Teach English in the Czech Republic: Financial Snapshot

Expected Apartment Costs
Banking
Food Costs

Expected Apartment Costs

As in most countries, the Czech Republic’s rental properties vary between cities and districts and vary according to lifestyle factors.

The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in one of the Czech Republic’s city centres is approximately 12,000 Kč per month, with a price range of approximately 8,100 - 14,000 Kč per month. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside of Czech’s city centres is approximately 9,000 Kč per month, with a price range of approximately 7,250 - 10,500 Kč per month.

The average cost of a three-bedroom apartment in one of the Czech Republic's city centres is approximately 21,250 Kč per month, with a price range of approximately 19,300 - 27,000 Kč per month; while the same apartment outside of the city centre would be approximately 17,000 Kč per month.

Banking in the Czech Republic

 National banks in the Czech Republic include the Czech National Bank, and international banks include HSBC and Citibank. Most have at least one or two English speaking tellers or international exchange personnel. Those interested in opening an account should check with a number of different banks to determine the one most suitable in light of commission rates, English service, and international transfer of money.

ATMs are commonplace throughout the Czech Republic and allow withdrawals of local currency using foreign cards that have the Cirrus, Plus, or Maestro symbols. Caution should be exercised when using ATM machines by covering the pin pad when entering the PIN number and by choosing an ATM that is centrally located in a bank, mall or reputable shopping area.

Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the Euro is not the legal tender currently and is not readily accepted, with the exception of some restaurants and tourist attractions in Prague. The exchange rate in these establishments tends to be higher than what is available through ATMs and banks. Discussions have been in play for several years within the government to adopt the Euro; however, implementing this initiative would unlikely be imminent.

Tips: 

• ESL teachers should take start up money to cover initial set up costs, apartment costs and other living expenses prior to receiving first paycheque.
• Credit card companies in one’s home country should be made aware of one’s relocation so that they don’t freeze accounts when they see charges in another country (unusual pattern).

Food Costs

 The following table provides ESL teachers with examples of the cost of food in the Czech Republic:

•  1 litre Milk – 16 Kč
• 100 gr Cheese – 15 Kč
• Loaf of Bread – 21 Kč
• 10 Eggs – 20 Kč
• Whole Chicken – 75 Kč
• 1 kg Apples – 30 Kč
• 1.5 litre Bottled Water – 10 Kč
• Bottle of Domestic Wine – 75 Kč
• .33 litre bottle Coke/Pepsi – 24 Kč

Other Miscellaneous Items:

• Cinema Ticket – 150 Kč
• 1 hr Tennis Court Rental – 195 Kč
• 1 pair Nike Shoes – 1,400 Kč
• 1 pair Levis – 1,850 Kč

Other Eastern Europe Countries: