The same 60 m² renovation in optimal standard costs 74,000 PLN in Warsaw and 55,000 PLN in Łódź. The difference is nearly 20,000 PLN — and it comes purely from location.
Problem
The renovation market in Poland is strongly differentiated by region. Labour rates in the largest cities are growing faster than in smaller towns, because crews have more orders and higher fixed costs (transport, warehouse rental, social contributions).
In 2026, the differences between cities have deepened: — Warsaw and Tri-City: labour rates +18–22% year-on-year (construction boom, shortage of crews) — Kraków and Wrocław: +14–16% year-on-year (growing secondary and investment market) — Poznań: +11–13% year-on-year (stable market, fewer shortages) — Łódź and smaller cities: +8–10% year-on-year (lower cost of living, more available crews)
An additional factor is local contractor networks. In Warsaw, competition is greater, but the best crews are booked 3–5 months in advance.
Solution
Regional multipliers to the base renovation rate (base = Poznań = 1.00):
| City | Multiplier | Example: 60 m² Standard renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | ×1.25 | ~74,000 PLN |
| Tri-City | ×1.15 | ~68,000 PLN |
| Kraków | ×1.10 | ~65,000 PLN |
| Wrocław | ×1.08 | ~64,000 PLN |
| Poznań | ×1.00 | ~59,000 PLN |
| Łódź | ×0.92 | ~54,000 PLN |
Where do the differences come from? A painting crew in Warsaw expects 45–70 PLN/m², in Łódź 30–48 PLN/m². A tiler in Tri-City: 80–140 PLN/m², in Poznań: 60–100 PLN/m².
Important: Bringing crews from a cheaper region rarely pays off. Transport, accommodation and the risk of no local guarantee eliminate the savings — only the risk remains.
Checklist
- Check the regional multiplier for your city before planning the budget
- Get quotes from at least 3 local firms — not from external markets
- Verify crew availability — in 2026 book 2–4 months in advance
- Compare quotes per m² — not for the whole job
- Ask for an itemised estimate, not a lump sum — easier to spot overcharging
- Check references from jobs in your city — rates are negotiable
- Use the calculator with the regional multiplier for your city
- Plan the renovation outside peak season (September–October) — easier to get a slot and price