Poland versus Portugal: two strong options for EFL teachers. Here's what the recent listings actually show.
The salaries
π΅π±
Poland
zΕ2,150 β zΕ11,000 / mo
Β£430βΒ£2,200 / $574β$2,939 / β¬500ββ¬2,559
Average: zΕ5,929 (Β£1,186 / $1,584 / β¬1,379)
π΅πΉ
Portugal
β¬800 β β¬1,700 / mo
Β£688βΒ£1,462 / $919β$1,953
Average: β¬1,437 (Β£1,236 / $1,651 / β¬1,437)
Take-home pay
| Β |
π΅π± Poland |
π΅πΉ Portugal |
| Gross average salary |
zΕ5,929 (Β£1,186 / $1,584 / β¬1,379) |
β¬1,437 (Β£1,236 / $1,651 / β¬1,437) |
| Est. effective tax rate |
17% |
25% |
| Est. net take-home |
zΕ4,921 (Β£984 / $1,315 / β¬1,145) |
β¬1,078 (Β£927 / $1,238 / β¬1,078) |
Tax rates are simplified estimates for a typical foreign teacher's salary bracket, not precise calculations β actual tax owed depends on progressive brackets, tax treaties, residency status, social insurance contributions, and local practice. Treat as a rough planning figure, not tax advice.
Cost of living
Typical monthly costs β single person, modest lifestyle (local currency, GBP / USD / EUR)
Rent β 1-bed city-centre apartment
π΅π±
zΕ2,040 (Β£408 / $545 / β¬475)
π΅πΉ
β¬633 (Β£544 / $727 / β¬633)
Food & groceries
π΅π±
zΕ840 (Β£168 / $224 / β¬195)
π΅πΉ
β¬223 (Β£192 / $257 / β¬223)
Local transport
π΅π±
zΕ75 (Β£15 / $20 / β¬17)
π΅πΉ
β¬26 (Β£22 / $29 / β¬26)
Going out & socialising
π΅π±
zΕ540 (Β£108 / $144 / β¬126)
π΅πΉ
β¬156 (Β£134 / $179 / β¬156)
Estimated monthly total
π΅π±
zΕ3,495 (Β£699 / $934 / β¬813)
π΅πΉ
β¬1,037 (Β£892 / $1,192 / β¬1,037)
Adjusted for city size: Poland figures averaged across 12 listing cities (Myslenice, Bielsko-Biala, Pulawy, Lukow, Dobczyce, Kielce, Wroclaw, Kostrzyn nad Odra, Torun, Bydgoszcz, Krakow, Cracow (Krakow)) β 60% of the national hub baseline; Portugal figures averaged across 5 listing cities (EVORA, Mafra, Lisbon, Viseu, VILA DO CONDE) β 64% of the national hub baseline.
Poland is roughly 21% cheaper to live in day-to-day than Portugal, based on typical rent, food and transport costs.
Cost-of-living figures are indicative estimates compiled from publicly available sources including Numbeo, Mercer Cost of Living, and the Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living survey, and are not sourced from TEFL.com listings.
Monthly savings potential
| Β |
π΅π± Poland |
π΅πΉ Portugal |
| Est. net monthly salary |
zΕ4,921 (Β£984 / $1,315 / β¬1,145) |
β¬1,078 (Β£927 / $1,238 / β¬1,078) |
| Est. monthly living costs |
zΕ3,495 (Β£699 / $934 / β¬813) |
β¬1,037 (Β£892 / $1,192 / β¬1,037) |
| Est. monthly savings |
zΕ1,426 (Β£285 / $381 / β¬332) |
β¬40 (Β£35 / $46 / β¬40) |
Estimated net salary minus estimated total monthly living costs (rent, food, transport and socialising combined). A negative figure suggests that role/location may need savings brought from home or a lower-cost lifestyle than assumed here β treat as a rough guide, not a budget.
Benefits breakdown
| Β |
π΅π± Poland |
π΅πΉ Portugal |
| πProfessional development |
43% |
33% |
| πHoliday pay |
29% |
33% |
| π€Ongoing support |
36% |
0% |
| π Accommodation |
21% |
0% |
| πAirport pick-up |
21% |
0% |
| π°Bonus plan |
21% |
0% |
| πTraining support |
21% |
0% |
| π΄Meals |
0% |
17% |
| πMedical care |
0% |
17% |
| βFlights |
14% |
0% |
| βHealth insurance |
14% |
0% |
| πVisa assistance |
14% |
0% |
| π¦Pension |
7% |
0% |
| πΎUse of leisure facilities |
7% |
0% |
| πͺͺVisa sponsorship |
7% |
0% |
Each percentage is the share of Poland's (or Portugal's) included teaching posts whose listing mentioned the benefit. A missing benefit isn't necessarily unavailable, just not stated in that listing.
The verdict
π΅π±Poland
Poland draws teachers looking for central europe, affordable lifestyle. Across recent listings, the average salary lands at zΕ5,929 (Β£1,186 / $1,584 / β¬1,379)/mo. Salaries here span a notably wider range than Portugal, from entry-level roles up to the top end of the market. The cost of living runs about 21% lower than Portugal.
π΅πΉPortugal
Teachers head to Portugal for eu lifestyle, growing efl demand. This month's data puts the average teaching salary at β¬1,437 (Β£1,236 / $1,651)/mo β drawn from recent listings. The pay range is narrower than Poland β less variation, but more consistency. Day-to-day expenses here outpace Poland by around 21%.
Poland or Portugal? Either way, today's TEFL market offers real choice β and real opportunities to build a life abroad on a teacher's salary.
Browse Poland and Portugal jobs at TEFL.com β
