Average Rents in Poland's Largest Cities — Q1 2026 Report

Average Rents in Poland's Largest Cities — Q1 2026 Report

The Polish rental market continues its dynamic evolution in the first quarter of 2026. After several years of rapid price increases driven by demographic shifts, immigration, and limited housing supply, the market is entering a more nuanced phase. While overall rents remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, growth rates are moderating in most cities, and interesting regional differences are emerging. This report examines rental trends across Poland's eight largest metropolitan areas, providing data and analysis that landlords, investors, and tenants can use to make informed decisions.

National Overview

The Polish rental market in Q1 2026 is characterized by several key trends:

• Average rents nationwide increased by approximately 4-6% year-over-year, a significant moderation compared to the double-digit growth seen in 2022-2023
• Demand remains strong, particularly in major urban centres, driven by continued immigration, growing student populations, and a generational shift toward renting over buying
• Supply is gradually improving thanks to new residential developments, though construction timelines and rising building costs continue to constrain the pace of new inventory
• The premium segment (high-standard apartments in central locations) shows the strongest price resilience, while older stock in peripheral locations faces more pricing pressure

Warsaw (Warszawa)

Warsaw remains Poland's most expensive rental market by a significant margin. The capital's status as the country's economic, political, and cultural hub continues to attract domestic and international professionals, keeping demand consistently high.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 2,800 - 3,800 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 3,500 - 5,200 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 4,800 - 7,500 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +4 to +6%

The strongest demand is concentrated in Mokotów, Wola, and Śródmieście, with new developments in Wilanów and Białołęka attracting tenants looking for more space at slightly lower prices. Warsaw's corporate rental segment, driven by international companies and diplomatic missions, continues to support premium pricing in central locations.

Krakow (Kraków)

Krakow's rental market benefits from its dual role as a major university city and a growing business services hub. The city attracts both students and young professionals, creating year-round demand.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 2,200 - 3,100 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 2,800 - 4,200 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 3,800 - 5,800 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +5 to +7%

Krakow shows slightly above-average growth, driven by the expansion of the IT and business process outsourcing sectors. Kazimierz, Podgórze, and Krowodrza remain the most sought-after districts. The short-term rental market (Airbnb) continues to reduce long-term rental supply in the Old Town area, pushing prices higher for traditional tenants.

Wroclaw (Wrocław)

Wroclaw has established itself as one of Poland's most dynamic rental markets, with strong demand from both the tech sector and the international student community.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 2,100 - 2,900 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 2,600 - 3,800 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 3,400 - 5,200 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +4 to +6%

The Stare Miasto, Krzyki, and Śródmieście districts command the highest rents. New residential developments along the Oder river are creating attractive alternatives to the city centre, particularly for young families seeking more space.

Gdansk (Gdańsk)

The Tri-City agglomeration (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot) continues to attract tenants drawn to its coastal lifestyle and growing economic opportunities. Gdańsk leads the region in both rent levels and growth.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 2,200 - 3,000 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 2,700 - 4,000 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 3,500 - 5,500 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +5 to +7%

Seasonal dynamics are more pronounced here than in other Polish cities. Summer months see a spike in short-term rental demand, while the October-to-June period is dominated by students and year-round professionals. The Oliwa and Wrzeszcz neighbourhoods offer a good balance of accessibility and pricing.

Poznan (Poznań)

Poznan's strong industrial base and established trade fair tradition provide a stable foundation for its rental market. The city's rents remain among the more moderate of major Polish cities.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 1,900 - 2,600 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 2,400 - 3,500 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 3,200 - 4,800 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +3 to +5%

The Jeżyce district has emerged as the city's trendiest neighbourhood, with corresponding rent premiums. Poznań's more balanced supply-demand dynamics result in lower price volatility compared to Warsaw or Krakow.

Lodz (Łódź)

Łódź continues its remarkable transformation from industrial decline to cultural and technological revival. The city offers some of the most attractive rent-to-quality ratios in Poland, drawing tenants from more expensive markets.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 1,600 - 2,200 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 2,000 - 3,000 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 2,600 - 4,000 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +6 to +9%

Łódź shows the highest percentage growth among major Polish cities, starting from a lower base. The revitalized Manufaktura area and Piotrkowska Street corridor are driving premium development, while the city's IT sector expansion is creating demand for higher-standard apartments.

Katowice

The Silesian metropolis is undergoing a significant economic transition, moving from its coal and heavy industry roots toward technology, services, and culture. This transformation is reflected in its evolving rental market.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 1,700 - 2,300 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 2,200 - 3,200 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 2,800 - 4,200 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +4 to +6%

The Katowice Culture Zone and surrounding areas have become a magnet for young professionals. The broader Silesian agglomeration offers diverse housing options, with satellite cities like Gliwice and Chorzów providing more affordable alternatives within commuting distance.

Lublin

As eastern Poland's largest city and a major academic centre, Lublin's rental market is heavily influenced by its student population. The city offers the most affordable rents among Poland's largest urban centres.

• Studio / 1-bedroom (25-35 m²): 1,500 - 2,100 PLN per month
• 2-bedroom (40-55 m²): 1,900 - 2,800 PLN per month
• 3-bedroom (60-80 m²): 2,400 - 3,600 PLN per month
• Year-over-year change: +3 to +5%

Lublin's growing IT sector and its strategic position near the EU's eastern border are creating new sources of rental demand beyond the traditional student market. The Old Town and surrounding districts offer the best rental yields for investors.

Key Factors Shaping the Market in 2026

Several macro-level factors continue to influence rental pricing across Poland:

• Interest rates: With mortgage rates remaining elevated compared to the historically low levels of 2020-2021, many potential buyers continue to rent, sustaining demand in the rental market
• Immigration: Poland continues to attract workers from Ukraine, Belarus, and increasingly from other countries. This demographic inflow, concentrated in major cities, adds significant rental demand
• Student population: Polish universities attract a growing number of international students, particularly from Asia and Africa. The academic rental cycle remains a dominant factor in university cities
• Remote work evolution: While hybrid work patterns are now established, full remote work is declining. This supports continued demand in major cities while reducing interest in suburban and rural locations
• New construction: Residential construction activity remains robust, with new developments gradually adding to rental supply, particularly in Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Krakow
• Regulatory environment: The ongoing discussion about rent control measures and tenant protection reforms creates uncertainty that may affect investment decisions

What This Means for Landlords

For property owners and rental investors, the Q1 2026 data suggests several strategic considerations:

• Moderate rent increases (in line with inflation) are achievable in most markets, but aggressive pricing risks extended vacancy periods
• Property quality matters more than ever — tenants in a moderating market have more choices and are increasingly selective about condition, amenities, and location
• Cities with growing tech and business service sectors (Krakow, Wroclaw, Łódź) offer the strongest growth prospects
• Vacancy risk is highest in peripheral locations and in older, unrenovated stock
• Accurate market data is essential for pricing decisions — platforms like Brokik help landlords track market trends and benchmark their rents against comparable properties

What This Means for Tenants

Tenants navigating the Q1 2026 market should consider the following:

• Negotiation power is improving slightly compared to the tight market of 2022-2024 — don't accept the first asking price without discussion
• Longer lease terms (12-24 months) may secure better rates, as landlords value income stability
• Emerging neighbourhoods offer significant savings compared to established central locations, often with comparable or better living conditions
• The September-October academic rush remains the most competitive period — searching outside this window gives more options and better pricing

Methodology and Data Sources

The data presented in this report is based on aggregated listing prices from major Polish property portals, cross-referenced with actual transaction data where available. Prices reflect asking rents for properties in good condition with standard finishes. Actual rents in specific cases may vary based on property condition, exact location within a district, floor level, available amenities, and lease terms. All figures include rent only (excluding utilities and management fees).

Tracking Your Rental Performance

Understanding market averages is valuable, but the most actionable insights come from comparing your specific properties against the market. Brokik's analytics dashboard allows landlords to monitor their rental income, track occupancy rates, and identify opportunities for rent adjustments based on local market conditions. By combining market data with your property-specific performance metrics, you can make data-driven decisions that maximize your returns while maintaining competitive positioning.

Summary

The Q1 2026 Polish rental market shows continued growth at a more moderate pace. Warsaw leads with the highest absolute rents, while Łódź demonstrates the strongest percentage growth from a lower base. Krakow and Gdańsk show above-average growth driven by sector-specific demand. The market rewards quality and location more than ever, making accurate pricing and professional property management essential for maximizing returns. Stay informed by tracking market developments regularly and leveraging data-driven tools like Brokik to optimize your rental strategy throughout 2026 and beyond.