Ukrainian student Olha Konopatska, who lived in Poland for three years before relocating to Austria, has shared a detailed comparison of life in the two countries on her TikTok blog. She broke down the key advantages and disadvantages of living, studying and accessing services in each nation.
Konopatska compared the countries across several main criteria, weighing cost, education, services, nature and safety against one another.
Cost of living favors Poland
According to Konopatska, Poland is significantly more affordable. She said prices for groceries, health insurance and rent are noticeably lower there, making everyday life more financially comfortable.
Education edge goes to Austria
Konopatska earned her bachelor's degree in Poland before enrolling in a master's program at an Austrian university. She said Austria's curriculum is stronger and more focused on practical, real-world knowledge. However, she credited Poland with a livelier student community and more entertainment options.
Poland offers better services
Konopatska said the standard of service in Poland was higher, which she attributed to the country's large Ukrainian diaspora. She explained that the many businesses opened by Ukrainians in Poland give residents a wider choice of services and better quality overall.
Austria wins on nature and travel
Austria's climate and location won Konopatska over, she said, pointing to the country's mountains, lakes and scenery. She also highlighted the ability to reach neighboring European countries within just a few hours.
Safety and attitudes toward foreigners
A sense of safety mattered greatly to Konopatska. She said she feels far calmer in Austria and has not encountered any negativity there in several months. In Poland, by contrast, she said she sometimes heard unpleasant comments directed at her for being a foreigner.
Konopatska concluded that Poland wins out financially and in terms of service comfort, while Austria appeals through stronger higher education, a safer atmosphere and picturesque nature.
Cost of living in Poland
UNIAN has previously reported on living costs for Ukrainians in Poland. An Instagram user known as zoriankash described what it actually costs a couple to live in Poland. She said she began living with her boyfriend a few months earlier and the pair decided to split all expenses, with rent taking up the largest share. She said an apartment near the center of Wroclaw costs her 3,100 zloty, or roughly 36,000 hryvnias.
