Cost Comparison 2025

PraguevsDubai

Czech Republic
United Arab Emirates

Overall

💰

+45.5%

Prague is 45.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+66.7%

Housing is 66.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+66.7%

Restaurants 66.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+40.0%

Food shopping 40.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Prague, Czech Republic and Dubai, United Arab Emirates reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Prague is more expensive than Dubai by approximately 45.5%. 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 Dubai by 40%. A one-bedroom apartment in Prague's city center costs around CZK 20,000, while the same in Dubai is approximately AED 8,000.

Dining out in Prague offers significant savings compared to Dubai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CZK 150 in Prague versus AED 40 in Dubai.

Public transportation in Prague is more expensive, with monthly passes at CZK 550 compared to AED 350 in Dubai.

Purchasing power in Dubai 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 29%. 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 Dubai, the same lifestyle would cost around AED 2,334. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CZK 31,843 monthly in Prague versus AED 8,169 in Dubai. 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
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CZK 20,000
AED 8,000
1BR Outside Center
CZK 15,000
AED 5,000
3BR City Center
CZK 35,000
AED 15,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CZK 150
AED 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CZK 900
AED 300
Cappuccino
CZK 60
AED 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CZK 40
AED 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CZK 22
AED 6
Bread (500g)
CZK 25
AED 5
Eggs (12)
CZK 50
AED 10
Cheese (1kg)
CZK 180
AED 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CZK 32
AED 8
Monthly Pass
CZK 550
AED 350
Taxi Start
CZK 40
AED 12
Gasoline (1L)
CZK 35
AED 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CZK 4,500
AED 600
Internet (60 Mbps)
CZK 500
AED 400
Mobile Minute
CZK 3
AED 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Prague to Dubai, 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 Dubai 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

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prague more expensive than Dubai?

Yes, Prague is approximately 45.5% more expensive than Dubai overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.5x of your Dubai salary when living in Prague. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dubai, you'd need about $72,727 in Prague for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Prague and Dubai?

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?

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

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

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 Dubai, these figures are AED 7,334 for singles and AED 18,169 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Prague and Dubai 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 Dubai to maintain your lifestyle from Prague

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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