Rent or Buy? The Math of 2026

More and more people are asking themselves the same question: given current market conditions, isn’t it better to buy an apartment than to rent? We decided to calculate and present concrete numbers.

How much does renting really cost in 2026?

Let’s start with facts. The average rent for a 50 m² apartment in major Polish cities in March 2026 looks like this: Warsaw about 3400-3800 PLN, Kraków about 3000-3500 PLN, Wrocław about 2800-3200 PLN.

But that’s not the end of costs. Utility and administration fees must be added to the rent. And here’s where a key change in 2026 appears.

Real estate market experts point out that renting is getting more expensive – but not because of rent prices. Landlords aren’t significantly raising rates because competition is high. But tenants are paying increasingly higher bills for electricity, gas, and administrative fees.

The estimated increase in operating costs in 2026 is 300-600 PLN monthly compared to the previous year. This means the total cost of renting a 50 m² apartment in a major city today is often 3500-4500 PLN monthly.

How much does a mortgage for your own apartment cost?

After a series of seven interest rate cuts since May 2025, the credit situation looks significantly better than a year or two ago. The reference rate dropped from 5.75% to 3.75%, which directly translates to lower mortgage payments.

Let’s calculate a specific example. An apartment worth 450,000 PLN, 20% down payment (90,000 PLN), 25-year loan term. Under current conditions, the payment for such a mortgage is about 2800-3200 PLN monthly.

This is often less than rent for a comparable apartment. With one fundamental difference – after 25 years of payments, you own the apartment. After 25 years of renting, you have… memories and bills.

For whom does renting still make sense?

We don’t claim everyone should buy an apartment. Renting remains a sensible solution in many situations.

Job mobility is the first argument for renting. If your work requires frequent moves between cities or countries, buying an apartment in each location doesn’t make sense.

Temporary stay is another situation where renting is a better choice. Studies, internships, temporary projects – if you know you’ll change locations in a year or two, renting is more practical.

Lack of down payment still constitutes a barrier for many people. 90,000 PLN for a down payment is a large sum. But remember that 90,000 PLN equals about 25 months of rent payments.

For whom does a mortgage make sense in 2026?

Buying an apartment with a mortgage is a good option for people who simultaneously meet several conditions.

Location stability is the foundation. If you plan to stay in a given city for at least 5-7 years, buying starts to make financial sense.

Creditworthiness is a necessary condition. After interest rate cuts, Polish creditworthiness has significantly increased.

The desire to build wealth is a motivation that often tips the scales. Every paid installment is a piece of ownership. Every month of renting is money that goes away irretrievably.

Summary

The math of 2026 often works in favor of buyers. A mortgage payment for your own apartment can be lower than rent. And after years of payments, you have assets, not memories.

This doesn’t mean everyone should buy. Renting makes sense in many life situations. But if you plan to stay in one place long-term, have creditworthiness and a down payment – it’s worth calculating.