Cost of living in Prague

The cost of living in Prague is comparable to other major European capitals, coming in 56th in the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey. That said, it is a lot pricier than other Czech cities, as it caters for the massive influx of tourists that walk its streets each year, and costs are catching up to other European cities.

Cost of accommodation in Prague

Accommodation is one area where the costs are similar to the rest of Europe and continue to rise. Prague is becoming quite an attractive city for business, and as foreign companies relocate to the city and demand for accommodation increases, so do the costs.

Accommodation in Prague is available at various price points, from expensive serviced and furnished apartments to more affordable unfurnished options. You can decrease these costs by living in one of the city's outlying districts and choosing to live in an apartment or shared apartment instead of a house or villa.

Over and above rental prices, you should budget for the initial security deposit and utility costs. Utilities in the country are generally paid annually, so you must make an advance payment, which will be refunded if you use less than you initially paid for.

Cost of transport in Prague

The public transport networks in Prague are efficient and inexpensive. Public transport in Prague offers discounted passes for various categories of passengers, such as students, senior citizens or children. You can benefit from purchasing long-term passes like monthly, quarterly or annual passes, which provide unlimited travel on the metro, trams, and buses at a lower cost per trip. With the Lítačka card or its mobile app version, you can conveniently manage your public transport passes and take advantage of available discounts.

While taxis can be expensive, the metro, tram, and bus services are cheap. The city centre is highly walkable, and you'll likely only resort to public transport outside Prague 1. Cycling is also an option, as bike lanes have been incorporated into many of the sidewalks.

Cost of groceries in Prague

Groceries in Prague are exceptionally affordable, and you will discover significant savings by purchasing local produce and preparing meals at home. A wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items can be found at local markets and supermarkets, often at lower prices than in other European cities.

When shopping for affordable groceries in Prague, you can visit popular local markets such as Holesovice Market or Náplavka Farmers' Market to find fresh produce and other reasonably priced food items. Discount supermarkets like Lidl, Penny Market and Kaufland offer a wide range of products at lower prices than other supermarkets, making them excellent options for budget-conscious shoppers. For speciality items or international products, you can explore stores like Tesco, Billa or Albert, which carry a variety of international foods.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Prague

While eating out can cost just as much in Prague as in the rest of Europe, you can save money by going to the cheaper local restaurants, as opposed to those with an English menu that cater to tourists. Food carts and fast food restaurants also serve good food at a fraction of the price. For those interested in dining out, various restaurants cater to different budgets, with local food stalls, markets, and cafés providing affordable alternatives to pricier establishments.

When it comes to entertainment in Prague, there is a wide range of options to suit various budgets. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and clubs offering entertainment at different price points.

Prague offers numerous cultural events, museums, galleries and historic sites, many of which are free or have relatively low entrance fees. To make the most of your leisure time, you can also seek out free or low-cost activities such as outdoor recreation, city parks, and local festivals, allowing you to experience Prague's rich cultural heritage without breaking the bank.

Cost of education and schools in Prague

Although public schools in Prague are free to all residents, including expats, Czech is the language of instruction at most of these schools. Unless you plan to stay for the long term, this may not be a viable option. That said, a few schools in Prague have programmes for bilingual or foreign-language students.

Public schools in Prague follow the Czech national curriculum, while private bilingual schools typically combine the Czech curriculum with English teaching elements.

Although private bilingual schools cost a pretty penny, they are much cheaper than the international schools in the city. These schools usually offer globally recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate, American or British curricula, providing a completely international education that eases the transition for expat students.

Cost of healthcare in Prague

The cost of healthcare in Prague can differ significantly depending on your choice of public or private healthcare facilities and the types of services required. As the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague benefits from a comprehensive public healthcare system funded through mandatory health insurance contributions, ensuring all legal residents, including expats, have access to essential medical services.

Generally, public healthcare costs in Prague are reasonable, but you may encounter language barriers and lengthy waiting times for certain procedures. The public healthcare system may not cover some services, requiring additional private insurance coverage. These include elective surgeries, dental care beyond basic treatments, prescription medications and private hospital rooms.

To counter these challenges, many expats in Prague opt for private healthcare facilities, which typically provide shorter waiting times. However, the costs associated with private healthcare can be considerably higher than those in the public system, so this is a factor you will have to consider carefully.