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Cost of Living in Plzen

Understanding the the cost of living in Plzen helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 10,000 – 14,000 CZK per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: 7,000 – 10,000 CZK per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: 15,000 – 20,000 CZK per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: 12,000 – 15,000 CZK per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: 40,000 – 60,000 CZK
  • Price per square meter outside city center: 30,000 – 40,000 CZK
Transportation
  • One-way ticket (local transport): 20 CZK
  • Monthly pass (regular price): 550 CZK
  • Gasoline (1 liter): 30 – 35 CZK
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent new car): 600,000 – 700,000 CZK
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car): 500,000 – 600,000 CZK
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): 15 – 20 CZK
  • Bread (500g): 20 – 30 CZK
  • Rice (1kg): 30 – 40 CZK
  • Eggs (12): 30 – 40 CZK
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): 100 – 150 CZK
  • Apples (1kg): 20 – 30 CZK
  • Tomatoes (1kg): 30 – 50 CZK
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): 10 – 20 CZK
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 100 – 150 CZK
  • Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): 500 – 800 CZK
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): 25 – 35 CZK
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): 30 – 50 CZK
  • Cappuccino (regular): 30 – 50 CZK
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): 20 – 30 CZK
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): 15 – 25 CZK
Utilities
  • Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: 3,000 – 5,000 CZK per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): 2 – 3 CZK
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): 400 – 600 CZK per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) – full day: 4,000 – 6,000 CZK per month
  • Elementary School: 6,000 – 10,000 CZK per month
  • Middle School: 8,000 – 12,000 CZK per month
  • High School: 10,000 – 15,000 CZK per month
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Plzen

“The cost of living in Plzenublic is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Plzen are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out at restaurants is not expensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is also reasonably priced.Public transportation in Plzen is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes available at a low cost. Owning a car can be more expensive, with costs including gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Plzen is of a high standard and is affordable, especially when compared to countries such as the United States. Education, from kindergarten to university, is also reasonably priced.Overall, the cost of living in Plzen is quite low, making it an attractive place for expats and students. However, salaries in Plzen are also lower than in many Western European countries, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of living,” said one expat living in Plzen.

Can I live in Plzen on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Plzen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Slovany, Bory, or Skvrnany, where you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400-$500 a month. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Lochotin or Vinice, as the rent prices there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, the public transport system in Plzen is quite good and affordable. A monthly pass will cost you around $25, and it covers buses, trams, and trolleybuses. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US, so using public transport might be a more budget-friendly option.As for groceries, you can save money by shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl or Penny Market. Eating out can be affordable too, especially if you stick to local Czech cuisine, which is generally cheaper than international options. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $8-$12.Regarding entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Plzen. You can visit the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery for a tour and tasting for around $10, or explore the city’s numerous parks and historical sites for free. Movie tickets are reasonably priced at around $6-$8, and there are also many affordable bars and clubs where you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on some luxury items or high-end experiences, like dining at fancy restaurants or going on expensive trips. However, overall, I think you’ll find that Plzen offers a good quality of life at a relatively low cost, especially compared to larger cities like Prague,” commented an expat living in Plzen.

Can I live in Plzen on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Plzen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it’s quite doable. First, let’s talk about housing. I’d recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Bory, Skvrnany, or Doubravka. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a nice, modern apartment for around $600-$800 a month. I’d avoid neighborhoods like Lochotin or the city center, as they tend to be more expensive. When it comes to transportation, the public transport system in Plzen is quite good, and a monthly pass will only cost you around $30. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher here than in the US, so that might be an additional expense to consider. As for groceries and eating out, I’ve found that the cost of living in Plzen is generally lower than in the US. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10-$15 per person. In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options in Plzen that won’t break the bank. You can catch a movie for around $8, or visit one of the many museums and galleries for a small entrance fee. If you’re into sports, there are also several gyms and sports clubs with reasonable membership fees. Overall, I think you can live quite comfortably in Plzen on $3,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here,” said one expat living in Plzen.

Can I live in Plzen on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Plzen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Plzen is a pretty affordable city compared to other European cities, and you can find a nice apartment in a good neighborhood without breaking the bank.For example, I live in a two-bedroom apartment in the Bory neighborhood, which is a nice residential area with parks, shops, and restaurants nearby. I pay around $800 a month for rent, which is quite reasonable. If you’re looking for something even more affordable, you could consider neighborhoods like Slovany or Skvrnany, where you can find apartments for around $600 a month.On the other hand, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to check out Lochotin or Vinice. These areas have more luxurious apartments and houses, but the rent can be quite high, sometimes over $1,500 a month. So, if you want to stick to your $5,000 budget, you might want to avoid these neighborhoods.As for other expenses, groceries and eating out are quite affordable in Plzen. You can find good quality produce at local markets, and there are plenty of restaurants with delicious Czech and international cuisine at reasonable prices. I usually spend around $300 a month on groceries and another $200 on eating out.Transportation is also quite cheap, with a monthly public transport pass costing around $25. If you prefer to drive, gas prices are a bit higher than in the US, but still manageable within your budget.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there’s plenty to do in Plzen without spending a fortune. You can visit the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery, explore the historic city center, or enjoy the many parks and green spaces around the city. There are also several theaters, cinemas, and sports facilities where you can enjoy cultural events and stay active.All in all, I think you’ll find that living in Plzen on a $5,000 a month budget is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make some small adjustments, like choosing a more affordable neighborhood or cutting back on luxury items, but overall, you should be able to enjoy a good quality of life without too many sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Plzen.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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