In Polish: Koszty utrzymania
This is the word you will see in bank documents.
Definition
Living costs (koszty utrzymania) are the amount the bank deducts from net income for the everyday needs of everyone in the household before calculating what is left for the loan instalment. Each bank sets its own norms per adult and per child, based on Statistics Poland (GUS) data and its own statistics. Banks do not publish these amounts.
What it means for you
For a single person the loan amount is usually limited by DSTI, but for a family with children living costs often set the limit. Every child and every non-working household member lowers creditworthiness. Differences in norms between banks can change the result by tens of thousands of złoty, so comparing several banks pays off especially for families.
Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources
Frequently asked questions
What living costs per person does the bank assume?
Each bank has its own norms, depending on household size and sometimes place of residence, and does not publish them. Online calculators use indicative assumptions.
Do children lower creditworthiness?
Yes. The bank deducts living costs for every person in the household, including children, so a family with the same income gets a lower amount than a single person.
Related terms
Definitions are simplified and reflect Polish law and bank practice as of October 2026. Where every word matters, the Act and your loan agreement decide. Figures in examples are indicative and are not a bank offer. The Polish version of each entry has worked examples and sources.
Other terms in “Creditworthiness and down payment”