Helsinki vs Warsaw — Cost of Living Comparison

Updated March 2026 · Monthly costs in EUR
Warsaw is 31.3% less expensive than Helsinki
Based on rent, groceries, dining, transport, utilities, and internet

Side-by-side monthly costs

CategoryHelsinkiWarsawDifference
Rent (city centre)€1,100€700-36.4%
Rent (outside centre)€800€500-37.5%
Groceries€330€220-33.3%
Restaurant (meal for 2)€60€30-50.0%
Public transport€60€30-50.0%
Utilities€120€170+41.7%
Internet€25€15-40.0%
Total monthly€1,695€1,165-31.3%

Warsaw is 31.3% less expensive than Helsinki overall. The biggest difference is in rent, where Helsinki costs significantly more. Keep in mind that tax rates differ between Finland and Poland, so your take-home salary may shift the real comparison further.

Monthly budget comparison

Helsinki, Finland
€1,695/mo
Warsaw, Poland
€1,165/mo

These figures cover a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, buying groceries, eating out occasionally, using public transport, and paying for utilities and internet. Actual costs vary depending on lifestyle.

See what your salary is really worth after tax

Compare any two European cities side by side