Planning a budget for an overseas trip begins with monitoring the cost of prospective purchases in a foreign country. The Czech state, although located in the center of Europe, still pleases its guests with moderate price tags with a fairly large selection of services and goods. What prices in the Czech Republic should tourists and expats expect, let's try to figure out the details.
The budget of the average citizen of the country
The Czech Republic cannot be called the best country to live in the European part of the continent, if viewed from the standpoint of comfort and living standards. At the same time, it is one of the most successful and rapidly developing states in Central Europe. Due to the high concentration of industrial enterprises, the purity of the air remains controversial, and life expectancy is 75 years for men and 81 for women.
But the unemployment rate here does not exceed 3%. The minimum wage in 2021 was set at 475 euros per month. Average earnings are 1200 euros. After paying all tax contributions, the Czech citizen has about 890 euros in his hands.
Foreign engineers, specialists in areas such as information technology, banking, can count on a salary of 1500-2000 euros.
Read more about the income of Czechs in the article "Salaries in the Czech Republic".
The cost of living in the Czech Republic is relatively low when compared with its western neighbors - Germany, Austria, Switzerland. The main items of expenditure are as follows:
- Food. A family of two will need at least € 150 each month. If your needs and appetite are higher, you need to set aside 200-500 euros for food.
- Clothes and footwear. Even with a seasonal update of the wardrobe, you can save on things. This allows you to make sales and a large number of outlets, in which you can make a "capsule" for 150-200 euros.
- Utility bills are the most expensive item for a family. Electricity, water, heating, minor repairs and other housing costs spend 20% of income every month. And if the housing is rented, then this is another 20% of earnings.
- Fare. The most expensive way to get around is by taxi. But you can travel on other types of urban transport for only 21 euros, having bought a pass for a month.
- Medical service. If you have insurance, you can visit doctors under the policy for free. Otherwise, each visit will cost 12-40 euros.
- Mobile communications and internet. These services cannot be called cheap due to the lack of great competition in the market. On average, the package costs 17-55 euros.
Everything that remains after deducting these expenses, the Czechs spend on sports, entertainment, travel.
How much money do you need for food
Food costs make up a large part of the budget of an ordinary citizen of the country. Tourists prefer to eat in cafes, restaurants and eateries. This gives them the opportunity to appreciate the peculiarities of Czech cuisine.
You can have a hearty lunch in Karlovy Vary or Prague for only 7-8 euros, which is inexpensive for a visiting person, and significant expenses for local residents.
Czechs prefer to eat at home or in places away from tourist routes, where lunch will cost only 4 euros.
But this does not mean at all that the local residents' grocery basket is half empty. Not at all: representatives of this nation are very fond of cooking and shopping in supermarkets. It is customary to arrange meetings with friends in some cozy tavern on weekends.
The average amount spent on groceries is 150 euros.
Some citizens do not save on culinary preferences and allocate 250-500 euros monthly for this. At the same time, everyone visits the same stores. The most popular supermarket chains in the Czech Republic are:
- Billa,
- Lidl,
- Terno,
- Coop,
- Albert,
- Tesco,
- Kaufland.
Prices in Prague for food in kroons and euros are presented in the table.
| Expenditure item | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Cup of coffee with milk | 57.53 | 2.24 |
| Water 0.5 l | 13.87 | 0.51 |
| Local beer 0.5 l | 17.68 | 0.66 |
| Imported beer 0.5 l | 26.77 | 1.01 |
| Wine 0.75 l | 129 | 5.02 |
| Sosa-Sola 0.5 l | 25 | 0.97 |
| Rice 1 kg | 35.71 | 1.36 |
| Milk 1 l | 20.56 | 0.78 |
| Bread 0.5 kg | 24.29 | 0.53 |
| Potatoes 1 kg | 19 | 0.74 |
| Cheese 1 kg | 194 | 7.55 |
| Eggs 10 pcs. | 41 | 1.6 |
| Sausages 1 kg | 80 | 3.12 |
Local alcohol is, of course, cheaper than imported alcohol. For example, half a liter of becherovka or plum brandy will cost 180 crowns (515 rubles or 7 euros), and 0.7 liters of absinthe will cost 300 crowns (860 rubles, 12 euros). Cigarette prices range from € 2 per pack (Kent) to € 20 (Camel).
When shopping in supermarkets, look for Klasa stickers. This state mark means high quality.
If you decide to visit a cafe, be prepared for the following expenses:
| Dish | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Average check in cafes away from tourist routes | 193 | 8 |
| Average check in places close to major attractions | 408 | 16 |
| Shank 100 g | 89 | 3.47 |
| Sausages 1 serving | 70 | 2.73 |
| Ice cream 1 scoop | 30 | 1.17 |
| Cheesecake | 60 | 2.34 |
| Soup | from 30 | from 1.17 |
| Salads (200-300 g) | from 50 | from 1.95 |
| Chicken Meat Dishes | from 60 | from 2.34 |
When traveling with children, it is important to think about what you will feed them. This is especially true for those who travel to the Czech Republic with a baby who is not yet 1 year old. It is very difficult to find puree from one component here. In hyper- and supermarkets there are always baby formulas, cereals and other products for the little ones. Estimated prices for baby food:
| Product | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrilon Blend | 349 | 13.59 |
| Nestle milk mixture | 289 | 11.25 |
| Vegetable puree | 34 | 1.32 |
| Hami meat puree | 39.9 | 1.52 |
| Fruit puree | 16.9 | 0.62 |
If you want to cook on your own, it is better to rent an apartment with a separate kitchen. Some family-style hotels can prepare porridge at your request. But in a cafe you need to take into account that Czech dishes are quite fatty, so it is better to look for something dietary in the menu.
Housing cost
Any foreign citizen can buy an apartment in the Czech Republic today. In 2009, the authorities lifted the restriction that allowed real estate transactions only for legal entities. There is a great demand for residential premises in new buildings, in restored historical buildings, in the center of the capital. The cost of housing depends on the city and area in which it is located.
Real estate in old Prague will cost the most - from 4,000 euros per square meter. On the periphery, prices are more democratic - 2300-2700 euros. In other cities of the country, it is even cheaper to become the owner of an apartment or house.
For tourists from Russia, the issue of renting a living space is also relevant. How much it will cost to stay will depend on the location of the apartment or house, as well as on:
- number of rooms;
- type of heating system;
- the presence of protection;
- furnishings;
- parking.
The most expensive is to rent an apartment in the Czech capital. Apartments in the center cost about 800-1100 euros.
The approximate cost of rental housing is given in the table:
| Rentals | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Bed in an 8-bed hostel room | 200 | 7.8 |
| Double room in the hostel | 419 | 16.32 |
| Double room in a hotel 3-4 * | 1354 | 52.72 |
| Apartment (1 day) | 1492 | 58 |
| Apartment (1 month) | 15208 | 592.17 |
In cities remote from Prague, you can find options for 300-350 euros per month.
All the details of the process are described in the article "How to rent an apartment in the Czech Republic".
Don't forget about utility bills. On average, they make up 20-30% of the rental price, that is, about 100-250 euros. Only for wired internet you will have to pay 20 euros per month. In small settlements, utility costs will be 20-40% cheaper.
Read more about this expense item in the article "Utilities in the Czech Republic".
Transportation costs
Before the trip, you should inquire about how the transfer within the country will be carried out. The best way to get from one city to another in the Czech Republic is by train or bus.
In the first case, the journey will take longer, but will be cheaper. But by bus, you can even travel to another country, but the cost of the trip will be more expensive.This is due to the fact that not all trains are high-speed here. Some move at a speed of no more than 30 km / h, making stops every 20-25 minutes.
It is possible to make a round trip on the Prague-Vienna route by bus for only 38-48 euros per person. By train, the cost of the same trip is 40-80 euros. Long trips are best done by car. The price for gasoline is 1.29 euros and for diesel fuel 1.26 euros.
Renting a car will cost about 30-40 euros per day, if the term of the contract does not exceed 7-10 days. Longer use of the car will reduce the price.
To be able to travel on toll roads, you need to buy a vignette for a passenger car. They are sold at gas stations and cost 11 euros for 10 days or 55.5 euros for a year.
The best way to get around the city is by public transport. Firstly, this is a saving of 100 euros per month on car maintenance, and secondly, parking in Czech cities is expensive (from 1.1 euros per hour), and there are not so many free places on them. Prices for using public transport are as follows:
| Service | Tariff in CZK | Tariff in Euro |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trip | 25.38 | 0.97 |
| Travel ticket for 1 month | 543 | 21.14 |
| Taxi ride around the city | 216 | 8.41 |
| Car rental (1 day) | 1007 | 39.21 |
The pass is valid for all types of transport and does not limit the number of trips.
The topic is discussed in more detail in the article "Public transport in the Czech Republic".
Education issue
Migrants with children are always interested in the situation with obtaining education. Children from the age of three can be enrolled in a kindergarten. To do this, it is not at all necessary to be a citizen of the country. But attending a preschool institution will be paid - about 40 euros every month.
Education in a public school is free. You will have to make contributions only for food (about 11 euros per month) and attending clubs (4-5 euros per month).
Studying in a private school will cost more. For example, a visit to a secondary educational institution at the Embassy of the Russian Federation will cost about 100 euros for 1 month, and a Czech-Russian gymnasium - 15,000 euros for 1 year.
You can get higher education at any university in the country for free. Such an opportunity is provided for both citizens of the country and for foreigners, but on condition that the program is chosen with teaching in the Czech language.
It is possible to study at English-speaking faculties only on a paid basis. And this also applies to all students without exception. The payment amount is 5-14 thousand euros for 1 year.
The stages of the educational process and their features are described in the article "The education system in the Czech Republic".
Payment for medical services
You will have to take care of medical insurance already at the stage of visa processing. The policy is a mandatory document for submission to the consulate. Those planning long-term residence in the country have three options for paying for medical services:
- at the doctor's appointment;
- according to the insurance contract;
- on the basis of a compulsory insurance policy.
The first method is the most expensive one. One visit to the doctor can cost 25-30 euros. Most expensive dental services. But you can get first aid in the event of a critical situation for free, although the state does not prohibit medical institutions from charging fees for emergency care.
Contractual insurance involves signing a contract with an insurer. This document allows you to use medical services in any institution that cooperates with the selected insurance company. The amount of monthly installments will be 22-127 euros.
Compulsory insurance is issued when applying for a job in a Czech company. Payments are made by the employer. The state pays for the unemployed, children and disabled persons.
You can read more about medical services in the article "Treatment in the Czech Republic".
How much do household appliances and clothing cost?
A trip to the Czech Republic, of course, involves shopping. Today you can find boutiques of almost all world brands here. The largest selection of goods and shops is presented in Prague. If you shop during the seasonal sales period, you can update your wardrobe at very attractive prices.
How much clothes cost is shown in the table:
| Name of product | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans | 1412-1926 | 55-75 |
| Jumper | 282-565 | 11-22 |
| T-shirt | 205-642 | 8-25 |
| Shoes | 1412-2850 | 55-111 |
| Summer dress | 850 | 33-35 |
| Sneakers | 1700-2000 | 66-78 |
The purchase of household appliances in Czech electronics markets will also be beneficial. For example, we will give the prices of one of the largest stores CZC.cz:
| Product | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S8 mobile phone | 17990 | 700 |
| Apple iPhone 8 | 21490 | 837 |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 | 24990 | 973 |
| Samsung Ultra HD TV | 11490 | 447 |
| Nikon D500 camera | 56390 | 2195 |
| Washing machine Indesit XWDA | 10030 | 390 |
Leisure in the Czech Republic
In addition to basic expenses, you will also need money for your leisure time. If tourists are content with sightseeing, then residents make up a more extensive leisure program. The table shows the main cost items:
| Expenses | Price in CZK | Price in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket to the Prague Theater | 900 | 35 |
| Cinema ticket | 77-128 | 3-5 |
| Gym membership | 770 | 30 |
| A haircut | 500-800 | 20-31 |
| Manicure (coated) | 260-515 | 10-20 |
| Sightseeing tour of Prague | 650 | 25 |
| Museum ticket | 100 | 3.89 |
| Ticket to the water park in the capital | 720 | 28 |
Like many Europeans, Czechs love to travel. This is facilitated by the presence of low-cost airlines on the air transportation market. These airlines offer flights at very competitive prices - from 15 euros per ticket.
Prices in different cities of the country
The cost of living in different regions of the Czech Republic can vary significantly. The most expensive life will be in Karlovy Vary, Prague, Hradec Kralove, Brno, Plzen. But in Olomouc, České Budějovice and Český Krumlov, prices are much lower. For convenience of comparison, we present the data in the tables.
Rent a one-room apartment.
| Locality | Price in euro city center | Price in euros in a residential area |
|---|---|---|
| Brno | 450 | 370 |
| Prague | 610 | 450 |
| Ostrava | 270 | 220 |
| Pilsen | 340 | 280 |
| Olomouc | 340 | 270 |
| Ceske Budejovice | 340 | 270 |
| Hradec Kralove | 380 | 270 |
Wage level.
| Town | Wages in kroons | Wages in Euro |
|---|---|---|
| Karlovy Vary | 18333 | 716 |
| Prague | 26103 | 1020 |
| Olomouc | 20276 | 792 |
| Cesky Budejovice | 20083 | 785 |
| Ostrava | 18927 | 872 |
| Pilsen | 22350 | 873 |
| Brno | 22317 | 872 |
Basic expenses (in euros).
| Town | Eating in a cafe | 1-month public transport pass | Communal payments | Subscription to the gym | Clothes, shoes | Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brno | 4.24 | 21.2 | 135.71 | 30.53 | 200-250 | 70-100 |
| Prague | 5.09 | 21.2 | 161.15 | 33.08 | 260-290 | 120-150 |
| Olomouc | 3.39 | 13.57 | 120.44 | 23.75 | 220-240 | 80-110 |
| Ostrava | 3.39 | 19.51 | 110.26 | 24.60 | 240-270 | 80-100 |
| Pilsen | 3.5 | 16.96 | 163.7 | 23.75 | 230-250 | 100-120 |
Outcomes
The cost of living in the Czech Republic is slightly lower than in western European countries, but higher than in other states of its central and eastern parts. This indicator depends on the locality. With an average earnings of 800-1000 euros, Czechs spend about two-thirds on utility bills, travel, food, and medicine.
