“What is the cost of living in the Czech Republic?” — a question that every expat asks when choosing their future destination. If you’re about to move there, read this article to find out everything about the cost of living in the Czech Republic, from rent prices to average salary and taxes.
Average cost of living in the Czech Republic
Notice: The prices and estimated cost of living in the Czech Republic were taken from Numbeo.com and may change over time. Data on inflation, taxes, and wages were collected from official sources.
The average cost of living in the Czech Republic is considerably lower than in Scandinavia and European countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands and others. Have a look yourself:
- 778.8 EUR — the average cost of living in the Czech Republic per month for a single person. That covers everyday stuff like groceries, transport, and having a little fun — just not rent.
- 2,602 EUR — the cost of living in the Czech Republic per month for a family of four, excluding rent.
In Germany, for example, the numbers are 1,005.2 EUR and 3,430.2 EUR, respectively.
So, taking the cost of living in the Czech Republic per month into account, this country seems like a great option for relocating to the EU. Of course, there will be cultural shock, but at least you’ll avoid the financial shock. Let’s break down the cost of living in the Czech Republic per month, starting with rent.
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The Czech Republic rent prices
Accommodation costs are one of the biggest (and most annoying) living expenses in the Czech Republic. The demand for housing has surged in recent years, pushing prices up while availability remains tight. Navigating the rental market can feel like a competitive sport.
| Location/Type | 1 bedroom | 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|
| In the city centre | 720.90 EUR | 1,294.22 EUR |
| Outside of the city centre | 574.69 EUR | 935.46 EUR |
The cost of living in the Czech Republic for international students can be lower, if you secure a dormitory place. On average, it varies from 100 to 300 EUR. Unfortunately, there are only a few rooms and thousands of students, so send a request as soon as possible. The application period is the real Hunger Games.
Regarding rent, the living cost in the Czech Republic also includes utilities, often paid separately.
| Type | Living expenses in the Czech Republic |
|---|---|
| Basic (electricity, water, etc) for 85m² apartment | 266.85 EUR |
| 10 GB of mobile data | 24.15 EUR |
| Unlimited internet | 18.45 EUR |
While you can't control rent prices, your utility bills depend heavily on your consumption. Read these articles to save money without going extreme. There’s a way to pay less without keeping the lights turned off forever and staying frozen during winter.
Food prices in the Czech Republic
Here, everything will depend on your eating habits. If you cook Michelin-star-level dishes, be ready to spend a fortune. But if you’re in for simple recipes, the food prices in the Czech Republic will not be shocking.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1l | 1.03 EUR |
| Bread, 500g | 1.39 EUR |
| Rice, 1kg | 2.13 EUR |
| Eggs, 12 | 2.80 EUR |
| Local cheese, 1kg | 10.96 EUR |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | 8.07 EUR |
| Apples, 1kg | 1.44 EUR |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | 3.03 EUR |
| Potato, 1kg | 1.19 EUR |
| Domestic beer, 0.5l | 0.83 EUR |
To change the total living cost in the Czech Republic, work on your shopping list. Want to spend less on food? Read this article with tips on smart and savvy grocery shopping in Europe.
What is the cost of living in the Czech Republic if you eat out a lot? Let’s see the prices:
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant = 8.12 EUR.
- Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant = 40.60 EUR.
- Cappuccino = 2.69 EUR.
Buying coffee every workday during your lunch break may not be the best budgeting strategy, but overall, the food prices in the Czech Republic are not too high. You’ll afford some fancy holiday recipes for sure.
The cost of living in the Czech Republic: Transportation
The metro, buses, trams, and ferries — pick whatever you want. The country is known for its punctual and convenient public transportation system. It’ll be enough to travel across cities, especially when you’re single or have no kids.
If you’re living in Prague, you’ll pay:
- 30 CZK (around 1.22 EUR) for a 30-minute single ticket.
- 550 CZK (22.36 EUR) for a monthly pass.
The cost of living in the Czech Republic for international students is lower not only because of the rent. The public transportation tickets for students, adolescents aged 15 to 18 and seniors aged 60 to 65 are reduced. If you fit in one of these categories, the monthly pass will cost you 130 CZK (5.28 EUR).
Other options:
| Service/Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi, start | 2.03 EUR |
| Taxi, 1km | 1.30 EUR |
| Gasoline, 1l | 1.49 EUR |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent) | 24,361.19 EUR |
To stay in shape and help our planet, you can also use bikes. It’s a popular leisure activity and means of transportation among the locals.
Salaries
Finally, we can skip to the good part. The average monthly salary after tax is 1,465.33 EUR. It's enough to rent, eat well, and have some spare funds for entertainment. But it's far from a luxury lifestyle.
There was a salary increase in the Czech Republic in 2025. Now, the minimum wage is 20800 CZK (845.49 EUR). So, don't accept a full-time, low-paying job that offers you less.
The salary increase in the Czech Republic in 2025 has also affected the hourly wage. 124.40 CZK (5.06 EUR) is the new standard.
Taxes
The three main tax payments that affect the living cost in the Czech Republic are:
- Personal income tax,
- VAT,
- Social security contributions.
Personal income tax
- 15% for annual incomes under 1,676,052 CZK (68,129 EUR).
- 23% for incomes over this number.
Why 1,676,052 CZK? Because it's an average salary multiplied by 36. There is still a question of why x36, but we don't make the rules.
Usually, your employer pays it, and you receive a salary after tax.
VAT
The current VAT rate is 21%. The business pays it, not you. But VAT is included in the prices of goods and services. So, by the end of the day, it's all on the consumer, again.
Social security contributions
Here, the tax burden is divided between you and the company.
- The company: 24.8% for social security and 9% for health insurance.
- The employee: 7.1% for social security and 4.5% for health insurance.
It’s all deducted from your gross salary. If you apply for a job and an HR representative reveals the salary before tax, deduct it before agreeing to a contract. The final salary may not be high enough for your needs.
So, what is the cost of living in the Czech Republic? It all depends, but you should feel comfortable with a salary of around 1,500 EUR.
FAQ—What is the cost of living in the Czech Republic?
How expensive is Prague in 2025?
You’ll need around 822 EUR per month on everyday expenses such as food, transport, and leisure.
What is the cost of living in the Czech Republic for a single person?
Around 778,8 EUR excluding rent.
What is the cost of living in the Czech Republic for international students?
Also around 778,8 EUR excluding rent. Can be lower if you secure a dormitory place and take advantage of student discounts. Read this article to avoid financial failures as an international student.
What are the tax changes for 2025 in the Czech Republic?
VAT threshold updates were introduced. Also, health-related benefits are exempt from tax, social security, and health contributions up to 46,557 CZK (around 1,890 EUR). For more updates, read the official documents.
What is the inflation forecast for the Czech Republic in 2025?
According to the Czech National Bank, the inflation target is 2.2%.
What is the minimum wage in the Czech Republic 2025?
20800 CZK (845.49 EUR) per month for a full-time position. It’s enough to cover the basic living expenses in the Czech Republic if you don’t pay rent or share a flat with someone.
How to send money from the Czech Republic
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