Cost Comparison 2025

WarsawvsRiyadh

Poland
Saudi Arabia

Overall

šŸ’°

+10.0%

Warsaw is 10.0%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

-12.5%

Housing is 12.5% lower

Dining

šŸ½ļø

+19.0%

Restaurants 19.0% pricier

Groceries

šŸ›’

+15.6%

Food shopping 15.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Warsaw, Poland and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Warsaw is more expensive than Riyadh by approximately 10.0%. 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 Warsaw are higher than in Riyadh by 14%. A one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw's city center costs around PLNĀ 3,500, while the same in Riyadh is approximately SARĀ 3,000.

Dining out in Warsaw offers significant savings compared to Riyadh. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PLNĀ 40 in Warsaw versus SARĀ 25 in Riyadh.

Public transportation in Warsaw is more affordable, with monthly passes at PLNĀ 110 compared to SARĀ 140 in Riyadh.

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

Grocery shopping in Warsaw is more affordable by approximately 13%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Warsaw can expect to spend approximately PLNĀ 1,578 per month (excluding rent), while in Riyadh, the same lifestyle would cost around SARĀ 1,307. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about PLNĀ 5,523 monthly in Warsaw versus SARĀ 4,575 in Riyadh. 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
Warsaw, Poland
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
PLNĀ 3,500
SARĀ 3,000
1BR Outside Center
PLNĀ 2,500
SARĀ 2,000
3BR City Center
PLNĀ 6,000
SARĀ 6,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PLNĀ 40
SARĀ 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PLNĀ 200
SARĀ 150
Cappuccino
PLNĀ 13
SARĀ 15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PLNĀ 12
SARĀ 0

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
PLNĀ 4
SARĀ 6
Bread (500g)
PLNĀ 3
SARĀ 3
Eggs (12)
PLNĀ 8
SARĀ 8
Cheese (1kg)
PLNĀ 30
SARĀ 35

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PLNĀ 4
SARĀ 3
Monthly Pass
PLNĀ 110
SARĀ 140
Taxi Start
PLNĀ 8
SARĀ 10
Gasoline (1L)
PLNĀ 7
SARĀ 2

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PLNĀ 700
SARĀ 150
Internet (60 Mbps)
PLNĀ 60
SARĀ 300
Mobile Minute
PLNĀ 0
SARĀ 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw to Riyadh, 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 Riyadh 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

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Riyadh

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warsaw more expensive than Riyadh?

Yes, Warsaw is approximately 10.0% more expensive than Riyadh overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Riyadh salary when living in Warsaw. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Riyadh, you'd need about $55,000 in Warsaw for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Warsaw and Riyadh?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 16%, 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?

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

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

In Warsaw, a single person needs approximately PLNĀ 4,078 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about PLNĀ 10,023. In Riyadh, these figures are SARĀ 3,307 for singles and SARĀ 8,575 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Warsaw and Riyadh in 2025 shows moderate 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 Riyadh to maintain your lifestyle from Warsaw

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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