Cost of Living in Brno
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Brno helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Cost |
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Apartment Rentals | For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the average monthly rent is around 15,000 CZK ($700). Outside the city center, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately 12,000 CZK ($560). |
Apartment Purchases | The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around 80,000 CZK ($3,700). Outside the city center, the price drops to approximately 55,000 CZK ($2,550) per square meter. |
Transportation | A monthly public transportation pass in Brno costs around 550 CZK ($25). The average price of gasoline is around 30 CZK ($1.40) per liter. If you prefer to use a taxi, the start tariff is usually around 40 CZK ($1.85), with an additional 25 CZK ($1.15) per kilometer. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries can vary, but on average, you can expect to spend around 5,000 CZK ($230) per month. This includes items like bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and meat. |
Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Brno costs around 150 CZK ($7). A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around 700 CZK ($32). |
Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around 3,500 CZK ($162) per month. Internet costs around 500 CZK ($23) per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay around 200,000 CZK ($9,250) per year for preschool, and around 250,000 CZK ($11,560) per year for elementary, middle, and high school. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Brno
"The cost of living in Brnoublic is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Brno are also affordable, with prices for items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables being quite reasonable. Eating out at a restaurant in Brno can be inexpensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing less than a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Public transportation in Brno is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes available for unlimited travel within the city. Alternatively, owning and maintaining a car in Brno can be more expensive, with costs including fuel, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Brno is of a high standard and is relatively affordable, especially for those who are covered by Czech health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Brno is quite low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a European city on a budget," said one expat living in Brno.
Can I live in Brno on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Brno for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some budgeting and sacrifices. The biggest expense is rent. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like Stare Brno or Cerna Pole, you're looking at paying around $700-$800 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in areas like Bystrc or Lisen, you can find places for around $500-$600 a month. The cost of utilities is relatively low, around $100-$150 a month, and public transportation is also very affordable. A monthly pass for the tram and bus system is around $25. Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially if you're buying imported goods, but if you stick to local products and shop at markets like Zelný trh, you can keep your food budget under $200 a month. Eating out and entertainment can add up, especially if you're used to going out a lot. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10-$15, and a movie ticket is about $8. If you're a big drinker, alcohol is relatively cheap, with a pint of beer costing around $2 at a bar. The biggest sacrifice you'll have to make is probably in terms of your social life. If you're used to going out a lot, you'll have to cut back. But there's plenty of free or cheap things to do in Brno, like hiking in the surrounding hills or visiting the city's many parks and museums. In terms of healthcare, if you're an EU citizen, you're covered by the Czech healthcare system. If you're not, you'll need to get private health insurance, which can cost around $100 a month. So, in conclusion, while $1,500 a month is not a lot of money in Brno, it's definitely possible to live comfortably if you're willing to make some sacrifices and budget carefully," commented an expat living in Brno.
Can I live in Brno on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Brno for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to other European cities. For instance, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $600-$700 a month. If you're looking for something cheaper, consider neighborhoods like Bystrc or Lesná where rents can be as low as $400-$500 a month. These areas are a bit further from the city center but they're still well-connected by public transport. On the other hand, if you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, consider ?erná Pole or Veve?í. These areas are trendy and have a lot of nice cafes and restaurants, but the rents can be a bit higher, around $800-$900 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. When it comes to utilities, expect to pay around $150-$200 a month, depending on the season. Groceries will probably cost you around $200-$300 a month, again depending on your eating habits. Eating out is quite affordable here, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10-$15. Public transport is also very affordable. A monthly pass costs around $25 and it will get you anywhere in the city. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas prices are quite high compared to the US, currently around $1.50 per liter. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. A movie ticket costs around $8, a ticket for a theater or a concert around $20-$30. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities, like hiking in the nearby Moravian Karst or visiting one of the many museums and galleries in the city. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up on some luxury goods as they can be quite expensive here. For instance, electronics, branded clothing, or high-end cosmetics often cost more than in the US. Also, if you're used to having a large living space, you might have to adjust your expectations. Apartments here are generally smaller than what you might be used to. But overall, I'd say that living in Brno on $3,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. You just need to be mindful of your spending and make smart choices," said one expat living in Brno.
Can I live in Brno on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Brno for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is more than comfortable. In fact, it's quite a luxurious budget for this city. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many other European cities. For instance, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in the city center for about $600-$700 a month. If you prefer to live in a more upscale neighborhood, consider ?erná Pole or Veve?í. These are some of the most desirable areas in Brno, with beautiful parks, trendy cafes, and good schools. However, even in these areas, you can find a nice apartment for around $800-$900 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking to save money, consider neighborhoods like Židenice or Královo Pole. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're still very nice and you can find cheaper accommodation, around $400-$500 a month. When it comes to other expenses, groceries will cost you around $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is also quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $7-$10. Public transportation is very efficient and cheap. A monthly pass costs around $25. As for sacrifices, I can't really think of any major ones. Perhaps the only thing is that not everyone speaks English here, especially the older generation. However, most young people and professionals do speak English, so it's not a big issue. In terms of amenities, Brno has everything you need. There are plenty of modern shopping centers, gyms, cinemas, and all sorts of entertainment venues. The city also has a rich cultural life, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. So, to sum it up, living in Brno on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but it will also allow you to enjoy a high standard of living. You won't have to make any significant sacrifices and you'll be able to enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Brno.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.