How Does the Cost of Living Differ Between Ukraine and Poland — Infographic

How significantly do rent, transportation, and grocery costs differ between Ukraine and Poland? The analytical centre of the international employment agency Gremi Personal has compared the main expenditure categories in both countries. For ease of comparison, costs in Polish zloty were converted into hryvnias.

Housing rent in Poland is, as expected, higher. While a one-room apartment in Kyiv costs on average 10,000–15,000 hryvnias per month, renting the same type of accommodation in Warsaw costs 22,000–25,000 hryvnias. At the same time, the gap between rental prices in the Polish capital and a large regional city is less pronounced. In Ukraine, such a studio flat costs 6,000–7,000 hryvnias, while in Poland — 16,000–20,000 hryvnias.

Renting a one-room apartment in smaller Ukrainian cities costs 3,500–5,000 hryvnias, and in Poland — 12,000–13,000 hryvnias. Utility costs must be added on top of these figures. In Ukraine, utilities for a one-room apartment average 1,200–2,500 hryvnias per month; in a comparable flat in Poland — 4,000–4,500 hryvnias.

Cities in western Ukraine, located furthest from the active combat zone, were not included in the comparison.

Petrol (A-95) prices do not differ dramatically. Ukraine is cheaper — 52 hryvnias per litre, compared to 63 hryvnias per litre in Poland. A monthly all-lines public transport pass in Ukraine is three times cheaper: 325 hryvnias for 50 journeys in Ukraine versus 840 hryvnias in Poland.

A general practitioner consultation at a private clinic in Ukraine costs on average 550 hryvnias, while in Poland it is 1,000 hryvnias.

The minimum price for a haircut at a Ukrainian salon is 100 hryvnias; at a Polish one — 250 hryvnias. A monthly gym membership in Ukraine starts from 600 hryvnias, while in Poland it is 840 hryvnias.

The subsistence minimum in Ukraine this year is 2,589 hryvnias, and in Poland — 12,700 hryvnias. The minimum and average wages in Ukraine are 6,700 hryvnias and 15,000 hryvnias respectively. In Poland, the corresponding figures are 22,800 hryvnias and 29,000 hryvnias.

"Of course, the level of expenses depends on salary. And if there is currently a gap between the two countries, it lies in the number of job vacancies, in the opportunities — not just to find work, but to build a career," says Anna Dżabolda, Director of the Recruitment Department.

The agency notes a shift in employment trends among Ukrainians in Poland. While a few years ago the focus was exclusively on seasonal work, most people are now looking for permanent employment. However, when taking up a job, the majority inform their employer that they will return to Ukraine as soon as the threat subsides.