Apartment rental costs in Poland’s largest cities are climbing, with rates in Warsaw nearing 80 PLN per square meter. According to a report by Rankomat.pl and Rentier.io, the capital’s price advantage over other cities is shrinking, as Gdańsk – the second most expensive market – has already reached 70 PLN per square meter. This means that renting a 50-square-meter apartment (excluding utilities) costs anywhere from 1,965 PLN in Częstochowa to 3,940 PLN in Warsaw. Tenants must also budget at least 3,000 PLN in Gdynia, Wrocław, Kraków, and Gdańsk. When comparing average monthly rent to mortgage installments, renting remains more expensive in 13 out of 17 cities.
Rental Rates per Square Meter – Summer Brings Higher Prices
In July 2025, average rental costs per square meter were highest in cities where property values are already steep. In Warsaw, tenants paid 79 PLN/m², excluding administrative and utility fees. Compared to the previous month, the data shows a steady upward trend. Rents increased not only in the capital (from 78 to 79 PLN), but also in other top markets such as Gdańsk (from 67 to 70 PLN), Kraków (from 66 to 68 PLN), and Wrocław (from 65 to 66 PLN). Meanwhile, rates remained nearly unchanged in the least expensive cities, Radom (42 PLN) and Częstochowa (39 PLN). Demand for rentals clearly continues to concentrate in Poland’s largest and most attractive cities, offering strong job markets and educational opportunities.
“The key success factor in today’s rental market is still location, but that alone is not enough. Apartments need to be tailored to different tenant groups – from students to young professionals and expats. Proximity to universities, remote-work opportunities, and good-quality furnishings significantly increase the chances of a quick and stable rental,”
notes Anton Bubiel, CEO of Rentier.io.
Rental Dynamics – Monthly vs. Yearly Trends
Month-over-month, the average rental cost across 17 cities rose by 1.08%. Some markets saw slight declines: Szczecin (-2.5%), Sosnowiec (-1.9%), Białystok (-1.2%), Gdynia (-0.8%), and Radom (-0.5%). The sharpest increase was recorded in Gdańsk, where rents jumped 5% in a single month.
Year-over-year, however, the average rental rate rose by 5.31% across all cities, with no declines recorded. Częstochowa remained flat, while Radom saw a modest 1.5% increase. Katowice climbed 7.4%, and Sosnowiec posted the strongest growth at 11%.
July is traditionally one of the most active months in the rental market. Landlords reach out to current tenants to extend contracts, while apartments vacated by outgoing renters return to the market, boosting supply. At the same time, new students preparing for the academic year begin their rental searches, adding to seasonal demand.
When Mortgage Payments Beat Rent
An alternative to renting is financing a property through a mortgage. However, this is not always cheaper. Out of 17 analyzed cities, mortgage installments are lower than rent in only four: Częstochowa (7 PLN difference), Łódź (13 PLN), Szczecin (34 PLN), and Sosnowiec (195 PLN).
In the remaining 13 cities, mortgage payments exceed rental costs (assuming a 10% down payment and 30-year repayment). In Kraków, a mortgage on a 50 m² apartment costs 877 PLN more than rent. The gap is also wide in Warsaw (867 PLN) and Toruń (559 PLN). Smaller differences are seen in Lublin (251 PLN), Bydgoszcz (207 PLN), and Radom (150 PLN).
“Forecasts for the coming months point to a stabilization of rental rates. Key demand drivers are missing – lower interest rates encourage some renters to buy their own homes, foreign inflows are not increasing, and supply is boosted by professional rental operators (PRS) and the planned entry of REITs into the Polish market. This could lead to stronger price competition and slower rental growth,”
adds Bubiel.
Insurance – a Common Cost for Renters and Owners
Both renters and homeowners with mortgages must consider housing insurance. While not always mandatory for tenants, such policies protect them financially if they cause damage to the property. For mortgage holders, however, insurance is compulsory and typically covers natural disasters, fire, or flooding.
Methodology
The analysis covers apartment listings published online between July 1–31, 2025, across 17 Polish cities. Calculations were based on 25,000 rental listings. Results are published only for cities with at least 100 valid listings.
Source: CEO.com.pl
