Cost Comparison 2025

SeattlevsWarsaw

United States
Poland

Overall

💰

-44.4%

Seattle is 44.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-46.7%

Housing is 46.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-50.6%

Restaurants 50.6% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-47.1%

Food shopping 47.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Seattle, United States and Warsaw, Poland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Seattle is more affordable than Warsaw by approximately 44.4%. 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 Seattle are higher than in Warsaw by 88%. A one-bedroom apartment in Seattle's city center costs around $2,400, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLN 3,500.

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

Public transportation in Seattle is more affordable, with monthly passes at $99 compared to PLN 110 in Warsaw.

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

Grocery shopping in Seattle is more expensive by approximately 89%. 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 Seattle can expect to spend approximately $669 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 $2,342 monthly in Seattle 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
Seattle, United States
Warsaw, Poland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,400
PLN 3,500
1BR Outside Center
$1,900
PLN 2,500
3BR City Center
$4,500
PLN 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
PLN 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$100
PLN 200
Cappuccino
$6
PLN 13
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$7
PLN 12

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
PLN 4
Monthly Pass
$99
PLN 110
Taxi Start
$5
PLN 8
Gasoline (1L)
$1
PLN 7

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$130
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 Seattle, 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 Seattle 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

Seattle

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index115

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle more expensive than Warsaw?

No, Seattle is approximately 44.4% cheaper than Warsaw. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 69% of your Warsaw salary when living in Seattle. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Warsaw, you'd need about $34,615 in Seattle for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Seattle and Warsaw?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 102%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Seattle, a single person needs approximately $2,569 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,542. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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