Cost of Living in Kraków for International Students
Updated August 3, 2026
TL;DR
A room in a shared student flat in Kraków typically costs 1,200–2,200 PLN/month (roughly 270–500€) depending on the district. Groceries run about 950–1,000 PLN/month if you cook at home; eating out regularly pushes food costs closer to 2,000 PLN/month. Kraków's compact size means many students walk or cycle daily, keeping transport costs lower than in Warsaw. A realistic total monthly budget is 2,500–3,500 PLN (roughly 550–800€), excluding tuition.
MAReviewed by Mohamed Acraouchi
Housing
A shared room runs 1,200–1,500 PLN/month in cheaper districts like Podgórze or Ruczaj, up to 1,600–2,200 PLN/month closer to the Old Town or Grzegórzki. A small studio alone typically costs 2,000–3,200 PLN/month before utilities.
Food
Cooking at home keeps grocery costs to roughly 950–1,000 PLN/month. Eating out regularly can push food spending closer to 1,800–2,200 PLN/month.
Getting around
Kraków's city centre and most student districts are walkable or a short bike ride apart, which keeps many students' transport spending well below a full monthly transit pass — though a pass is still worth it if you live further out.