Cost of Living in the Czech Republic

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The cost of living in the Czech Republic has risen sharply over the past five years, with inflation reaching peaks of over 10 percent before moderating in early 2025. Compared to neighbouring countries, the Czech Republic generally has a higher cost of living than Poland and Hungary but offers superior infrastructure and services.

Prague, the Czech capital, continues to grow in popularity with expats and locals alike, driving up accommodation costs. If you’re moving to Prague as an expat, budget for high housing costs, and expat parents must also contend with international school fees.

That said, it’s possible to enjoy a high quality of life in the Czech Republic, as most expats are offered reasonably high relocation packages. As with anywhere in the world, a few things don’t come so cheap – entertainment and healthcare among them.

Cost of accommodation in the Czech Republic

Although housing costs are rising, the cost of accommodation and utilities in the Czech Republic is similar to that of the rest of Europe. Accommodation in Prague, particularly, is more in demand and therefore pricier than in smaller towns or cities. The most expensive areas include Prague 1 and Prague 8. Suburbs and districts further from the city centre are mostly more affordable, but this comes with less access to the amenities and buzz of city living.

Moreover, tenants must account for the initial costs of renting, which include a security deposit of between one and two months’ rent. If you’ll be using a real estate agent, you will likely need to pay your agent at least one month’s rent as a commission. Budget for monthly utility fees (typically 15 to 20 percent of your rent), which are usually not included in the rental price and cover water, electricity, garbage collection, and maintenance of common areas.

Accommodation in the Czech Republic

Cost of transport in the Czech Republic

Expats won’t likely find transport in the Czech Republic a significant expense, as both public transport and petrol are relatively cheap. You can purchase a small car at a reasonable price, but thanks to a well-developed, reliable and inexpensive public transport system, you may find this isn’t necessary. This is especially true if you’re living in Prague, where most expats consider car ownership impractical due to parking difficulties and the comprehensive transport network.

There are various passes available for the public transport system in the Czech Republic, and you can get excellent value for money if you buy a long-term pass. Students and seniors are eligible for discounted passes.

Transport and Driving in the Czech Republic

Cost of groceries and clothing in the Czech Republic

Groceries and food shopping in the Czech Republic won’t break the bank, and you’ll spend much less on food than you are used to if you’re from Western Europe or the USA. Lidl ranks as the most affordable supermarket, followed by Penny Market and Kaufland. Other typical grocery shops include Albert, Billa and Tesco. Exploring local farmers’ markets and shopping at discount supermarkets can help you save on food expenses, particularly if you buy seasonal produce.

Clothing remains one of the few expensive items in the Czech Republic. Brand-name apparel generally costs the same as in Western Europe, with some items actually priced higher. While international chains like H&M and Zara dominate the market, you can find better deals at local Czech fashion brands, second-hand shops, and seasonal sales. The popular price comparison site Heureka can help you track down the best clothing bargains both online and in physical shops.

Cost of eating out and entertainment in the Czech Republic

Eating out at restaurants in the Czech Republic costs around the same as in the rest of Europe, with casual lunches at self-service eateries ranging widely in price and fine dining experiences starting much higher. Alcohol and tobacco, on the other hand, are less expensive, especially the locally brewed beer for which the country is renowned. In fact, Czech beer is often cheaper than soft drinks or hot beverages in many establishments.

If you enjoy dining out but are watching your wallet, local food stalls, markets, or cafés offer excellent value for traditional Czech cuisine. Street food vendors and neighbourhood cafés serve delicious meals at a fraction of the price of city-centre restaurants.

For entertainment, Prague’s cultural scene offers options for every budget, from free summer events at some venues to the Prague Fringe Festival. The Prague Visitor Pass provides good value for both tourists and local residents wanting to explore the city’s cultural offerings.

Cost of education in the Czech Republic

Public education in the Czech Republic is free for children of EU nationals and legal residents, but due to the language barrier, expat parents may choose to send their children to bilingual or international schools that teach in English. International schools with various curriculum options (American, British, and IB) have significantly higher fees than private bilingual alternatives, which typically cost 30 to 50 percent less while providing instruction in Czech and English.

If you’re moving for work purposes, negotiate an education allowance with your employer as part of your employment package. Remember to budget for additional costs beyond tuition, such as uniforms, registration fees, lunch plans, transport, and extracurricular activities.

For non-Czech-speaking children attending public schools, organisations like META provide support for integration and language learning, although many expat families report that additional language tutoring is often necessary.

Education in the Czech Republic

Cost of healthcare in the Czech Republic

The cost of healthcare in the Czech Republic varies greatly depending on the types of services you require and whether you opt for public or private healthcare facilities. Most doctors in public hospitals speak English, particularly in Prague, and the emergency line 112 has guaranteed English-speaking operators.

The public healthcare system, funded through mandatory health insurance contributions, ensures all legal residents, including expats, can access essential medical services for a reasonable cost. As of 2024, all foreigners under 18 years old with long-term residence permits automatically join this system. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card for essential care, while non-EU expats typically need either public or private insurance.

To avoid lengthy waiting times for some procedures, you might choose private healthcare facilities, which offer higher-quality services and shorter waiting times. Medical tourism is popular in Prague due to its high-quality care, with dental services especially sought after by visitors. Remember to secure comprehensive private health insurance that covers private medical treatment and any necessary repatriation expenses.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in the Czech Republic