Moving to Gdańsk? This Baltic city offers a relaxed coastal vibe, historic charm, and affordable living — a smart choice for long-term relocation in 2025.
Gdańsk is one of Poland’s most livable cities — a port town with a rich history, Nordic air, and a slower rhythm than Warsaw or Kraków. Perched on the Baltic Sea and packed with colorful architecture, shipyards, and cobbled streets, Gdańsk has become a low-key favorite for expats, students, remote workers, and families alike.
If you’re thinking of settling here long-term, here’s what life in Gdańsk really looks like.
Key Facts About Gdańsk (Poland)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~490,000 people |
| Language | Polish |
| Currency | Polish Zloty (PLN) |
| Average Rent | 2,200–3,500 PLN/month (1-bedroom apartment in good areas) |
| Average Net Salary | ~5,000–6,500 PLN |
| Health Insurance | Public (NFZ) or private (~50–150 PLN/month) |
| Safety Level | High |
| Public Transport | Buses, trams, SKM light rail. Monthly pass ~120 PLN |
| Climate | Maritime — cool summers, mild winters, humid |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Possible via work, study, business, or residency card (karta pobytu) |
| Education | Several universities, including international programs |
| Grocery Prices | Lower than Western Europe |
| Access to Nature | Baltic Sea, beaches, forests, and parks nearby |
| City Atmosphere | Calm, cultural, maritime-European character |
Renting in Gdańsk: Affordable and Growing Fast
Unlike other European cities, Gdańsk still offers relatively low rental prices with a decent selection of modern housing. The city has seen a construction boom in the past decade — so you’ll find lots of new-build apartments alongside charming old town flats.
Typical rental prices (as of 2025):
- Studio apartment: PLN 2,000–2,800 (€450–600)
- One-bedroom in the city center: PLN 2,800–3,500 (€600–750)
- Larger apartments for families: PLN 3,500–5,000+ (€750–1,100)
- Utilities: PLN 500–800/month
Most rentals are furnished or partially furnished, and long-term leases (12+ months) are common. Browse long-term listings in Gdańsk here — filtered by price, size, and neighborhood.
Residency and Visas: Poland Welcomes Expats
Poland has become a magnet for international talent — especially digital workers, Ukrainian refugees, and EU citizens. Residency options include:
- Temporary residence permit (for work, study, or family reunification)
- EU Blue Card for high-skilled professionals
- Business/self-employment permit
- Long-term EU residency after 5 years of legal stay
Most foreigners begin with a national visa (D-type) and then apply for a Karta Pobytu (residence card). The process can take months — but Poland offers clear procedures and real paths to permanent residence or citizenship.
You’ll need:
- Proof of address
- Valid health insurance
- Stable income or employment
- Clean criminal record
Language and Integration
English is common in cafes, coworking spaces, and among younger locals. But for everyday life — pharmacies, post offices, city offices — Polish is essential. While the alphabet is Latin, pronunciation and grammar take time.
If you plan to stay long-term, learning Polish will help you feel less like a visitor — and more like a neighbor. Free or subsidized language courses are often available for residents and students.
Where to Live in Gdańsk
- Old Town (Śródmieście) – historic, charming, touristy, but pricey
- Wrzeszcz – student-friendly, vibrant, full of cafes and small shops
- Oliwa – green, quiet, close to business parks and universities
- Zaspa & Przymorze – high-rises, affordable, near the sea
- Letnica & Brzeźno – coastal neighborhoods, perfect for beach lovers
The Tri-City area (Gdańsk + Sopot + Gdynia) is well connected, so many people live in one city and work in another.
Top 5 Best Districts in Gdańsk for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Wrzeszcz | Student-friendly, lively, and green. Full of cafés, shops, and great transport connections. |
| 2. Oliwa | Quiet and elegant, close to the university, parks, and forests. Ideal for families and professionals. |
| 3. Śródmieście | Historic city center with stunning architecture and riverside life. Walkable, but touristy. |
| 4. Przymorze | Modern residential blocks, close to the beach and malls. A balanced urban-coastal lifestyle. |
| 5. Zaspa | Peaceful and family-oriented with lots of greenery. Great value for money. |
Cost of Living in Gdańsk
Gdańsk is affordable by European standards — especially if you earn in EUR or USD.
- Rent: PLN 2,500–4,000/month
- Groceries: PLN 600–1,000/month
- Transport pass: PLN 110/month
- Gym membership: PLN 120–180
- Coffee: PLN 12–18
- Dinner out: PLN 50–100 for two
A solo professional can live well on €1,200–1,600/month. For a couple or family, €2,000–2,500 is usually enough.
Work and Income
Gdańsk has a growing economy in:
- IT and software development
- Logistics and shipping
- Tourism and hospitality
- Finance and business services
- Education and language teaching
Remote work is increasingly popular, and coworking spaces like O4 and Spaces are well-equipped.
If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need a work permit or a freelance registration. Salaries are lower than in Western Europe — but costs are too.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €3,000 |
| IT Project Manager | €3,300 |
| UX/UI Designer | €2,600 |
| Architect | €2,300 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €2,800 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €3,800 |
| Nurse | €1,800 |
| High School Teacher | €2,000 |
| Marketing Specialist | €2,400 |
| Accountant | €2,200 |
📌 Salaries in Gdańsk are slightly lower than in Warsaw, but the cost of living is more affordable, especially for housing and food.
Healthcare in Gdańsk
Poland’s healthcare system is public, but many expats opt for private clinics to avoid long wait times.
Public coverage (NFZ) is available if you’re employed or a legal resident. For private care:
- GP visit: PLN 100–200
- Specialist consultation: PLN 150–300
- Dental check-up: PLN 150+
- Insurance (private): PLN 150–400/month
Facilities like Medicover and LuxMed are widely trusted.
Final Thoughts: Is Gdańsk Right for You?
Gdańsk is a quiet success story. It’s a city where cobblestone streets meet Baltic beaches, where your zloty goes far, and where you can actually build a life — not just survive.
It may not have Warsaw’s buzz or Berlin’s nightlife, but Gdańsk offers balance: culture, calm, affordability, and a strong local community.
If you’re looking for a safe, stable, and welcoming place to live in Europe — Gdańsk is ready.
Also read our guide on Moving to Warsaw: What You Need to Know for Long-Term Living