Cost Comparison 2025

PraguevsCalgary

Czech Republic
Canada

Overall

💰

+30.9%

Prague is 30.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+11.1%

Housing is 11.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+66.7%

Restaurants 66.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+60.0%

Food shopping 60.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Prague, Czech Republic and Calgary, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Prague is more expensive than Calgary by approximately 30.9%. 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 Calgary by 10%. A one-bedroom apartment in Prague's city center costs around CZK 20,000, while the same in Calgary is approximately CA$1,600.

Dining out in Prague offers significant savings compared to Calgary. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CZK 150 in Prague versus CA$20 in Calgary.

Public transportation in Prague is more expensive, with monthly passes at CZK 550 compared to CA$112 in Calgary.

Purchasing power in Calgary is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Prague.

Grocery shopping in Prague is more affordable by approximately 38%. 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 Calgary, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$730. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CZK 31,843 monthly in Prague versus CA$2,555 in Calgary. 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
Calgary, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CZK 20,000
CA$1,600
1BR Outside Center
CZK 15,000
CA$1,300
3BR City Center
CZK 35,000
CA$2,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CZK 150
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CZK 900
CA$90
Cappuccino
CZK 60
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CZK 40
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CZK 22
CA$3
Bread (500g)
CZK 25
CA$3
Eggs (12)
CZK 50
CA$5
Cheese (1kg)
CZK 180
CA$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CZK 32
CA$4
Monthly Pass
CZK 550
CA$112
Taxi Start
CZK 40
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
CZK 35
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CZK 4,500
CA$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
CZK 500
CA$80
Mobile Minute
CZK 3
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Prague to Calgary, 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 Calgary 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

Calgary

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prague more expensive than Calgary?

Yes, Prague is approximately 30.9% more expensive than Calgary overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Calgary salary when living in Prague. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Calgary, you'd need about $65,455 in Prague for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Prague and Calgary?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 40%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Calgary, these figures are CA$2,030 for singles and CA$4,755 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Prague and Calgary in 2025 shows significant 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 Calgary to maintain your lifestyle from Prague

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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