Cost of Living in Prague
Summary: If you're moving to Prague, understanding the the cost of living in Prague helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Prague is a relatively affordable city to rent an apartment. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 11,000 CZK (about $500 USD). Outside of the city center, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around 8,000 CZK (about $350 USD). |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Prague varies greatly depending on the size and location. The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is around 50,000 CZK (about $2,200 USD). Outside of the city center, the average price per square meter is around 40,000 CZK (about $1,800 USD). |
Transportation | Public transportation in Prague is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket for the metro, tram, or bus costs 32 CZK (about $1.40 USD). A monthly pass for unlimited rides costs 550 CZK (about $24 USD). |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Prague is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around 20 CZK (about $0.90 USD). A liter of milk costs around 25 CZK (about $1.10 USD). A dozen eggs costs around 40 CZK (about $1.80 USD). |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Prague varies greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 100 CZK (about $4.50 USD). A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 250 CZK (about $11 USD). A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around 500 CZK (about $22 USD). |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Prague is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage is around 1,500 CZK (about $65 USD). The average monthly cost for internet and cable is around 500 CZK (about $22 USD). |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Prague varies greatly depending on the school. The average annual tuition for preschool is around 40,000 CZK (about $1,800 USD). The average annual tuition for elementary school is around 60,000 CZK (about $2,700 USD). The average annual tuition for middle school is around 80,000 CZK (about $3,500 USD). The average annual tuition for high school is around 100,000 CZK (about $4,400 USD). |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Prague
"The cost of living in Prague is generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other major European cities. Rent prices are relatively low, and groceries and other everyday items are also reasonably priced. Eating out in restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal for two people costing around $20-30. Public transportation is also quite inexpensive, with a monthly pass costing around $30. Overall, Prague is a great city to live in for those looking for a good quality of life at an affordable price," said one expat living in Prague.
Can I live in Prague on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Prague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Žižkov, Smíchov, or Vinohrady. These areas are still close to the city center but are more affordable than neighborhoods like Malá Strana or Staré M?sto.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation instead of owning a car. Prague has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. A monthly pass costs around $25, which is much cheaper than paying for gas, insurance, and parking.Eating out can be quite affordable in Prague if you stick to local Czech restaurants and avoid touristy areas. You can find a decent meal for around $5-$10. However, if you're used to eating at high-end restaurants or international cuisine, you might have to cut back on that. Cooking at home can also help you save money on food expenses.Entertainment can be affordable if you take advantage of free or low-cost events and attractions. There are many beautiful parks, historical sites, and museums in Prague that you can visit for free or at a low cost. However, if you're used to attending expensive concerts or events, you might have to cut back on those as well.In general, living on $1,500 a month in Prague is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Prague.
Can I live in Prague on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Prague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even with modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in the most expensive neighborhoods, like Malá Strana or Staré M?sto. These areas are beautiful and historic, but the cost of living there can be quite high.Instead, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like Vinohrady, Žižkov, or Smíchov. These areas are still close to the city center and have a great mix of local shops, restaurants, and parks. You can find a nice one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods for around $800 to $1,200 a month, depending on the size and location.As for other expenses, groceries and eating out are relatively affordable in Prague. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and eating out at local restaurants will usually cost you around $10 to $15 per meal. Public transportation is also quite cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $25.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some luxury items or imported goods, as they can be more expensive in Prague. For example, electronics, clothing, and some food items might cost more than you're used to. However, if you're willing to shop at local markets and stores, you can still find plenty of affordable options.Another thing to consider is that while healthcare in the Czech Republic is generally affordable, you might want to invest in private health insurance if you're used to a higher standard of care. This can cost you around $100 to $200 a month, depending on the coverage you choose.Overall, living in Prague on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make a few sacrifices and be smart about your spending, and you'll be able to make it work," said one expat living in Prague.
Can I live in Prague on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Prague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Prague is a beautiful city with a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out areas like Žižkov, Vinohrady, or Vršovice. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have a great mix of local shops, restaurants, and parks. You can find a nice one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $800 to $1,200 a month.On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Malá Strana, Staré M?sto, or Josefov. These areas are beautiful and historic, but they're also quite expensive, with rents often exceeding $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment are all quite affordable in Prague. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $25, and you can find a decent meal at a restaurant for around $10. If you enjoy going out for drinks, you'll be happy to know that beer is quite cheap here, with a pint costing around $2 at most bars.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some products or services you're used to might be a bit more expensive or harder to find in Prague. For example, imported goods can be pricier, and you might not have access to the same variety of products as you would back home. However, I've found that it's easy to adapt and discover local alternatives that are just as good, if not better.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Prague on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy the city's rich history, culture, and nightlife without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Prague.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
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- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Prague
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Prague
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Prague
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Prague
- Public Transportation in Prague
- Best Markets in Prague
- Retire in Prague Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Prague
- Pros & Cons of Living in Prague
- Tips for Expats Driving in Prague
- Cost of Living in Prague
- Health Care in Prague
- Discover the Best of Prague
- 11 Tips for Living in Prague
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Czech Rep
- Best Places to Live in Czech Rep
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- What It's Like Living in Prague
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