Cost Comparison 2025

San FranciscovsPrague

United States
Czech Republic

Overall

💰

-47.6%

San Francisco is 47.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-59.1%

Housing is 59.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-57.1%

Restaurants 57.1% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-52.4%

Food shopping 52.4% less

Comparing the cost of living between San Francisco, United States and Prague, Czech Republic reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that San Francisco is more affordable than Prague by approximately 47.6%. 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 San Francisco are higher than in Prague by 144%. A one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco's city center costs around $3,800, while the same in Prague is approximately CZK 20,000.

Dining out in San Francisco is notably more expensive compared to Prague. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $22 in San Francisco versus CZK 150 in Prague.

Public transportation in San Francisco is more affordable, with monthly passes at $98 compared to CZK 550 in Prague.

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

Grocery shopping in San Francisco is more expensive by approximately 110%. 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 San Francisco can expect to spend approximately $778 per month (excluding rent), while in Prague, the same lifestyle would cost around CZK 9,098. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,724 monthly in San Francisco versus CZK 31,843 in Prague. 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
San Francisco, United States
Prague, Czech Republic

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,800
CZK 20,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,800
CZK 15,000
3BR City Center
$7,500
CZK 35,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$22
CZK 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$130
CZK 900
Cappuccino
$6
CZK 60
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
CZK 40

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
CZK 22
Bread (500g)
$4
CZK 25
Eggs (12)
$5
CZK 50
Cheese (1kg)
$18
CZK 180

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
CZK 32
Monthly Pass
$98
CZK 550
Taxi Start
$6
CZK 40
Gasoline (1L)
$1
CZK 35

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$160
CZK 4,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
CZK 500
Mobile Minute
$0
CZK 3

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Prague to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco 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

San Francisco

Cost of Living Index105
Rent Index110
Purchasing Power Index115

Prague

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco more expensive than Prague?

No, San Francisco is approximately 47.6% cheaper than Prague. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in San Francisco compared to Prague?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 68% of your Prague salary when living in San Francisco. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Prague, you'd need about $33,871 in San Francisco for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between San Francisco and Prague?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 144%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for San Francisco vs Prague?

In San Francisco, a single person needs approximately $3,578 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,724. In Prague, these figures are CZK 24,098 for singles and CZK 56,843 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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