It is not a fairy tale or a rumor: the Czech Republic is actually one of the cheapest EU countries! The cost of living in the Czech Republic is on average 37% lower than in Germany. The rents are even 42% lower than in Germany. Many services in the Czech Republic are also a lot cheaper than we are used to. If you decide to study in the Czech Republic, you will benefit from very low living costs. Those who may have to pay tuition fees can at least partially offset them with lower living expenses.
How much you should ultimately plan for the cost of living in the Czech Republic naturally depends on various factors, such as the place of study or your personal lifestyle. Like every other metropolis in Europe, Prague is getting more expensive every year, but the capital of the Czech Republic is still a lot cheaper than other European capitals. Especially away from the tourist corners, you can still go to eat or drink very cheaply. For example, if you live in a student dormitory a little outside the center and cook yourself, you can even make ends meet with CZK 10,800 (around EUR 400) a month.
Rent and housing costs in the Czech Republic
The expenses for accommodation, such as rent and utilities, account for the majority of the cost of living in the Czech Republic. The monthly costs you have to plan for your accommodation naturally depends on which city in the Czech Republic you are studying in, whether you live in the center and which type of accommodation you choose. Accommodation in Prague costs more than accommodation in Olomouc or Brno. A room in the center is more expensive than a room on the periphery. But rent in Prague is still a lot cheaper than in a German student city or in cities like Munich or Stuttgart.
According to usprivateschoolsfinder, the cheapest accommodation option in the Czech Republic is the student dormitory. A room in the dormitory is available from CZK 2700 (approx. EUR 100). The amount then usually already includes the additional costs, such as electricity and water, as well as an internet connection. However, you shouldn’t expect too much luxury. The dormitories in the Czech Republic are often old and accordingly worn out.
Many students sooner or later look for a room in a shared apartment. Of course, the rental price also depends on the location, the size of the room and the level of comfort. A single room in a shared apartment is available from around CZK 5400 (around EUR 200). However, you still have to plan in a share of the total amount for the ancillary costs and for the Internet connection.
| Average monthly rental costs | Average monthly additional costs (electricity, water, gas, garbage) | Average monthly internet costs (flat rate) | |
| Dormitory | From CZK 2700 | Usually included in the rental price | Usually included in the rental price |
| Shared room | From CZK 5400 | Part of the total amount averaging CZK 3831 for 85m 2 | Part of the total amount averaging CZK 378 |
Food costs in the Czech Republic
In addition to the expenses for rent and ancillary costs, meals are an essential part of living costs in the Czech Republic. Groceries are on average still cheaper in the Czech Republic than in Germany – the choice in supermarkets and hypermarkets is huge. It is always worth keeping an eye out for offers and special prices. Many supermarkets and hypermarkets are open every day, including Sundays; sometimes even around the clock. You can find fresh fruit and vegetables from the region at reasonable prices at the weekly markets.
| product | Average price in CZK |
| 1 white bread | 19.81 |
| 1 liter of milk | 17.09 |
| 1.5 liters of mineral water | 13.15 |
| 1 kilo of bananas | 30.59 |
| 1 pack of corn flakes | 22.90 |
| 12 eggs | 34.81 |
| Bohemian dumplings (knedlíky) | 20th |
| Olomouc Quargel Cheese (Olomoucké) | 21 |
| Becherovka Original 0.5 liter | 199 |
| Lunch in the cafeteria | 50 |
Costs for activities / leisure time in the Czech Republic
Student life should consist of more than studying, eating and sleeping! After all, you want to get to know the country and its people during your studies in the Czech Republic and you should also treat yourself to a regular break from the stress of learning. With its beautiful natural landscapes, spas, ski areas and its many cultural highlights, the Czech Republic offers endless opportunities for recreational activities. History fans will find impressive castles and palaces all over the country and those interested in sports will quickly be infected by the enthusiasm of the Czechs for ice hockey. Gourmets get their money’s worth in the Czech Republic anyway – and it is extremely cheap. In Prague, too, there are countless pubs, bars and restaurants where you can eat and drink at student-friendly prices – your fellow students will know where.
| Company | Cost in CZK |
| Eating out in a cheap restaurant | 90-150 |
| 1 cinema ticket | 135-180 |
| Czech beer (0.5 liters) | 25-35 |
| cappuccino | 30-50 |
| Entry to Prague Castle | From 125 |
| Ice hockey game in the Praha O2 arena | From 500 |
Tips in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, it is customary to tip the waitress in cafes, bars and restaurants of up to 10 percent – but of course only if the service is satisfactory. In the case of smaller sums and in ordinary restaurants, the amount to be paid is rounded up. For example, if you have an invoice of CZK 126, you can round up to CZK 140 or more. In upscale restaurants you expect a tip of at least 10 percent.
Transport costs in the Czech Republic
The public transport network in the Czech Republic is well developed and there is a very dense rail and bus network. In Prague buses, trams and metro run every minute. The transport costs in the Czech Republic are much lower than in Germany. A bus or train ticket costs an average of CZK 24, a monthly ticket costs an average of CZK 550. Taxi is also comparatively cheap in the Czech Republic: it costs around CZK 40 on average and around CZK 25 per kilometer. Anyone traveling by car currently pays around CZK 29.30 for one liter of petrol.
Telecommunication costs in the Czech Republic
Good news: In June 2017, roaming charges within the EU will be abolished. This means that you can use your flat rate package concluded with a German telephone provider in the Czech Republic without surcharges. Until then, during your stay you should make sure that you have generally deactivated the data roaming option and that you only activate it if you have access to the free WiFi. Many cafes in the Czech Republic offer their guests free WiFi access. Most German network providers also have international tariff options that you can book in addition. Purchasing a prepaid card is also a way of avoiding additional costs, for example for incoming calls.
From June 2017 it can also make sense to buy a Czech prepaid card or, especially if you are studying for a longer period of time, such as studying medicine, to conclude a mobile phone contract with a Czech provider. The best way to make calls to loved ones at home is via internet telephony providers such as Skype or WhatsApp Call – it doesn’t cost you anything.
Health care costs in the Czech Republic
The cost of living in the Czech Republic also includes expenses for your health care. If you have a cold or mild flu, you can find what you need in the Lékárna, the pharmacy. Many drugs are cheaper in the Czech Republic than in Germany, sometimes even up to 50 percent. For example, for 100 tablets with the active ingredient ibuprofen 400mg, you pay an average of just CZK 114.
The Czech Republic is a TBE risk area, so you should definitely be vaccinated against it and protect yourself from ticks as much as possible!
Visits to the doctor and hospital stays run through your European health insurance card, because you usually remain insured with your German health insurance company while studying abroad in the Czech Republic. It makes sense to take out additional health insurance abroad, as this also covers the costs of a return medical trip.
