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Cost of Living: Graz vs Warsaw (2026)

Austria vs Poland — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 37% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1224/mo). Both cities require a personal relationship with your winter coat.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
74
Livability Score
🇵🇱 Warsaw
Poland
Full profile
Too close to call — 77 vs 74. Graz has a slight edge, but Warsaw might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Graz
Warsaw
$772/mo
Rent
$1224/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
7.4/10
0.9/100k
Safety
0.7/100k
74/100
English
68/100
Time to PR
5 yr
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$453/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Graz
8.3/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 23°C summers
🗣️
English
Graz
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Warsaw
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1224/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$681/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$4,950
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
25 / 100
25°C
☀️
Summer high
23°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
-4°C
Internet speed
109 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
22.3 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.4 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
68/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$51k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
3.8% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
74 / 100
Grid reliability
65/100 — Patchy
🗽
Freedom House
82/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
improving
Industries
software-itfinancegame-devbpo
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
65/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Moderate
UA visa
Easy

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 37% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1224/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Graz (25°C vs 23°C).
  • Graz scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 7.4 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Graz (74/100 vs 68/100).

Graz vs Warsaw — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Warsaw?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1224/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Warsaw?

Warsaw is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Warsaw has 0.68 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Warsaw?

Too close to call — 77 vs 74. Graz has a slight edge, but Warsaw might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Graz or Warsaw?

Graz: no specific remote work visa. Warsaw: Poland Temporary Residence (moderate requirements, Up to 3 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Graz or Warsaw?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°C vs 23°C). Warsaw has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Graz or Warsaw without speaking the local language?

Graz is easier for street-level English (74/100) than Warsaw (68/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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