Don't Be Surprised! This Is How Much It Costs to Live in the Czech Republic

Who isn’t curious about the cost of living in Europe, especially in the Czech Republic? This country is not only famous for its history and culture but also a popular destination for workers and students.

So, the question is, how much do you need to prepare to live comfortably there? Don’t worry, the cost of living in the Czech Republic is actually more affordable than you might think. Want to know more? Let’s break it down in detail, from rent to money-saving tips that will make your life in the Czech Republic easier!

Cost of Living in the Czech Republic

To be able to live comfortably in the Czech Republic, you must prepare a budget for various basic needs, including:

1. Accommodation: Renting a house or apartment is one of the biggest expenses in the Czech Republic. The rental price depends greatly on the location and size of the residence.
2. Food: You can choose to cook at home or eat out. Food expenses can vary significantly depending on your shopping habits and dining preferences.
3. Transportation: The Czech Republic has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. Transportation costs depend on the city you live in.
4. Health Insurance: For workers, students, and families, health insurance is mandatory and should be included in your monthly budget.
5. Other Expenses: This category includes entertainment, clothing, internet services, and other personal needs.

How Much is the Cost of Living in the Czech Republic?

The cost of living in the Czech Republic can vary depending on whether you live in a large city like Prague (Praha) or a smaller city like Plzeň. In Prague, being the capital, the cost of living is higher compared to other cities. Here are some estimated monthly costs:

1. Prague: The cost of living here is the highest in the Czech Republic. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from CZK 20,000 to CZK 35,000.
2. Other Cities: In cities like Brno or Ostrava, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be lower, around CZK 10,000 to CZK 18,000.

Cost of Living for Workers in the Czech Republic

For migrant workers or expatriates living in the Czech Republic, here is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:

1. Accommodation: CZK 12,000 – CZK 25,000 (IDR 7 million – 15 million), depending on the location. The further from the city center, the cheaper the rent.
2. Food: If you cook at home, your monthly food expenses could be around CZK 3,000 – CZK 6,000 (IDR 1.8 million – 3.5 million). However, eating out more often will increase this cost.
3. Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass in large cities like Prague ranges from CZK 550 – CZK 700 (IDR 300,000 – 450,000).
4. Health Insurance: This is a mandatory expense, typically costing CZK 1,500 – CZK 2,500 (IDR 900,000 – 1.5 million).
5. Other Expenses: Entertainment, shopping, and additional expenses can reach CZK 2,000 – CZK 4,000 (IDR 1.2 million – 2.5 million) per month.

The total monthly expenses for a worker in the Czech Republic can range from CZK 20,000 to CZK 40,000.

Cost of Living for Families in the Czech Republic

If you’re moving to the Czech Republic with your family, your expenses will naturally be higher. Besides the higher rent (because you’ll need a bigger place), you’ll also need to account for school fees and other family needs. Here’s an estimate of monthly expenses for a family:

1. Accommodation: A two or three-bedroom apartment can cost CZK 20,000 – CZK 40,000.
2. Food: Monthly grocery expenses for a small family could be around CZK 6,000 – CZK 10,000.
3. Schooling: If your children attend an international school, the tuition fees can be quite high, ranging from CZK 10,000 – CZK 30,000 per month.
4. Transportation and Health Insurance: Similar to workers, but with additional insurance for other family members.

The total monthly expenses for a family in the Czech Republic can range from CZK 40,000 – CZK 70,000.

Read Also: Cost-Saving Tips for Living in the UK for a Month

Cost of Living for Students in the Czech Republic

Students usually have lower expenses, especially if they live in dormitories. Here’s an estimate of monthly costs for students in the Czech Republic:

1. Accommodation: Living in a student dormitory costs around CZK 3,000 – CZK 7,000. If you rent an apartment, it could be more expensive, around CZK 10,000 – CZK 15,000.
2. Food: Monthly grocery expenses are around CZK 2,500 – CZK 5,000.
3. Transportation: A student monthly transportation pass can be cheaper, around CZK 300 – CZK 500.
4. Health Insurance: Around CZK 1,500 – CZK 2,000.

The total cost of living for a student in the Czech Republic can range from CZK 10,000 – CZK 20,000 per month.

Cost of Living in the Czech Republic for One Day

The cost of living per day in the Czech Republic is quite affordable! For instance, breakfast at a café usually costs around CZK 100 – CZK 150, lunch at a regular restaurant is about CZK 150 – CZK 250, and dinner can be a bit more expensive, ranging from CZK 200 – CZK 400.

So, if you calculate, your daily food costs can vary depending on your choices. For transportation, a daily public transport ticket in a large city like Prague is about CZK 100. If you live frugally and choose cheaper options, your daily expenses could be reduced to around CZK 500 – CZK 800.

Daily Expenses in the Czech Republic

Living in the Czech Republic can be quite affordable, especially compared to Western European countries. Below, we’ll break down some of the main expenses you’ll face during your stay.

Meal cost

Food: Eating in the Czech Republic won’t break the bank if you manage it well. Grocery shopping at large supermarkets like Tesco or Albert is usually cheaper than eating out every day.

1. Monthly groceries: Around CZK 3,000 – CZK 6,000, depending on your needs.
2. Eating out: Lunch at a regular restaurant costs around CZK 150 – CZK 250. For something fancier, expect to spend CZK 300 – CZK 500 per person.

Transportation costs

Public transport in the Czech Republic, especially in major cities like Prague or Brno, is comfortable and affordable. Most locals prefer taking trams, buses, or the metro.

1. Monthly public transport pass: Around CZK 550 – CZK 700.
2. Single ticket: Around CZK 24 – CZK 40, depending on the city and trip duration.

Students get special discounts to make transportation even cheaper.

Insurance Costs

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in the Czech Republic, including expatriates and international students. EU citizens are typically covered by European Health Insurance (EHIC), while others must purchase private insurance.

1. Private health insurance: Around CZK 1,500 – CZK 3,000 per month, depending on the package.
2. Student insurance: Usually cheaper, around CZK 1,000 – CZK 1,500 per month.

Miscellaneous expense

In addition to food, transport, and insurance, you’ll also have other expenses to consider, such as entertainment, bills, and daily needs.

1. Internet and phone: Internet subscriptions in the Czech Republic range from CZK 400 – CZK 800 per month, depending on the provider and internet speed.
2. Entertainment and recreation: A movie ticket costs around CZK 150 – CZK 250, while entrance fees to museums or tourist attractions range from CZK 100 – CZK 300.

Tips for Saving on Living Costs in the Czech Republic

To save on living expenses in the Czech Republic, here are some tips you can follow. For example, try cooking at home instead of eating out, as shopping at supermarkets is much cheaper.

Take advantage of student discounts or student cards for transportation and entertainment, and opt for public transport or walking to save on transportation costs.

Read Also: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Ireland? Check Out the Info Here!

Consider living in a cheaper city like Brno or Ostrava, and shop for second-hand items at flea markets. Join expat communities to get tips and find cheap goods, and carefully choose free or affordable entertainment options. Most importantly, create a monthly budget to keep your expenses under control.

The cost of living in the Czech Republic is definitely cheaper than in many other European countries, but you still need to manage your expenses well. Whether you're a worker, student, or family, everyone can enjoy a comfortable life in the Czech Republic if you plan your budget carefully.

Lastly, for those who need to send money to the Czech Republic, make sure to use Easylink, a reliable, easy, fast, and secure solution for transferring money abroad!

Starting from just IDR 30,000, you can already send money abroad. So, what are you waiting for? Send money to the Czech Republic easily, quickly, and securely with Easylink!