Townleap

Cost of Living: Krakow vs Ljubljana (2026)

Poland vs Slovenia — relocation comparison

75
Livability Score
🇵🇱 Krakow
Poland
Full profile
80
Livability Score
🇸🇮 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Full profile
Krakow
Ljubljana
$976/mo
Rent
$1118/mo
75/100
Livability
80/100
82/100
Safety
86/100
58/100
Healthcare
5 yr
PR path
88 Mbps
Internet
130 Mbps
JDG
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

TL;DRKrakow is 13% cheaper on rent ($976/mo vs $1118/mo). Both cities require a personal relationship with your winter coat.
Ljubljana edges ahead 80 to 75. Krakow isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Krakow
Metric
Ljubljana
$976/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1118/mo
$639/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$701/mo
$4,044
🧳
Cost to land
0.4 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.6 / 100k
25 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
22 / 100
23°C
☀️
Summer high
27°C
-4°C
❄️
Winter low
-1°C
88 Mbps
Internet speed
130 Mbps
27.7 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.4 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.8 / 10
68/100
🗣️
Street English
72/100
$51k
💼
GDP per capita
$57k
3.8% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.0% · Boringly steady
75 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
80 / 100
65/100 — Patchy
Grid reliability
82/100
🗽
Freedom House
5 years
📋
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Krakow
$142/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Ljubljana
7.8/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
23°C vs 27°C summers
🗣️
English
Ljubljana
higher proficiency score

Settler Essentials

improving
Democracy trend
improving
Inflation trend
software-itbpogame-devtourism
Industries
active
Startup ecosystem
65/100
Grid reliability
5 yrs
Time to PR
Easy
EU visa
Moderate
RU visa
Easy
UA visa
Partner can work immediately
Spouse works

Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo

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

The Short Version

  • Rent is 13% cheaper in Krakow ($976/mo vs $1118/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in Ljubljana (27°C vs 23°C).

Krakow vs Ljubljana — Common Questions

Is Krakow cheaper than Ljubljana?

Krakow is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $976/month in Krakow vs $1118/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Krakow or Ljubljana?

Krakow is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Krakow has a rate of 0.38 per 100,000 and Ljubljana has 0.57 per 100,000.

Should I move to Krakow or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana edges ahead 80 to 75. Krakow isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 Krakow or Ljubljana?

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

Which has better weather, Krakow or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is warmer in summer (27°C vs 23°C). Krakow has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

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

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.