Cost of Living in Prague: A Complete Review (2023)!
Thinking of a move to the Czech capital and wondering about the cost of living in Prague?
People often think of Prague as a city straight out of a fairy tale (including myself). With its beautiful bridges, old buildings, and cobblestone streets, it’s a lovely city to explore. But how about the cost of living in Prague?
I’m looking forward to taking you on a journey and exploring the costs in Prague. I have a house in a smaller village in the Czech Republic which is about 2,5 hours from Prague but there are some significant differences!
So, let’s dive in and review Prague.
Is it expensive to live in Prague?
When you compare it to many other big cities in Western Europe, Prague is a relatively cheaper place to live. But it’s important to put this in its proper place.
Even though living, eating out, and public transport can be cheaper in Prague than in Paris, London, or Amsterdam, the city is still more expensive than many others in Eastern Europe.
As Prague’s popularity has grown over the past few years, so have its living costs, especially for housing! Still, Prague is a good place to live for many people because it has a lot to offer in terms of culture, safety, central location, and cost of living.
Even though Prague isn’t the cheapest city, its cost of living isn’t too high, especially when you consider the quality of life you get in return.
Prague Daily Expenses
From my own experience, I know that it can be fun to live or visit in Prague, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for daily costs.
Here are some common prices for different goods and services to help you get a better idea:
1. Coffee:
- At a local café, a normal coffee will cost you about 40 CZK (€1,60).
- At a trendy coffee shop in the city center, specialty drinks like lattes or cappuccinos could cost you up to 80 CZK (€3,20).
2. Public Transport:
- A single ticket for the tram or metro costs you around 24 CZK (€1) and is good for 30 minutes.
- A day pass costs you about 110 CZK (€4,60) and is very useful for tourists or if you just want to move around the city.
3. Meals:
- In a normal lunch spot, a meal might cost between 120 and 150 CZK (€5 and €6,20).
- At a mid-range restaurant, a main course will cost between 250 and 500 CZK (€10,50 and (€20). This can depend on the type of food and where you are.
- Popular street food like a trdelnik (a sweet type of pastry) or a classic sausage costs you between 50 and 80 CZK (€2 and (€3,30).
4. Groceries:
- You’ll pay about 25 CZK (€1) for a loaf of bread.
- You’ll pay about 20 CZK (€0,80) for a liter of milk.
- You’ll pay about 40 CZK (€1,60) for a dozen eggs.
- A local beer (0.5L bottle) could cost you as little as 15-20 CZK (€0,60-€0,80) if you buy it in a store. Alcohol is actually really cheap in Prague but also in the rest of the country.
5. Entertainment:
- A ticket to see the latest big hit at the movies will cost you about 200 CZK (€8,30).
- Depending on the type of theater show and where you sit, this could be anywhere from 300 CZK (€12,50) to over 1,000 CZK (€40).
6. Random Things:
- Sim cards with pre-paid data are good if you plan to stay longer or just want to stay connected. A simple plan starts at about 300 CZK (€12,50) per month.
- You’ll pay about 20 CZK (€0,80) for a local newspaper.
- Monthly gym membership: If exercise is your thing, a typical gym in the center might cost you between 800 (€33) and 1,200 CZK (€50) per month.
Whether you’re in Prague for a day, a month, or even longer, knowing how much you’ll spend each day can help you plan your budget and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Rent in Prague
As in every city, the cost of rent very much depends on the size of the apartment or house and the location. But this will give you a good insight of what it could cost you per month:
1. City Center Apartments:
- Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment: A studio or one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city can cost you between 18,000 CZK (€750) and 22,000 CZK (€920) per month. The rent goes up the closer you are to big landmarks or transport hubs.
- Two-Bedroom Apartment: If you need more space, a two-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost you between 25,000 CZK (€1050) and 35,000 CZK (€1450), based on the features and location.
- Three-Bedroom Apartment: If you’re a family or a group of people who want a three-bedroom apartment, you might pay between 35,000 CZK (€1450) and 50,000 CZK (€2100), especially in newer or more expensive buildings.
2. Outside the center of the city:
- Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment: If you move a little bit away from the busy area, you can save a lot of money. For a nice one-bedroom flat, you can expect to pay between 12,000 CZK (€500) and 16,000 CZK (€670).
- A two-bedroom flat can cost you anywhere from 18,000 (€750) to 25,000 CZK (€1050), on average.
- Three-Bedroom Apartment: These usually cost you between 25,000 CZK (€1050) and 35,000 CZK (€1450), based on the neighborhood and how close they are to public transportation.
3. Sharing Apartments or Flat:
- Sharing a flat is a popular choice for students and young workers who want to save money or are just starting out. Depending on where the room is and the size, renting a single room in a shared flat costs you between 6,000 and 12,000 CZK (€250 and €500).
4. Utilities:
- Most of the time, these are not included in the prices above. Utilities, which include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and trash, could add an extra 3,000 to 5,000 CZK (€125 and €210) and per month to the cost of a normal 85m2 flat.
- The extra cost for Internet would be somewhere between 300 and 500 CZK (€12,50 and €20).
5. Contracts and Down Payments:
- Most owners will ask you for a deposit, which is usually one or two months’ worth of rent. This is given back at the end of the lease, as long as there were no losses or bills that were not paid.
- Most rental contracts in Prague are for a year, but you can find shorter or longer terms.
Prague has a lot of history and culture, but the cost of renting can be a huge part of a of your budget. Always check out more than one place, compare prices, and maybe even think about getting a local estate agent to help you through the process.
Are houses expensive in Prague?
Yes, houses are expensive in Prague! That’s the short answer..
In Prague, the cost of houses can vary widely based on location and type. For instance, a property in the historic heart of the city has prices upwards of 20 million CZK (€840,000) due to its unique charm and central location.
On the other hand, a similar-sized house in the suburbs might be priced at around 10 million CZK (€420,000), reflecting the distance from key amenities.
While these prices can seem high, especially when compared to other Central European cities, they still remain more affordable than prime properties in Western European capitals like Paris or London.
So basically, while you can find more budget-friendly housing options on the outskirts, centrally-located or historic properties in Prague come with a much heftier price tag.
Over the past ten years, the prices of homes in Prague have steadily gone up. You could also see it a safe investment, especially since the city is rapidly growing, is very popular with tourists, and is in a good (central) spot in Europe.
Is food cheap in Prague?
The food in Prague is a wonderful asset to the city. On the one hand, the city’s restaurants serve delicious local and foreign dishes at prices that seem low for a European capital.
You can enjoy a three-course meal at a nice place without feeling bad about how much it costs. The photo below is a plate with Svickova dish, a very popular dish and we even served it during lunch on our Czech wedding!
On the other hand, local markets and grocery shops have fresh produce and local specialties that can inspire you to cook up a great dish at home, often for a fraction of the cost.
What is a good salary in Prague?
This largely depends on how you live and where you live. But I would like to show you four different categories to give you a good idea:
- Average Salary: In Prague, the average gross salary per month is between 45,000 and 55,000 CZK (€1880 and €2300). This would be good for a single person to live a good life.
It would cover your rent for a one-bedroom flat, utilities, groceries, transportation, and some fun things to do.
- Comfortable Income: A gross monthly income of 70,000 to 90,000 CZK (€3000 and €3800) would be more appropriate if you want to live more comfortably, eat out more often, travel, and treat yourself sometimes.
This would also take into account some money you could put aside per month on your account.
- Family: A joint gross monthly income of 100,000 to 120,000 CZK (€4180 and €5000) should be enough for a family of four to live comfortably, including housing in a good neighborhood, schooling, groceries, and other family-related costs.
- Upper Echelon: Salaries of more than 120,000 CZK (€5000) are considered high and are usually made by top managers, IT experts, or people who work in specialized fields.
If you take this into consideration, you’ll be able to make a good choice when you’re planning to move to Prague.
How much is a pint of beer in Prague?
Beer and Prague are like a perfect marriage. The city has a long history of brewing and it’s famous for its beer culture. The Czechs are the biggest beer drinkers in the world!
A pint of beer might only cost you 35 CZK (€1,40) in a pub that isn’t packed with tourists. But places that are more well-known or special craft beer bars might charge more.
But the thing is, no matter how much it costs, there’s nothing like sipping a Czech beer (I personally love the brand Kozel and I would recommend trying this).
Cost of living in Prague: FAQs
The information below is related to the cost of living in Prague as well as about living in Prague to give you some more great insights!
Is it a good idea to move to Prague?
Prague has a lot of history and culture, and it is also a great place to live because it is affordable and has a high standard of life.
It’s a great place to visit because it’s in the middle of Europe, but it’s also safe and has a lot of job opportunities, especially in IT and finance.
It’s not a secret that many people fall in love with its charm, but it’s the balance between modern comforts and historical atmosphere that makes living here appealing to both locals and people who move there from abroad.
But before making the move, you should think about what fits best with your personal and professional goals, as you should with any big choice in life.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Prague?
The best places to live on a budget are in the suburbs of a city, especially in districts like Prague 9 or Prague 10.
Even though these places are a little farther from the city center, they feel more like homes and are much quieter and relaxed.
Also, the city center is never too far away as Prague has a great public transportation system.
Can you live in Prague without speaking Czech?
Certainly! And this is a big advantage compared to living in smaller towns throughout the Czech Republic.
Prague is a cosmopolitan city, and many of its people speak English quite well, especially those who work in service industries or are younger.
But, as in any foreign country, knowing a few words in the local language can definitely make your everyday life or visit a bit nice easier.
Best Tours to explore Prague
In case you want to explore this city in the best possible way, I would recommend the following tours. You can book your favorite tour by clicking on the link below:
✅ 5-Course Medieval Dining Experience in Prague
✅ 1,5-Hour Oldtimer Sightseeing Tour
These tours are very diverse and will show you Prague in very different ways. I’m sure you’ll have a great experience exploring this city!
The Wrap-Up: Cost of Living in Prague
Prague is a great place to live because it has a good mix of cost vs quality. Besides this, it’s a place where history and modernity meet and there’s everything you need to have a great life.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to try something new, Prague honestly has a setting that few other places can match in Europe.
Even though you might have to make a budget because of how much it costs to live in Prague, the experiences along the way will really be worth it!
If you want to know more about Prague, you can check out my other posts about visiting Prague and safety in Prague. And if you want to know more about the places in this country, check out my post about best places to live in the Czech Republic!
Your restless voyager,
Dustin
