Cost of living in Prague is relatively cheap. As with any city the price of a flat (apartment) depends on its size and location. Many teachers choose to live in one of two different areas called Vinohrady or Letna. Letna is typically a bit less expensive than Vinohrady. Both areas are about equal distance to the center. Many teachers choose to live in one of these two areas based on their location to the center of Prague as well as their great restaurants and bars. The average price for a room in a shared flat in Vinohrady or Letna is approximately 8,000 crowns (380 USD). There are also many other great areas to live in Prague. These other areas are usually less expensive and a room in a shared flat may be approximately 5,000 – 7,000 crowns (238 - 334 USD).
Most landlords include utilities into the monthly rent. A good place to look for a new flat to rent is www.homesweethome.cz. On this website you can search for flats and make an appointment to meet with a real estate agent. Be prepared to pay one month’s rent to the real estate agent for finding you the flat. A cheaper more common way of finding a flat is to use www.expats.cz . This website allows you find a room to rent from someone who is already renting the flat. Using this site allows you to avoid the real estate agent.
Teacher’s salaries are usually about 20,000 - 25,000 crowns (950 - 1190 USD) per month for full time . That equals to 240 000 - 300 000 crowns (11 428 - 14285 USD) per year. Full time work includes about 25 teaching hours per week. Although this does not seem like many hours, take into consideration the time you will spend on public transportation commuting from one class to another.
Groceries for one week cost about 700 crowns (34 USD). Perishable products are quite fresh in Prague and therefore expire quickly. Make sure to check the dates on items like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Some of the major grocery chains include Tesco, Albert, and Billa.
Dinner and a movie are usually cheaper in Prague. An average dinner per person is about 150 crowns (7 USD) and a movie ticket is about 130 crowns (6 USD). Tipping is practiced in Prague, but is generally only about 10%. Beer and wine are cheaper as well. Mixed drinks cost about 90 crowns (4 USD) and shots are about 50 crowns (2,5 USD). Make sure to experience the local Czech shot called Becherovka.
One of the few items that is more expensive here than in other countries is the clothing. You can find stores with inexpensive clothing, but on average the cost of clothing is higher. There are many second hand stores in Prague that offer better deals than the department stores so make sure to take advantage of those. Mobile phone plans are another item that are significantly more expensive. Whether you purchase a plan or just buy credit be prepared to pay more and talk less. I would estimate that the average teacher spends about 800 crowns (38 USD) on credit a month, which will buy you about 200 minutes of talking time.
Generally, the prices in the Czech Republic are usually very low and there is always something fun to do for free.
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written by Luke Bodenschatz, TEFL graduate - Prague, 2007
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