Moving to Kraków? Poland’s cultural capital combines medieval charm with modern comfort, making it one of the top cities for long-term living in 2025.
Kraków is not just a city — it’s an atmosphere. A former royal capital with a storybook Old Town, a massive student population, and an increasingly international vibe, it’s one of Poland’s most livable cities. Whether you’re here for study, work, remote life, or a new start in Europe — Kraków delivers more than meets the eye.
Here’s what it’s like to settle down here for real.
Key Facts About Kraków (Poland)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~800,000 people |
| Language | Polish |
| Currency | Polish Zloty (PLN) |
| Average Rent | 2,300–3,800 PLN/month (1-bedroom in good areas) |
| Average Net Salary | ~5,500–7,000 PLN |
| Health Insurance | Public (NFZ) or private (~50–150 PLN/month) |
| Safety Level | High |
| Public Transport | Trams and buses. Monthly pass ~109 PLN |
| Climate | Continental – cold winters, warm summers |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Available via study, work, business, or residency card (karta pobytu) |
| Education | Major academic center (Jagiellonian University, AGH, etc.) |
| Grocery Prices | Lower than Western Europe |
| Access to Nature | Vistula River, parks, nature reserves, Tatra Mountains nearby |
| City Atmosphere | Historic, intellectual, student-friendly, cozy |
Renting in Kraków: Affordable, Central, and Growing Fast
Kraków’s rental market is diverse and still very affordable by European standards. You can find everything from charming pre-war apartments near the center to sleek new-builds in developing districts. Most rentals are furnished and available with 6- or 12-month leases.
Typical rental prices in 2025:
- Studio flat: PLN 2,000–2,800 (€450–600)
- One-bedroom near Old Town: PLN 2,800–3,800 (€600–800)
- Two-bedroom for families: PLN 3,800–5,000 (€800–1,050)
- Utilities: PLN 500–700/month
Looking to move soon? Browse current long-term rentals in Kraków here — organized by size, area, and price.
Residency and Visas: Smooth Process, Real Options
Poland has some of the most practical and transparent residency processes in the EU. You can apply for temporary residence (Karta Pobytu) based on:
- Employment
- University admission
- Freelance/self-employment
- Family reunification
- Research or training
The initial permit is valid for up to 3 years, and after 5 years of legal stay, you can apply for long-term EU residency or citizenship. Most foreigners start with a D-type visa and apply for residency after arrival.
Required documents typically include:
- Lease agreement
- Proof of income or job contract
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Application form and biometric photo
Language and Daily Life
Polish is not easy — but it’s essential. While English is widely spoken in shops, restaurants, and among students, you’ll need at least basic Polish for dealing with banks, clinics, post offices, and government offices.
The upside? Many locals are patient, and there are language schools and free integration courses available for foreigners. Even a few polite phrases go a long way.
Where to Live in Kraków
- Old Town (Stare Miasto) – historic, vibrant, expensive, tourist-heavy
- Kazimierz – artsy, youthful, bars and culture
- Podgórze – up-and-coming, riverside, family-friendly
- Grzegórzki – central but quieter, good public transport
- Bronowice / Ruczaj – modern developments, more affordable, good for families and expats
Most neighborhoods are well connected by trams, and the city is compact enough to navigate easily without a car.
Top 5 Best Districts in Kraków for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Stare Miasto (Old Town) | Historic heart of the city, full of cafés and landmarks. Beautiful but touristy and noisy. |
| 2. Kazimierz | Bohemian and trendy with bars, galleries, and creative vibes. Loved by young expats. |
| 3. Podgórze | Up-and-coming area across the river. Calmer, with parks and family housing. |
| 4. Dębniki | Green and peaceful, close to the river, science hubs, and universities. Ideal for couples. |
| 5. Bronowice | Residential, good public transport, new housing, affordable. Great for families. |
Cost of Living in Kraków
You can live in Kraków comfortably — especially if you earn in euros or dollars.
- Rent: PLN 2,500–4,000/month
- Public transport pass: PLN 80–150/month
- Groceries: PLN 800–1,200/month
- Gym membership: PLN 120–180
- Coffee: PLN 10–15
- Dinner out: PLN 40–80 per person
A solo remote worker or student can live well on €1,100–1,500/month. Couples or small families may need €1,800–2,500.
Work and Income
Kraków is a major tech and outsourcing hub, with plenty of job opportunities in:
- IT & software development
- Customer support (especially multilingual roles)
- Finance and accounting
- Education & academia
- Hospitality and tourism (seasonal)
EU citizens can work freely. Non-EU citizens must secure a work permit, which employers often help arrange. Freelancers can register as sole proprietors with tax advantages under Poland’s small business system.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €3,000 |
| IT Project Manager | €3,400 |
| 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 | €2,500 |
| Accountant | €2,300 |
Healthcare: Public and Private Options
If you’re employed or hold legal residency, you’ll likely be enrolled in NFZ, Poland’s national healthcare system. It covers most basic medical needs, but wait times can be long.
Many expats choose private clinics for faster access:
- Doctor’s visit: PLN 150–250
- Dentist: PLN 200+
- Full insurance package: PLN 150–400/month
- Recommended clinics: LuxMed, Medicover, Scanmed
Final Thoughts: Is Kraków Right for You?
Kraków blends history with livability. It’s a city where you can walk to a medieval market square in the morning, work from a riverside café at lunch, and end the day in a jazz basement with a Żywiec in hand.
If you’re looking for a European city with culture, walkability, low costs, and real residency options — Kraków is a quiet powerhouse.
Also read our article on Moving to Gdańsk