Cost Comparison 2025

PraguevsCape Town

Czech Republic
South Africa

Overall

💰

-9.1%

Prague is 9.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-22.2%

Housing is 22.2% lower

Dining

🍽️

+11.1%

Restaurants 11.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-10.0%

Food shopping 10.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Prague, Czech Republic and Cape Town, South Africa reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Prague is more affordable than Cape Town by approximately 9.1%. 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 higher than in Cape Town by 29%. A one-bedroom apartment in Prague's city center costs around CZK 20,000, while the same in Cape Town is approximately ZAR 12,000.

Dining out in Prague costs about the same compared to Cape Town. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CZK 150 in Prague versus ZAR 150 in Cape Town.

Public transportation in Prague is more affordable, with monthly passes at CZK 550 compared to ZAR 800 in Cape Town.

Grocery shopping in Prague is more expensive by approximately 11%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher 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 Cape Town, the same lifestyle would cost around ZAR 5,890. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CZK 31,843 monthly in Prague versus ZAR 20,615 in Cape Town. 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
Cape Town, South Africa

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CZK 20,000
ZAR 12,000
1BR Outside Center
CZK 15,000
ZAR 8,000
3BR City Center
CZK 35,000
ZAR 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CZK 150
ZAR 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CZK 900
ZAR 700
Cappuccino
CZK 60
ZAR 35
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CZK 40
ZAR 35

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CZK 22
ZAR 25
Bread (500g)
CZK 25
ZAR 15
Eggs (12)
CZK 50
ZAR 35
Cheese (1kg)
CZK 180
ZAR 120

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CZK 32
ZAR 20
Monthly Pass
CZK 550
ZAR 800
Taxi Start
CZK 40
ZAR 20
Gasoline (1L)
CZK 35
ZAR 23

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CZK 4,500
ZAR 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
CZK 500
ZAR 800
Mobile Minute
CZK 3
ZAR 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cape Town to Prague, 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 Prague to Cape Town 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

Cape Town

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index60

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prague more expensive than Cape Town?

No, Prague is approximately 9.1% cheaper than Cape Town. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Prague compared to Cape Town?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 92% of your Cape Town salary when living in Prague. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Cape Town, you'd need about $45,833 in Prague for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Prague and Cape Town?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 29%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. 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, Prague provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Prague if you prioritize earning potential, or Cape Town for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Prague vs Cape Town?

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 Cape Town, these figures are ZAR 13,890 for singles and ZAR 38,615 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Prague and Cape Town in 2025 shows moderate 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 Cape Town to maintain your lifestyle from Prague

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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