Moving to the Czech Republic? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe. Its long history, stunning landscapes and medieval castles draw visitors from all over the world. This relatively small country has fourteen UNESCO world heritage sites and over 2,000 castles. The Czech Republic has a stable economy and encourages talented people to set up businesses within its borders.

If you are considering moving to the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of central Europe.

Quick Czech Republic Facts:

Population: 10,762,271 (2023 estimate)
Official Language:The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech. More than 96% of the population speak Czech as their first language. Other languages spoken in the Czech Republic include Slovak (1.6%), German (0.5%), and Polish (0.3%).
GDP Per Capita:$28,077 (2022)
Sugar Cubes: The world’s first sugar cubes appeared in the Czech Republic in 1841. Jakub Rad decided that the existing sugar ‘loaves’ were extremely difficult to use so he invented a machine which made the ‘loaves’ into easily manageable ‘cubes’.
Currency: Czech koruna (Kč / CZK). As of 2023, £1 = Kč28.10, €1 = Kč24.56, $1 CAD = Kč18.1956, $1 AUD = Kč16.1193, US$1 = Kč25.03

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Czech Republic

Here are some sample container shipping prices to the Czech Republic from other countries in Europe and around the world.

Destination Country (Port/City)	20FT	40FT
Andorra (Andorra la Vella)	1054	1389
Argentina (Buenos Aires)	6033	7095
Australia (Sydney)	N/A	8770
Austria (Vienna)	433	500
Bahrain (Manama)	1275	N/A
Canada (Toronto)	1201	1641
China (Shanghai)	6025	10871
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)	6685	10976
Lithuania (Klaipeda)	3300	5775
Malaysia (Port Kelang)	9625	14858
Pakistan (Karachi)	6129	21150
Poland (Gdansk)	3300	5775
Russia (Saint Petersburg)	3300	5775
Singapore (Singapore)	9625	14858
UAE (Jebel Ali)	5075	5488
Uruguay (Montevideo)	6033	7095
US (Los Angeles)	2375	3000
US (New York)	1885	2015
Vietnam (Saigon)	6300	11081

You can also find moving companies in the Czech Republic here.

2. Czech Republic Housing Costs

There’s a wide range of property for rent and purchase in the Czech Republic, from houses to studios. Local advice suggests that you avoid the communist era apartment blocks as many are in a state of disrepair due to poor construction. In Prague you’ll find a variety furnished, semi-furnished and unfurnished accommodation for rent.

Monthly Rental Prices in the Czech Republic

1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: Kč12,000 – Kč 25,000
1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: Kč10,000 – Kč18,000
3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: Kč17,000 – Kč45,000
3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: Kč15,000 – Kč45,000
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: Kč60,000 – Kč200, 000
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: Kč50,000 – Kč 50,000

Czech Republic Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in the Czech Republic compare with other countries around the globe.

United Kingdom is 53.9% more expensive
United States is 140% more expensive
Canada is 68.9% more expensive
Australia is 98.5% more expensive
France is 21.8% more expensive
Germany is 32% more expensive
Italy is 4.1% more expensive
Spain is 9.4% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flat mate and save some money: Student Zone, Erasmusu, iRoommates, Just Landed and Rentola.
Different areas – different prices. Prague is the most expensive city to live in, followed by Brno and Ostrava. Outside the big cities, especially in the rural areas, renting or buying property is cheaper.

3. The Czech Republic Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Food is the Czech Republic reflects its position in Europe. You can see the Germanic, Viennese, Hungarian, Slav and Russian influences in its cuisine. You’ll also find the usual fast food outlets together with Asian, Italian and other countries fare.

Inexpensive Restaurant: Kč120 – Kč275
Takeout Coffee: Kč39 – Kč80
Bottle of Coke: Kč25 – Kč50
1L of milk: Kč15 – Kč30
Loaf of Bread: Kč20 – Kč70
12 Eggs: Kč32 – Kč84
1kg Chicken: Kč100 – Kč240
1kg Beef: Kč180 – Kč330
1kg Apples: Kč20 – Kč50
1kg White Rice: Kč30 – Kč80

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other countries in the world.

UK restaurants are 80.8% more expensive and groceries are 11.3% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
US restaurants are 97.1%more expensive and groceries are 67.8% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
Canadian restaurants are 67.9% more expensive and groceries are 48.5% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
Australian restaurants are 88.7% more expensive and groceries are 70% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
French restaurants are 79% more expensive and groceries are 50.9% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
German restaurants are 54.2% more expensive and groceries are 20.4% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
Italian restaurants are 64.9% more expensive and groceries are 21.6% more expensive than the Czech Republic.
Spanish restaurants are 37.4% more expensive and groceries are 3.4% cheaper than the Czech Republic.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know your supermarkets: The Czech Republic has many independently owned grocery stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are excellent farmers’ markets in most towns where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses and baked goods. Popular supermarkets in the Czech Republic are: Billa, Iceland, Tesco, Lidl and Albert Supermarkets.
Find Cheap Eats:Eating out in the Czech Republic is very affordable compared with many countries around the world. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions on the cheapest places to eat – Taste of Prague, Undiscovered Path Home, Trip101, Yelp, and Joys of Travelling.

4. The Czech Republic Alcohol Costs

Wine and beer are the most popular drinks in the Czech Republic. Beer brewing is an important part of the Czech culture and it’s said that Czech drink more beer per capita than any other country in the world. Wine is slowly overtaking beer in popularity. Czech wines are slowly getting the recognition they deserve.

Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: Kč32 – Kč58
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: Kč40 – Kč79
Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: Kč12 – Kč30
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: Kč20 – Kč55
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: Kč80 – Kč200

How to drink for less in the Czech Republic

Keep an eye online and the local papers and flyers for advertisements for cheap drinks, either in supermarkets or in bars, clubs and restaurants
Many bars and restaurants have happy hours either late afternoon or early evening. Have a look at the following sites for tips on where to go to save money on a night out – Four Square, Matador Network and Yelp.

5. The Czech Republic Transportation Fares

The Czech Republic has an excellent public transport system. Prague has a great metro system and railway, plus trams, buses, ferries and cable cars. You can travel quickly to any part of the Czech Republic using safe and efficient public transport.

Here are some example ticket costs.

One-way Ticket (Local Transport) – Kč20 – Kč40
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) – Kč333.33 – Kč600
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – Kč30 – Kč89

How to save money on public transport

Buy a Eurorail Pass for unlimited rail travel for up to 30 days
Buy a bus/metro pass for cheaper travel in Prague
Cycle lanes are being introduced to city streets in the Czech Republic but it’s a slow process

6. Cost of Internet in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has some of the cheapest broadband in Europe. There are a number of ISPs offering broadband in the Czech Republic, including:

UPC Czech Republic – Kč499 per month for 40Mbps
T-Mobile Czech Republic – Kč599 per month for 100Mbps

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average summer temperature is around 24C although temperatures can rise considerably on occasions. Winters can be extremely cold with temperatures frequently below freezing. The average winter temperature is 1C. Czech Republic’s wettest month is June and its driest month is February. The country receives an average annual rainfall of 500mm.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: Kč800 – Kč 2,500
Summer Dress: Kč500 – Kč1,200
Running Shoes (Trainers): Kč1,200 – Kč 2,500
Business Shoes: Kč1,500 – Kč 3,300
Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): Kč1,089
Deodorant: Kč94
Shampoo: Kč102
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): Kč45
Gym membership: Kč500 – Kč1,500 per month
Movie (cinema) ticket: Kč150 – Kč250

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in the Czech Republic

The cost of owning and driving a car in the Czech Republic is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Pexpats provides detailed information on buying and registering a vehicle. The motorways and main roads are well maintained but other roads tend to have potholes and poor road markings.

If you are from an EU country, you can drive on your home country’s licence for 12 months. If you are from outside the EU, you need an International Driving Licence which will entitle you to drive for 12 months, after which you’ll need to get a Czech licence.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in the Czech Republic:

Volkswagen Golf:Kč500,000 – Kč620,000
1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):Kč36 – Kč48
Other costs: The average monthly cost of owning and running a small four-seater car is €280 per month. This includes average fuel, insurance, tax, depreciation and servicing.

Source: Numbeo

Ways to save money driving in the Czech Republic

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try BlaBlaCar, Carpool World and Autonapul.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uberand Ride Guru.

9. Taxes in the Czech Republic

Residents of the Czech Republic are taxed on their worldwide income. Non-residents are only taxed on their income from the Czech Republic. For those people who are EU residents, the tax rate is a flat 15%, for everyone else it’s 35%. Please go to Deloitte’s website for detailed information on all taxes in the Czech Republic.

VAT is 21% on most goods and services. Conbiz explains exactly what you need to pay on purchased properties and how to pay it. The amount depends on the size of the property and its value.

10. Flight Costs from the Czech Republic

If you do make the move to the Czech Republic, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2023:

London: Kč32
New York: Kč195
Toronto: Kč265
Sydney: Kč508
Paris: Kč32
Berlin: Kč28
Rome: Kč34
Madrid: Kč35

Other Czech Republic Relocation Tips

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in the Czech Republic but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Relocating to the Czech Republic Alone

Moving is always a stressful time but moving on your own can be exceptionally difficult. Most people settle very quickly into life in the Czech Republic. There’s so much to explore and enjoy, plus there are many expats and locals who will help make your move easy.

Here are a few tips about settling in the Czech Republic.

Meetups:The Czech Republic has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from IT to history.
Attend local events: There is always something going on in the Czech Republic and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – iExplore, 10times, All Events, and Rick Steves.

12. Moving to Czech Republic with a Family

The Czech Republic is becoming very popular with young families. If you’re considering a move to the Czech Republic with your family, here are a few things to keep in mind:

New parents (or parents to be):Check out cz, Facebook and Prague Mums for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
Live in a family friendly area:The Czech Republic is a great place to raise a family. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities and attractions for families to enjoy. Prague, the capital city, is incredibly family-friendly, with its many museums, parks, and historical landmarks.
Find things to do with the kids:The Czech Republic has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Withlocals, Tripadvisor, Inspirock, Planetware, and Via Travelers.

13. Moving to the Czech Republic for Work

Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Most expats find work in Prague rather than the other towns in the country.

There are positions available in IT, hospitality and tourism, finance, real estate, education, healthcare, trades, retail and manufacturing.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary:The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Accace, Salary Expert, Paylab and Platy, .
How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to the Czech Republic, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start:LinkedIn, All You Can Read, Indeed and cz. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to the Czech Republic from Australia

There is a small Aussie contingent living in the Czech Republic. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to the Czech Republic, here are a few things to consider.

Size comparison:The Czech Republic is 98 times smaller than Australia and there are 15.4 million fewer people in the Czech Republic.
Join expat groups:InterNations and Expat offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in the Czech Republic.

15. Moving to the Czech Republic from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in the Czech Republic. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Canada is 127 times larger than the Czech Republic. It also has 27.5 million more people living there.
Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as InterNations and

16. Moving to the Czech Republic from the United Kingdom

In 2021, it was estimated there were over 8,000 Brits living and working in the Czech Republic, so if you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:

Size: The UK’s population is 6.5 times larger than the Czech Republic even though it’s only just over 3 times the size.
Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go to InterNations and Meetup.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to the Czech Republic you can start by comparing moving quotes here.