Warsaw vs Prague for Expats
Cross-border city comparison β Poland vs Czechia β across 7 dimensions using granular city-level data.
Last updated: February 2026
Quick Verdict
- β’Prague is more affordable (5 points lower cost index)
- β’Prague has stronger healthcare (+10 points)
- β’Prague leads in transport & infrastructure (+7 points)
Overall, Prague edges ahead on aggregate scoring, but the best choice depends on your personal priorities.
Score Comparison
Affordability index -- lower cost of living scores higher
Crime rates, safety perceptions, and neighborhood security
Hospital access, quality of care, and insurance options
School quality, university access, and language programs
Job market, co-working spaces, and remote work infrastructure
Temperature, sunshine hours, and air quality
Public transit, walkability, and ride-hailing availability
Key Metrics
| Metric | π΅π± Warsaw | π¨πΏ Prague |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Index | 60 | 55 |
| Safety Index | 78 | 80 |
| Healthcare Index | 68 | 78 |
| Education Index | 72 | 75 |
| Career Index | 62 | 62 |
| Climate Index | 48 | 52 |
| Transport Index | 78 | 85 |
| Air Quality Index | 48 | 58 |
| Family Index | 70 | 75 |
Price Comparison (USD)
| Item | π΅π± Warsaw | π¨πΏ Prague |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent (City Centre) | $850/mo | $950/mo |
| 1-Bed Rent (Outside Centre) | $550/mo | $650/mo |
| Inexpensive Meal | $7 | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $3 | $3 |
| Monthly Transport Pass | $30 | $28 |
| Coworking (Monthly) | $180 | $200 |
| Internet Speed | 140 Mbps | 115 Mbps |
The Expat Vibe
π΅π± Warsaw
A phoenix city rebuilt from WWII ruins β modern, fast-moving, and increasingly cosmopolitan with a booming tech sector, startup ecosystem, and a young, ambitious population.
π¨πΏ Prague
A fairy-tale-beautiful city with a mature expat community, strong beer culture, and a well-established tech scene β more affordable than Western Europe but no longer the bargain it was.
Housing & Rentals
π΅π± Warsaw
Modern and affordable. A furnished 1-bed in the centre runs PLN 3,000-5,000 (EUR 700-1,200). Otodom and OLX are the main platforms. New-build apartments dominate. Contracts are usually 12 months with 1 month deposit.
Top neighborhoods: Mokotow, Praga Polnoc (edgy, emerging), Srodmiescie, Zoliborz, PowiΕle
π¨πΏ Prague
Vinohrady and Karlin are the expat favourites. A furnished 1-bed runs CZK 20,000-30,000 (EUR 800-1,200). Bezrealitky.cz lets you deal directly with landlords (avoiding agency fees). Heating costs in older buildings can be shocking in winter.
Top neighborhoods: Vinohrady, Zizkov, Karlin, Smichov, Letna
Getting Around
π΅π± Warsaw
Excellent ZTM network: 2 metro lines, extensive tram and bus network. Monthly pass is PLN 110 (EUR 25). Bolt and Uber work well. The city is flat and increasingly bike-friendly with Veturilo bike-share.
π¨πΏ Prague
Excellent DPP network: metro (3 lines), trams (the number 22 scenic route), and buses. Litacka card monthly pass is CZK 550 (EUR 22). The city is very walkable and increasingly bike-friendly. Bolt works well.
Cost of Living Details
π΅π± Warsaw
Very affordable for an EU capital. A couple can live well on EUR 2,000-3,000/mo including rent. A decent lunch at a milk bar (bar mleczny) costs PLN 15-25 (EUR 3.50-6). A beer at a bar costs PLN 12-18 (EUR 3-4).
π¨πΏ Prague
No longer dirt-cheap but still great value. A couple can live on EUR 2,200-3,200/mo. Czech beer in a pub costs CZK 50-70 (EUR 2-3). A svickova lunch at a local hospoda costs CZK 200 (EUR 8).
Climate & Weather
π΅π± Warsaw
Continental β cold winters (-8 to 2Β°C with snow) and warm summers (22-30Β°C). Grey and overcast from November to March. Spring and autumn are beautiful but brief.
π¨πΏ Prague
Continental β cold winters (-5 to 3Β°C with occasional snow) and warm summers (22-30Β°C). Spring (April-May) sees the city burst into bloom. Autumn fog and golden light on the spires is magical.
Food & Dining
π΅π± Warsaw
Pierogi at Zapiecek or Pierogarnia Mandu. Zurek (sour rye soup) at any bar mleczny. Hala Koszyki is a renovated market hall with upscale food stalls. Paczki (filled doughnuts) on Fat Thursday (Tlusty Czwartek) are a national event. Bigos (hunter's stew) and kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet) are comfort food staples.
π¨πΏ Prague
Svickova (marinated beef with cream sauce and dumplings) at Lokal or U Medvidku is the quintessential Czech meal. Trdlo (chimney cake) is actually a tourist invention β locals prefer kolache. Manifesto Market in Smichov and Florenc for street food. Pilsner Urquell and Budvar on tap everywhere. Prague's craft beer scene (Beer Geek, Pivovar Marina) is booming.
Insider Tips
π΅π± Warsaw
Polish milk bars (bar mleczny) are government-subsidised canteens serving traditional Polish food at absurdly low prices β they're not just for students. Bar Bambino and Bar Mleczny Prasowy are local institutions. Also, get a BLIK-enabled bank account for instant mobile payments everywhere.
π¨πΏ Prague
Never exchange money at the booths on Wenceslas Square or near tourist sites β they charge 10-15% commission. Use ATMs (Fio Banka or Equa Bank have the best rates) or Wise/Revolut. Also, tipping in Czech restaurants is typically 10% β just round up or add 10% to the bill.
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