Moving to a new country can be an exciting and daunting experience at the same time. One of the most important factors to consider before making the move is the cost of living in your destination country.
Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats due to its rich culture, affordable lifestyle, and beautiful architecture. If you’re considering moving to Prague, you’re probably wondering how much money you’ll need. In this article, we’ll break down some of the key expenses you should consider.
Housing
Finding a place to live is one of the most significant expenses when moving to a new city. The cost of renting an apartment in Prague varies depending on location and size.
The city center tends to be more expensive than the suburbs. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Prague will cost around 12,000 CZK per month (approximately $550 USD). If you’re looking for a shared accommodation or a larger apartment, expect to pay more.
Utilities
In addition to rent, you’ll need to budget for utilities such as electricity, gas, water and internet. On average, these expenses can add up to around 3,500 CZK per month (approximately $160 USD). Keep in mind that during winter months when heating is required – utility bills can increase.
Transportation
Prague has an excellent public transportation system with buses, trams and metro lines that run throughout the city. A monthly public transportation pass costs around 670 CZK (approximately $30 USD). Alternatively – if you prefer cycling – there are several bike-sharing services available as well as bike rental shops.
Groceries
Grocery shopping in Prague can be affordable if you stick with local markets instead of large supermarket chains. On average, a week’s worth of groceries for two people will cost around 2,500 CZK (approximately $115 USD). It’s worth noting that if you’re used to buying imported or specialty foods, you may find them more expensive in Prague.
Dining and Entertainment
Prague has a vibrant food and drink scene with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. Eating out can be very affordable compared to other European cities.
A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around 600 CZK (approximately $27 USD). If you prefer to cook at home but still enjoy a night out, expect to pay around 200 CZK (approximately $9 USD) for a pint of beer or glass of wine.
Healthcare
Czech citizens have access to state-run healthcare services free of charge. However, as an expat, you’ll need to purchase health insurance either through your employer or privately. The cost of private health insurance varies depending on age, medical history and coverage.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of living in Prague is relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Depending on your lifestyle, you can expect to spend between 25,000-35,000 CZK per month (approximately $1,140-$1,600 USD) on basic expenses such as housing, utilities and groceries. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate – your actual expenses may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
When planning your move to Prague – make sure to take into account all expenses mentioned above – and don’t forget about the costs associated with visas and other legal requirements which are essential when moving abroad.