Costs in Czechia

Czechia is not expensive by European standards, although hotel and restaurant costs in central Prague and other large cities often reflect levels in some parts of western Europe. For comparisons with eurozone countries, consider €1 and comparable with 25Kč. Rounding prices up or down to the nearest koruna is usual.

International comparisons

In March 2026, according to the expat website Numbeo.com, Czechia was compatible with cost levels in Hungary, Poland, Croatia and Spain. It was considerably cheaper to travel in Czechia than in France, Austria or south-eastern Germany, cheaper than in Germany or northern Italy, and considerably more expensive than Romania or Bulgaria.

City comparisons

Prague is the most expensive city in Czechia by a solid margin. When it comes to eating, drinking and accommodation costs, central Prague, in and around the old-town square Staroměstské náměstí, is more expensive still.

According to Numbeo.com, Prague measured 57.50 on the cost index, Brno 51.27, Plzen 49.37, Ostrava 48.28 and
Olomuoc 46.13. By comparison, New York measured 100, London 88.09 and Berlin 68.59.

Costs tips for Czechia

A serving of goulash in a mid-priced central Prague restaurant costs in the 350-400Kč price range, a half-litre of standard beer 80-100Kč – still not expensive by European standards. A full dinner could push the total up to 600Kč.

But staying away from central Prague for eating means meals are much more reasonably priced. At shopping mall eateries in Smíchov, satisfying meals sell in the 200-250Kč price range. Large hamburgers from international fast-food outlets cost about 120Kč, a combination meal about 200Kč. In an independent hamburger bar, the cost of a burger would likely be about 250Kč.

A meal and a drink at a mid-priced restaurant in a tourist-oriented destination such as Český Krumlov could cost 400-450Kč. But moving to a low-priced pizza or kebab bar could halve this cost. Coffee and a pastry at a chain cafe would cost 120-140Kč.

A 24-hour adult transport ticket in Prague costs 140-150Kč, a half-hour ticket 36-42Kč.

In restaurants, a half-litre of Czech-brewed draft beer will usually cost between 40Kč and 70Kč. A bottle of imported beer (usually 0.33 litres) costs 50Kč to 90Kč. Bottled water, also 0.33 litres, could cost anywhere between 25 and 70Kč, depending on the restaurant’s mark-up.

At a supermarket, the picture is quite different. A conventional 1.5-litre bottle of water often costs less than 20Kč (but could rise to 40Kč), a half-litre bottle of Czech beer anything from 15Kč to 35Kč, imported 0.33 litre bottles from 25Kč to 60Kč.

Supermarkets

Consider shopping at the discount-oriented Lidl, Penny Markt or Norma supermarkets where possible. The Billa or Albert chains are not considered discounters, but prices at these stores are often inexpensive.

Value-added taxes & refunds

Czechia levies 21% VAT on most items. A reduced 12% rate applies on accommodation, food and beverages, and nothing on books.

Refunds: Non-EU visitors in Czechia can claim VAT refunds for personal purchases of consumer goods valued at more than 2,000Kč that leave Czechia within three months. The new system, starting in 2026, means the buyer must declare the intention to recover the VAT at the point of sale.

● Sellers must submit transaction details to an online Customs system and provide the traveller with a tax-free form and invoice (marked ‘VAT refund’ or ‘tax free’), with the traveller’s personal details
● Departure must be confirmed by the traveller at a self-service Customs kiosk at the border or airport when they leave
● The traveller must request the refund within six months of purchase
● The seller refunds the VAT amount direct to the traveller