Living in Łódź
Poland's film and textile city — low rents, a revitalised centre, and the famous Piotrkowska street.
Updated 2026-01-20 · 1 min read
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The city
Łódź (pronounced "Wooch") is about 120 km southwest of Warsaw, with around 650,000 people. Once the textile capital, it is now a film and media hub (home of the Polish national film school).
Why consider it
- Lowest rents among big Polish cities.
- Revitalised Piotrkowska street, one of Europe's longest commercial streets.
- Growing tech and creative industries.
- Close to Warsaw (1.5 hours by train).
Rents (rough)
- Studio: 1500–2200 PLN/month.
- 2-room: 2000–2800 PLN.
Notes
- The city is gritty in parts but improving; murals and cultural venues are spreading.
- Manufaktura is a vast shopping/leisure complex in an old textile factory.
FAQ
- Is Łódź the cheapest big city?
- Among Poland's large cities, Łódź has some of the lowest rents, making it attractive for newcomers on a budget.
- Is Łódź safe?
- Central areas are fine; some post-industrial districts are rougher at night. Use normal city caution.
Sources
- City of Łódź — official portal (English) (updated 2026-01-12)
Read more
- Cost of Living Across Polish CitiesRent, groceries, transport, and leisure costs compared across Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Łódź, and Poznań — with monthly budget estimates.
- Living in Gdańsk (Tricity)Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot — the Baltic tri-city, shipbuilding heritage, beach life, and a quieter pace than Warsaw.
- Katowice and the Silesian AgglomerationThe industrial heart of Poland transformed — Katowice, the Silesian metro, mining heritage, and a rising tech scene.