Students looking for accommodation in Poland’s eight largest university cities are facing sharply different price levels. The average monthly charge for a public university dormitory is PLN 825, compared with approximately PLN 2,370 for a private student residence. Together, public and private dormitories provide around 128,500 places for a student population exceeding 1.3 million, according to Cushman & Wakefield and Otodom.
In a September 2026 survey of students seeking accommodation, 33% expected to spend more than PLN 2,000 a month. In Warsaw, one in four respondents had a budget above PLN 2,500.
One-third budget more than PLN 2,000 a month
Only 6% of respondents looking for accommodation in the eight largest academic centres planned to spend PLN 700 or less each month. Another 31% budgeted PLN 701–1,500 and 30% PLN 1,501–2,000.
| Monthly accommodation budget | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Up to PLN 700 | 6% |
| PLN 701–1,500 | 31% |
| PLN 1,501–2,000 | 30% |
| Over PLN 2,000 | 33% |
Source: Cushman & Wakefield and Otodom, September 2026; 207 respondents looking for accommodation. Figures rounded.
Warsaw had the highest budgets: 25% of respondents there expected to spend more than PLN 2,500 monthly. The corresponding share was 14–18% in Wrocław, Kraków, the Tri-City area and Poznań, and 7–8% in Łódź, Lublin and Katowice.
These are stated spending intentions, not agreed rental prices. The survey includes different types of accommodation, so the budgets cannot be interpreted solely as rents for entire apartments.
Student residences accommodate fewer than one in ten students
Public university dormitories offer approximately 110,300 beds, while private student residences provide another 18,200, according to the report PBSA Market in Poland 2026. The combined 128,500 places correspond to about 9.7% of the student population, with public facilities accounting for 8.3% and private residences 1.4%.
Not every student needs accommodation away from home. Nevertheless, limited dormitory availability was cited as a reason for seeking private rental accommodation by 16% of first-year students surveyed and 9% of students in later years.
Among students starting university, 57% cited moving to another city as a reason for looking for accommodation. A desire for independence was mentioned by 40% of first-year students and 38% of those continuing their studies.
Price and transport dominate decisions
Price was cited as an important criterion by 56% of respondents, followed by proximity to university at 46% and good public transport connections at 45%.
| Accommodation selection criterion | Share citing it |
|---|---|
| Price | 56% |
| Proximity to university | 46% |
| Public transport connections | 45% |
| Property standard | 32% |
| Neighbourhood safety | 31% |
| Contact with landlord | 20% |
Respondents could select multiple criteria; percentages do not add up to 100%.
Among students in later years, 25% said proximity to work mattered, compared with 12% of first-year students. Of those looking to change accommodation, 23% said their previous place had become too expensive, 13% cited poor quality and 11% an unsuitable location.
Private dormitories cost almost three times as much
The reported average monthly cost of a public dormitory place was PLN 825, compared with PLN 2,370 at a private student residence, a difference of PLN 1,545. Room type, location and included amenities can vary substantially between properties.
The private student housing pipeline is relatively modest compared with the number of students. Cushman & Wakefield expects around 2,270 new beds over the next two to three years, with a further 8,000 in longer-term plans. Even if all these projects were completed, the combined public and private dormitory stock would accommodate an estimated 10.5% of the student population.
Otodom reported that the average advertised rent for an apartment in Poland’s provincial capitals was PLN 2,676 in September. Students increasingly consider rooms and shared apartments: while full-apartment listings attracted about three times as many enquiries as room listings in 2020, interest in the two formats is now roughly comparable, according to the platform.
Survey scope and limitations
The September 2026 Cushman & Wakefield and Otodom survey covered 263 students using the Otodom platform. Budget questions were answered by 207 accommodation seekers in eight major academic centres. The results describe this sample and should not be treated as representative of all students in Poland.
Public dormitory capacity data refer to the end of 2025, while private residence figures refer to October 2026.
Source: Cushman & Wakefield and Otodom, PBSA Market in Poland 2026 and announcement of 28 October 2026. Original Polish article.