Cost Comparison 2025

PraguevsBeijing

Czech Republic
China

Overall

💰

+12.7%

Prague is 12.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+11.1%

Housing is 11.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

-6.7%

Restaurants 6.7% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+30.0%

Food shopping 30.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Prague, Czech Republic and Beijing, China reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Prague is more expensive than Beijing by approximately 12.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Prague are lower than in Beijing by 10%. A one-bedroom apartment in Prague's city center costs around CZK 20,000, while the same in Beijing is approximately CN¥7,500.

Dining out in Prague costs about the same compared to Beijing. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CZK 150 in Prague versus CN¥30 in Beijing.

Public transportation in Prague is more expensive, with monthly passes at CZK 550 compared to CN¥200 in Beijing.

Grocery shopping in Prague is more affordable by approximately 23%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Prague can expect to spend approximately CZK 9,098 per month (excluding rent), while in Beijing, the same lifestyle would cost around CN¥1,746. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CZK 31,843 monthly in Prague versus CN¥6,111 in Beijing. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Prague, Czech Republic
Beijing, China

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CZK 20,000
CN¥7,500
1BR Outside Center
CZK 15,000
CN¥4,000
3BR City Center
CZK 35,000
CN¥17,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CZK 150
CN¥30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CZK 900
CN¥200
Cappuccino
CZK 60
CN¥25
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CZK 40
CN¥8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CZK 22
CN¥13
Bread (500g)
CZK 25
CN¥10
Eggs (12)
CZK 50
CN¥12
Cheese (1kg)
CZK 180
CN¥90

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CZK 32
CN¥3
Monthly Pass
CZK 550
CN¥200
Taxi Start
CZK 40
CN¥13
Gasoline (1L)
CZK 35
CN¥8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CZK 4,500
CN¥350
Internet (60 Mbps)
CZK 500
CN¥100
Mobile Minute
CZK 3
CN¥0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Prague to Beijing, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Beijing to Prague requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Prague

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index70

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prague more expensive than Beijing?

Yes, Prague is approximately 12.7% more expensive than Beijing overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Prague compared to Beijing?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Beijing salary when living in Prague. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Beijing, you'd need about $56,364 in Prague for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Prague and Beijing?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 23%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Prague offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Beijing provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Prague if you prioritize earning potential, or Beijing for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Prague vs Beijing?

In Prague, a single person needs approximately CZK 24,098 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CZK 56,843. In Beijing, these figures are CN¥5,746 for singles and CN¥15,111 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Prague and Beijing in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Beijing to maintain your lifestyle from Prague

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers