Poland is one of the most materialistic societies I have encountered. Far more so than any other 'western' country. Deny it all you like, but it is true.
I would say the UK is worse.
Let's take cosmetics - any aftershave, perfume, face cream etc and you can comfortably double what you would expect to pay in western Europe. Razor blades?! Jesus. Electronics? Well, we'll add another 20 - 50% at least. High street brands? It varies, but certainly Diesel jeans are at least twice as expensive, Levis too. Benetton, Esprit, Mothercare etc all far more expensive than elsewhere.
Its still way cheaper here in the long term for items which you buy daily such as food. Levis are cheaper here than the UK. Razor blades hardly any difference.
The only electrical item that ive witnessed massively more expensive are Mac computers, ive bought a nice LG 42" TV and loads of other items totally in-line with European prices, perhaps 10% higher at most.
Media Market is an expensive electronics oulet, best to shop around.
Fuel is cheaper around 15% compared to the UK for 95 unleaded.
Clinque Facescrub for men - Sephora 149.99 zl. Boots GBP 12.99
Come on man you actually use that crap? Its a luxury item over here theres not a market for it of course it will be pricey. Polish men have taken the mickey out of me for using lypsil in winter, dread to think what theyd say about expensive face cream and Clinique facial scrubs.
My girlfriend's dad is director of a neurology department in a hospital. His remuneration? 5000 zl a month. Were it not for private sector work he would not be able to afford to live.
Yeh right, his private practice probably brings in around 6000 PLN / month not to mention all the bribes. If he cant live on 5000 PLN / month theres something wrong anyway.
Some of the other points are viable though.