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How much it costs to live in the Czech Republic?

Writer's picture: Kristýna RichtrováKristýna Richtrová

Updated: Jan 16, 2023

Thinking about moving to the Czech Republic and unsure whether the offered salary would be sufficient? Have a look below at the summary of some costs in Prague.


Before you move, it is highly recommended to check www.numbeo.com for the most up-to-date prices or to compare the costs in the Czech Republic to where you live now.

 

Currency

Even though we are in the European Union, we still use Czech Crown.


1 Czech Crown = 100 hellers, however you don't see them anymore. Prices may still state 9.90 CZK, however what you pay in cash is always rounded up. Hellers are only deducted when paying by card.


Salary

When you are offered a salary, the companies talk about gross (brutto/hrubá) and net (netto/čistá). Unfortunately, the amount you are offered is not the one that will appear in your account after you complete a full month of work. From the Gross salary, deductions are made towards the health and social insurance. Additionally, income tax is also deducted. Below you can find a basic salary calculation; If you are single and without children and without a company car, you will only receive 39 570 CZK out of the 50 000 CZK offered.


Gross salary: 50 000 CZK

Tax: - 4 930 CZK

Social and health insurance: - 5 500 CZK

______________________________________

Net salary: 39 570 CZK


Calculate your salary here.


Salary is usually paid in the first two weeks in the following month.


General facts


  • Cost of living in Czech Republic is more expensive than in 67% of countries in Eastern Europe (5 out of 12) (says expatistan.com)

  • Cost of living in Czech Republic is cheaper than in 65% of countries in the World (48 out of 74) (says expatistan.com)

  • Cost of living in Czech Republic is, on average, 33.53% lower than in United States. (says numbeo.com)

  • Clothes and electronics are generally more expensive than in the western world (especially in contracts to the US)


Accommodation

There is enormous differences in rent across the Czech Republic. Whereas in Ostrava you can pay 15 000 CZK for a decently sized 2 bedroom apartment, in Prague that will only secure you a studio. Even shared accommodation price has risen and now costs around 11 000 CZK.


You can check sreality.cz or bezrealitky.cz to get a picture of the quality of the apartments and their prices.


Eating out

Depending on where/what you eat, a meal can range from 130 CZK to thousands. Restaurants often offer lunch menus - for a discounted price you can get a main meal with a soup or a drink.


Cheeseburger in McDonalds: 42 CZK

Cocktail downtown: 150 CZK

Beer: 30 - 60 CZK (It is true what they say, beer may often be cheaper in restaurants than still water.)

Three-course dinner for two in mid-range restaurant: 950 CZK


Education

- Public schools are for fee, but only in Czech language.

- International schools charge hefty fees ranging from 15 - 30 000 CZK per month.


Groceries

Beer: as little as 12 CZK

Bananas: 25 CZK/kg

Ham: 30 CZK/100g

Yoghurt: 8 CZK

Milk: 20 CZK

Butter: 60 CZK

Bread: 30 CZK

Eggs: 60 CZ/12 pcs

Bottle of wine: 80 CZK and up, depending on the origin of the wine




Transportation

Public transport - Monthly ticket (Prague): 550 CZK

Public transport - Daily ticket (Prague): 110 CZK

Train tickets (Prague - Ostrava): 400 CZK

Petrol: anything between 35 - 45 CZK/l


Entertainment

Bars and clubs have mostly free entry.

Tickets to a cinema: 200 CZK

Gym entry: 200 CZK

Monthly gym membership: 1000 CZK

Internet: 350 CZK/month

Concerts tickets: 500 - 3000 CZK


Discounts

  • Students – with ISIC card, students can enjoy various discounts for transport (monthly tickets or long-distance trips), entrance to various culture events, even at some shops.

  • Elderly people, usually from the age of 60, can also enjoy various discounts, e.g. for transport.

Prices are valid in 2022 are are surely a subject of change in accordance to inflation.


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