Cost Comparison 2025

LondonvsWarsaw

United Kingdom
Poland

Overall

💰

-47.4%

London is 47.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-52.9%

Housing is 52.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

-55.8%

Restaurants 55.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-43.8%

Food shopping 43.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between London, United Kingdom and Warsaw, Poland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that London is more affordable than Warsaw by approximately 47.4%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in London are higher than in Warsaw by 113%. A one-bedroom apartment in London's city center costs around £2,500, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLN 3,500.

Dining out in London is notably more expensive compared to Warsaw. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £18 in London versus PLN 40 in Warsaw.

Public transportation in London is more expensive, with monthly passes at £180 compared to PLN 110 in Warsaw.

Purchasing power in London is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Warsaw.

Grocery shopping in London is more expensive by approximately 78%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in London can expect to spend approximately £716 per month (excluding rent), while in Warsaw, the same lifestyle would cost around PLN 1,578. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about £2,505 monthly in London versus PLN 5,523 in Warsaw. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
London, United Kingdom
Warsaw, Poland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£2,500
PLN 3,500
1BR Outside Center
£1,800
PLN 2,500
3BR City Center
£5,500
PLN 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£18
PLN 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£80
PLN 200
Cappuccino
£4
PLN 13
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£6
PLN 12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
PLN 4
Bread (500g)
£2
PLN 3
Eggs (12)
£3
PLN 8
Cheese (1kg)
£10
PLN 30

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
PLN 4
Monthly Pass
£180
PLN 110
Taxi Start
£4
PLN 8
Gasoline (1L)
£2
PLN 7

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£200
PLN 700
Internet (60 Mbps)
£35
PLN 60
Mobile Minute
£0
PLN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw to London, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from London to Warsaw requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

London

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index90

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London more expensive than Warsaw?

No, London is approximately 47.4% cheaper than Warsaw. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in London compared to Warsaw?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 68% of your Warsaw salary when living in London. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Warsaw, you'd need about $33,929 in London for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between London and Warsaw?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 126%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

London offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, London provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider London if you prioritize earning potential, or Warsaw for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for London vs Warsaw?

In London, a single person needs approximately £2,516 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £6,005. In Warsaw, these figures are PLN 4,078 for singles and PLN 10,023 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between London and Warsaw in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Warsaw to maintain your lifestyle from London

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers