Pocket money calculator for children — weekly and monthly amounts
Calculate weekly, monthly and annual pocket money for your child. See age-appropriate recommendations (ages 6-18) and adjust for inflation. Free, no sign-up.
Current for 2026Methodology →
Child Upkeep Cost Calculator — how much does raising a child cost in Poland?
Raising a child is one of the biggest financial commitments in life. Costs vary significantly by the child's age, city size, and whether you use a nursery or kindergarten. The calculator estimates monthly baseline expenses (food, clothing, hygiene, leisure, healthcare) plus education costs (nursery PLN 2,000/month for infants, kindergarten PLN 600/month for pre-schoolers) and a cost-of-living multiplier for city size (large: +30%, medium: standard, small: –20%). Note that the calculator shows gross costs — before deducting the 800+ benefit, nursery subsidy, child tax relief or other benefits you may be entitled to.
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How the child upkeep calculator works
The calculator is based on estimated 2026 average costs in Poland: Baseline costs (PLN/month): - Age 0-3: PLN 2,500 - Age 3-7: PLN 2,200 - Age 7-13: PLN 2,800 - Age 13-18: PLN 3,200 City multiplier: - Large city (Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław): ×1.3 - Medium city: ×1.0 - Small town/village: ×0.8 Education costs (when nursery/kindergarten selected): - Age 0-3: PLN 2,000/month (private nursery) - Age 3-7: PLN 600/month (kindergarten) - Age 7+: PLN 0 (public school is free) Cost to age 18 = (18 – average age in bracket) × 12 × monthly cost Not included: tax reliefs, 800+ benefit, Active Parent subsidy, PPK, or special needs costs.
Example: child aged 3-7, medium city, with kindergarten
Age: 3-7 years. Medium city. With kindergarten (PLN 600/month). Base: PLN 2,200 × 1.0 = PLN 2,200. Kindergarten: PLN 600. Total: PLN 2,800/month = PLN 33,600/year. Cost to age 18 (13 years remaining): 13 × 12 × 2,800 = PLN 436,800. Large city: 2,200 × 1.3 = PLN 2,860 + 600 = PLN 3,460/month. Small city: 2,200 × 0.8 = PLN 1,760 + 600 = PLN 2,360/month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to raise a child in Poland?
Estimated monthly costs in 2026 for a pre-schooler in a medium city with kindergarten: PLN 2,800/month (PLN 33,600/year). For an infant with private nursery in Warsaw: up to PLN 5,000+/month. Costs depend strongly on the child's age, city, lifestyle and care choices.
How much does a nursery (żłobek) cost in Poland?
Public nurseries charge PLN 0–1,200/month depending on the municipality and family income. Private nurseries: PLN 1,500–3,500/month. The "Active Parent" (Aktywny Rodzic) programme subsidises PLN 1,500/month for children under 3 in nursery or with a childminder.
How much does kindergarten cost in Poland?
Public kindergarten is free for 5 hours/day from age 3. Extra hours cost approx. PLN 1.14/hour, plus meals PLN 15–25/day. Total: approx. PLN 200–600/month. Private kindergartens: PLN 800–2,500/month. The calculator uses PLN 600/month for the medium-city default.
What is the 800+ benefit?
The 800+ benefit (formerly 500+) is PLN 800/month per child under 18, paid regardless of family income. Apply through ZUS or mObywatel. It does not count as income for means-tested benefits. Combined with nursery subsidies, it significantly reduces net childcare costs for families.
How does the child's age affect costs?
Infants (0-3): high nursery costs, nappies, formula, frequent medical visits. Pre-schoolers (3-7): kindergarten, activities, fast-growing clothing costs. School-age (7-13): textbooks, after-school activities, technology. Teenagers (13-18): higher food/clothing costs, pocket money, possibly private tutoring.
Are costs higher in large cities?
Yes — child upkeep costs in major cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk) are typically 20-30% higher than in smaller towns. Nurseries, activities, food and transport all cost more. The calculator applies a ×1.3 multiplier for large cities, ×0.8 for small towns.
What tax reliefs apply for children?
The Polish child tax relief is PLN 92.67/month for the 1st and 2nd child, PLN 166.67/month for the 3rd, and PLN 225/month for the 4th and subsequent children. It is deducted from income tax in the annual tax return. Use our child tax relief calculator for the exact amount.
How much does a school starter pack cost?
A primary school starter pack costs PLN 500–1,200 (bag, textbooks, stationery). Older pupils: PLN 400–900/year. The government's "Wyprawka szkolna" programme subsidises costs for lower-income families. See our school starter pack calculator for details.
How is the cost to age 18 calculated?
The calculator multiplies the current monthly cost by the number of months remaining until the child turns 18, using the mid-point of the selected age range. This is a simplification — costs change with age. Treat the result as an indicative long-term planning figure.
Does the calculator deduct social benefits?
No — the calculator shows gross costs before benefits. To calculate your net budget, subtract: 800+ (PLN 800/month), nursery subsidy (up to PLN 400/month), Active Parent (up to PLN 1,500/month for under-3s), and any family allowances or tax reliefs you are entitled to.
Values are estimates based on 2026 Polish averages. Actual costs may differ significantly depending on lifestyle, child health, extra-curricular activities, dietary preferences and individual family circumstances. This calculator does not replace financial planning or professional advice. Social benefits (800+, nursery subsidy, child tax relief) are not deducted.
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