Poland among EU leaders in quality of life for young people – what does this mean for foreign investors?
In a ranking prepared by the technology company Alorix, assessing the living conditions of young adults across EU countries, Poland ranked 3rd, behind only Austria and the Netherlands. The ranking focused on people aged 17 to 45 and aimed to determine which EU country offers the most favourable environment for young people to live, work, and develop.
Poland’s strong position in the ranking is not only a prestigious distinction – it is also a clear signal to foreign investors that Poland offers a stable, attractive and competitive environment for young people entering the labour market or advancing their careers. This group – active, adaptable, and open to new challenges – is now one of the key drivers of economic growth. For companies considering investing in Poland, this is confirmation that they can count on access to a well-educated, motivated, and future-oriented workforce.
Ranking methodology – what was assessed?
The assessment was based on measurable socio-economic indicators, including:
- Crime rate – public safety statistics;
- Quality of education – including accessibility and teaching level;
- Availability of job offers – including unemployment rate;
- Life satisfaction – the so-called happiness level of residents;
- Purchasing power of wages – illustrated using the Big Mac Index (number of Big Macs purchasable with the average national salary);
- Cost of renting a flat outside the capital’s city centre – as a percentage of the average salary.
Poland among the leaders – key advantages
Poland scored particularly well in terms of:
- Public safety,
- Low unemployment – only the Czech Republic ranks better,
- Quality of education,
- Purchasing power – with an average salary, Poles can buy 437 Big Macs, outperforming many wealthier EU countries.
Poland was also recognised for its diversified economy and various public programmes supporting youth on the labour market – including training, reskilling courses, and career counselling.
How did other EU countries perform?
Below you can see an overview of selected European countries and the key features that define their living conditions:
| Rank | Country | Key characteristics |
| 1 | Netherlands | Highest purchasing power (533), strong education system (54.5%), low crime (26.9) |
| 2 | Austria | Very low rental cost (27.79%), low crime |
| 3 | Poland | Low unemployment (2.94%), high purchasing power (437), good safety (29.0) |
| … | … | … |
| 25 | Greece | High unemployment (10.2%), high crime (46.4) |
| 26 | Portugal | Very high rental cost (71.67%), low purchasing power (289), average education level |
| 27 | Italy | Lowest overall score – high crime rate, weak education system |
Countries at the bottom face long-standing structural challenges such as high youth unemployment, limited education quality, and insufficient economic reform. In Italy, young adults often struggle with accessing the labour market, unclear career paths and excessive bureaucracy. Greece and Portugal, despite a moderate cost of living, suffer from economic instability and poor-quality public services, which negatively affect young people’s development prospects.
Why does the Alorix ranking matter for foreign investors?
Unlike traditional indexes, the Alorix ranking does not focus on tourism or general living standards. Instead, it targets the young generation – the future of the labour force, consumer base, and innovation in the EU. For foreign investors considering investing in Poland, this presents valuable strategic insights:
- Where is it worth opening a new branch or shared services centre?
- Where can one access a stable, skilled, and motivated talent pool?
- Which markets ensure consistent conditions for long-term business growth?
In this context, Poland is emerging as one of the most promising locations in Europe for medium- and long-term investment.
Poland – a strategic choice for foreign investors, not just a low-cost alternative
Only a few years ago, Poland was perceived mainly as a cost-saving location. Today, it is a mature EU market with modern infrastructure, digitalised public administration, and a competitive, well-educated workforce. Importantly, it is also a country that manages to keep its young people and integrate them into its economic fabric.
Poland’s 3rd place in the European ranking of youth quality of life is no coincidence – it reflects steady progress and strategic investment in human capital. For foreign investors, this is a clear signal: Poland is a country where it is worth building not just business operations but a long-term future. All this makes investing in Poland a forward-looking, strategic move for companies seeking sustainable growth and market stability.
The full report in English can be found here.
