When buying a car, most people focus on the purchase price. But the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is much more than that. In Poland in 2026, monthly running costs for a typical mid-range car can reach 1,500–2,500 PLN — not including any loan repayment. Let's break it all down.
1. Fuel — The Biggest Variable Cost
Polish fuel prices in 2026 are approximately:
- Petrol (Pb95): approx. 6.50–7.00 PLN/litre
- Diesel (ON): approx. 6.20–6.80 PLN/litre
- LPG: approx. 3.00–3.40 PLN/litre
Example: a car consuming 7 l/100 km, driven 15,000 km per year (1,250 km/month):
- Monthly consumption: 87.5 litres
- Fuel cost (Pb95 at 6.75 PLN): 87.5 × 6.75 ≈ 591 PLN/month
2. Insurance — OC and AC
- OC (third-party liability, compulsory): for a 5-year-old mid-range car approx. 600–1,200 PLN/year = 50–100 PLN/month
- AC (comprehensive, optional): approx. 1,500–3,000 PLN/year = 125–250 PLN/month, depending on vehicle value, claim history, and risk group.
- Breakdown assistance and personal accident: approx. 100–300 PLN/year additionally.
Total: approx. 200–400 PLN/month for typical OC+AC combined cover.
3. Servicing and Maintenance
- Oil and filter change every 10–15,000 km: approx. 300–600 PLN (parts + labour)
- Tyres: a set of summer + winter tyres costs approx. 1,500–3,000 PLN every 4–6 years = 25–60 PLN/month
- Brakes (pads + discs): approx. 400–1,000 PLN every 40–60,000 km
- Annual roadworthiness inspection (przegląd techniczny): 98 PLN/year ≈ 8 PLN/month
- Total servicing: 150–350 PLN/month (depends on car age and brand)
4. Depreciation — The Often Forgotten Cost
Cars lose value over time. A new car typically loses about 15–20% of its value in the first year and 10–15% in subsequent years. For a car bought at 100,000 PLN:
- Year 1 value loss: ~18,000 PLN = 1,500 PLN/month
- Year 3: ~10,000 PLN/year = 833 PLN/month
Depreciation is a real cost — sell after 5 years and the car will be worth 40–50% less than you paid.
5. Parking and Road Charges
- Residential parking permit in a major city: 100–400 PLN/month
- Motorways and tolls (viaTOLL): varies by routes, approx. 50–200 PLN/month for commuters
- Car wash: approx. 30–60 PLN/month
TCO Summary — Monthly Costs
| Item | Monthly cost (PLN) |
|---|---|
| Fuel | 500–800 |
| OC+AC insurance | 200–400 |
| Servicing and tyres | 150–350 |
| Depreciation | 400–1,200 |
| Parking and tolls | 100–400 |
| Total TCO | 1,350–3,150 |
For a C-segment car (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla), realistic TCO is approximately 1,500–2,000 PLN/month excluding any loan repayment.
Calculate Your Car's Running Costs
Every car is different — different fuel consumption, value, insurance rates. Our car cost calculator lets you enter your own data to see the full TCO picture for your specific vehicle.
Calculate now: Car Running Costs Calculator →