Cost Comparison 2025

New YorkvsWarsaw

United States
Poland

Overall

💰

-50.0%

New York is 50.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-60.0%

Housing is 60.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-58.0%

Restaurants 58.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-55.0%

Food shopping 55.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between New York, United States and Warsaw, Poland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that New York is more affordable than Warsaw by approximately 50.0%. 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 New York are higher than in Warsaw by 150%. A one-bedroom apartment in New York's city center costs around $3,500, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLN 3,500.

Dining out in New York is notably more expensive compared to Warsaw. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $20 in New York versus PLN 40 in Warsaw.

Public transportation in New York is more expensive, with monthly passes at $127 compared to PLN 110 in Warsaw.

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

Grocery shopping in New York is more expensive by approximately 122%. 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 New York can expect to spend approximately $779 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 $2,727 monthly in New York 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
New York, United States
Warsaw, Poland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,500
PLN 3,500
1BR Outside Center
$2,500
PLN 2,500
3BR City Center
$7,000
PLN 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
PLN 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$120
PLN 200
Cappuccino
$6
PLN 13
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
PLN 12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
PLN 4
Bread (500g)
$4
PLN 3
Eggs (12)
$5
PLN 8
Cheese (1kg)
$15
PLN 30

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
PLN 4
Monthly Pass
$127
PLN 110
Taxi Start
$5
PLN 8
Gasoline (1L)
$1
PLN 7

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$180
PLN 700
Internet (60 Mbps)
$70
PLN 60
Mobile Minute
$0
PLN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw to New York, 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 New York 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

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York more expensive than Warsaw?

No, New York is approximately 50.0% cheaper than Warsaw. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in New York compared to Warsaw?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 67% of your Warsaw salary when living in New York. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Warsaw, you'd need about $33,333 in New York for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between New York and Warsaw?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 150%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for New York vs Warsaw?

In New York, a single person needs approximately $3,279 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,227. 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 New York 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 New York

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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