Ranking: Top 10 cities to live and work in Poland

So, you’re thinking of moving to Poland. Great call! With its mix of historic charm, modern amenities, and wallet-friendly lifestyle, Poland is quietly becoming a top destination for expats, students, and remote workers alike.

With this in mind, we ranked the top 10 major cities in Poland for foreigners based on key expat-friendly factors: rent prices (2-room apartment), job opportunities, average salaries, sightseeing and nature access, higher education, and crime rates. Let’s break it down:

1. Warsaw – The cosmopolitan capital

.Warszawa, Photo by Adam Borkowski on Unsplash.

• Rent (2-room apartment): ~4,200 PLN/month
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 15,007 PLN (Sonarhome.pl, 2025)
• Avg. gross salary: ~10,000 PLN (GUS, 2024)
• Major Industries: Finance, IT, business services
• Transport: Metro, trams, buses, airport
• Sightseeing/Nature: Royal Castle, Łazienki Park, Vistula river, nearby Kampinoski National Park
• Universities: University of Warsaw, SGH
• Crime Rate: Moderate (Index: 38.4 – Numbeo)

Warsaw is where Poland gets down to business. And that is precisely the reason why Warsaw occupies the 1^st place on our list: there is simply more job opportunities there. As the capital and largest city, it's bursting with international career options, especially in finance, tech, and consulting. Despite being pricier than other Polish cities, it offers a European capital experience at a lower cost. Add top-notch public transport, excellent education options, and a vibrant cultural scene, and it’s easy to see why expats flock here.

Looking for a job in Warsaw? Check out the opportunities on our portal!

2. Kraków – Culture, coffee, and castles

.Kraków, Photo by Photo by Jakub Tomasik on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~3,500 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 13,838 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~8,700 PLN
• Industries: Tourism, IT, education, BPO
• Sightseeing/Nature: Wawel Castle, Planty Park, the Tatra Mountains (100km away)
• Universities: Jagiellonian University, AGH
• Crime Rate: Low (Index: 32.1)

Kraków is almost Poland’s postcard. It's also a booming tech hub and one of the most liveable cities in Central Europe. Expats love the laid-back lifestyle, strong job market, and walkable historic center. It’s a bit touristy – but would you complain if your commute passed a 13th-century castle?

Looking for a job in Kraków? Check out the opportunities on our portal!

3. Wrocław – Venice of the East

.Wrocław, Photo by Anastasia Saldatava on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~3,200 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 11,341 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~8,700 PLN
• Industries: IT, finance, logistics
• Sightseeing/Nature: Oder River islands, Centennial Hall
• Universities: University of Wrocław, Wrocław University of Science and Technolog
• Crime Rate: Low (Index: 34.5)

With rivers crisscrossing the city, Wrocław is charming and scenic – plus it has a robust IT sector and international job market. It’s ideal for young professionals who want an affordable city without sacrificing culture or nightlife. And yes, the gnome statues – over 400 of them – all over town are an actual thing.

Looking for a job in Wrocław? Check out the opportunities on our portal!

4. Gdańsk – Seaside sanctuary

.Gdańsk, Photo by Sebastian Huber on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~3,400 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 12,441 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~8,500 PLN
• Industries: Shipping, logistics, IT
• Sightseeing/Nature: Baltic Sea, Old Town, nearby forests
• Universities: University of Gdańsk, GUT
• Crime Rate: Very low (Index: 27.4)

Gdańsk brings the sea breeze and chill coastal vibe – with a side of historic grandeur. As part of the Tri-City (with Sopot and Gdynia), it offers access to jobs, culture, and the beach! It’s quieter than Warsaw or Kraków, but offers a high quality of life with an excellent safety score.

Looking for a job in Gdańsk? Check out the opportunities on our portal!

5. Poznań – Reliable and refined

.Poznań, Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~3,000 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 10,029 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~7,700 PLN
• Industries: Trade, IT, manufacturing
• Sightseeing/Nature: Malta Lake, Old Town, Citadel Park
• Universities: Adam Mickiewicz University
• Crime Rate: Low (Index: 30.2)

Poznań isn’t flashy, but it gets things done. It’s a well-organized, clean city that balances tradition with modern infrastructure. It’s also one of Poland’s most business-friendly hubs, with quick rail links and reasonable rent. A perfect choice if you value peace and productivity.

Looking for a job in Poznań? Check out the opportunities on our portal!

6. Lublin – Affordable and academic

.Lublin, Photo by Tomasz Zielonka on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~2,600 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 9,106 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~7,700 PLN
• Industries: Education, health, services
• Transport: Buses, regional trains, airport
• Sightseeing/Nature: Historic Old Town, nature reserves nearby
• Universities: Maria Curie-Skłodowska University
• Crime Rate: Very low (Index: 25.1)

Lublin is the city you didn’t know you needed. It’s super affordable, incredibly safe, and packed with students. While job options are limited to certain sectors, it’s an ideal place for students, creatives, and remote workers. Plus, it has real old-town charm without the tourist stampede.

7. Łódź – Where films (but no actual ‘boats) are made

.Łódź, Photo by rozentuzjazmowany photography on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~2,900 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 7,362 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~8,000 PLN
• Industries: Film, fashion, creative tech
• Transport: Buses, trams, modern train hub
• Sightseeing/Nature: Piotrkowska Street, EC1, Art Museums
• Universities: University of Łódź, Film School
• Crime Rate: Moderate (Index: 42.3)

Łódź is gritty, arty, and in the middle of an urban renaissance. Once an industrial ghost town, it’s reinventing itself with design, film, and tech. It's central (great transport), cheap, and perfect for creatives who want edge over elegance.

8. Katowice – The urban underdog

.Katowice, Photo by Sebastian Bednarek on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~2,800 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 7,512 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~8,400 PLN
• Industries: Energy, heavy industry, tech
• Sightseeing/Nature: Silesian Park, modern music venues, close to the Beskid Mountains
• Universities: University of Silesia
• Crime Rate: Moderate (Index: 38.9)

Katowice is heavy on industry but light on nonsense. It’s turning its coal-stained past into a smart future with great public spaces, festivals, and access to mountains. It’s affordable, central, and evolving fast. Think of it as Poland’s Brooklyn.

9. Rzeszów – Quiet but connected

.Rzeszów, Photo by Daniel Deiev on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~2,500 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 9,763 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~ 7,500 PLN
• Industries: Aerospace, IT
• Sightseeing/Nature: San River, near the Bieszczady Mountains
• Universities: Rzeszów University of Technology
• Crime Rate: Very low (Index: 29.4)

Rzeszów is the definition of "small but mighty." It’s safe, clean, and tech-savvy – especially for aerospace and engineering professionals. While it’s quieter socially, the proximity to nature and growing infrastructure make it ideal for a slow, smart life.

10. Toruń – Sweet, scenic, scholarly

.Toruń, Photo by Dominika Jakubiec on Unsplash.

• Rent: ~2,600 PLN
• Avg. apartment price per m²: 8,342 PLN
• Avg. gross salary: ~7,700PL
• Industries: Tourism, food production, education
• Sightseeing/Nature: Vistula River, Gothic Old Town
• Universities: Nicolaus Copernicus University
• Crime Rate: Very low (Index: 26.5)

Toruń may be small, but it has a giant personality. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO site. While not a job powerhouse, it’s perfect for students, remote workers, and anyone who wants gingerbread with their Gothic architecture.

References:

• Businessinsider.com.pl. (2024). Tam średnie zarobki wyniosły w tym roku około 13500 zł. Jak się rozkładają w województwach?

• Główny Urząd Statystyczny (GUS). (2024). Przeciętne zatrudnienie i wynagrodzenie w sektorze przedsiębiorstw w listopadzie 2024 roku. https://stat.gov.pl

• Numbeo. (2024). Cost of Living, Crime Index. https://www.numbeo.com/

• SonarHome.pl. 2025. Ceny mieszkań. https://sonarhome.pl/ceny-mieszkan