars) are a hidden gem: state-subsidized canteens from the communist era that still serve excellent Polish food at bargain prices. A complete lunch (soup + main course + compote) often costs under €5. The best in Krakow: Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą and Bar Mleczny Tomasza.
