Cost of Living in Prague...
 

I would like it if someone could be so kind and give me an idea on the cost of living in Prague. I am thinking about takign a job there and I would like to know what I might be getting myself into. I have visited Prague as a tourist once, but I stayed in hotels and did the tourist thing. The job I am thinking about is for a considerable amount less than I currently make, but I don't live in such a beautiful place either :) Any help would be appreciated. Thanks...

I don't recall how readily you can reach Jason Holt, the creator of www.essentialprague.com - - but that's a place I would start. He's an expatriate (UK? I think) of many years. There are also a couple of different expatriate web sites or resources specific to Prague, I think.

Best wishes,

Rex

I just tried the website, and it returned an error...did a google search and the new website is:

http://www.livingprague.com/

Thanks, Rex!

aj_maryland -- any chance the job is working in the mortgage/financial industry? I've been eyeing a position myself!

I will look at the website. Sorry, but the job is in the IT field. I will keep my eye out for that though. Monster has a search for Czech Republic now.

Does the job include housing, car etc? If you would have an expat package, it might make it attractive. Otherwise, be careful taking a huge cut in pay. www.erceurope.com may have some info for you.
Good luck,
Jan

Could you please explain what an expat package is or where I can read about it? Thanks in advance..

Scratch that, lol. The link you gave me gives info. Thanks

Isn't it true that you can make up to a certain amount of $s there & not pay taxes to the US? I would find out your tax obligations, and see how much you actually end up with,in the long run.

Even though your salary might be lower than in the states, long term rents for apts still remain much lower there (and many expats rent through agencies that will take care of all the aches & pains associated with housing). You can use public transit very easily,but the cost of tickets went up this summer. You could probably ask your employer to pay for your monthly transit pass, if they aren't giving you a car with your "expat package". Groceries are going up, but are still cheaper than here, and you could probably afford to eat out far more often over there!

Good luck & keep us posted, if you decide to take the job & move there!

Sorry, but I disagree. Rents are not necessarily cheaper and food definitely is not cheaper. Going out is cheaper, help is cheaper. You still have the attitude of a foreigner and that means that you spend in a different manner. Taxes are one way to save, unless you are paying in the Czech Rep. which will have a higher tax rate than the US. So, even if you get that roughly $75k + housing exemption, you still lose out.

It might be hard to compare rates if you are judging your potential salary if it's paid in USD. The US dollar has really tanked in the Czech Republic over the last couple of years, and the value dropped at least a third, I believe, if not more. I know I used to get about 40-41 CK per USD when I first went about 5 years ago, and now I think you only get about 25. So, if you get paid in USD you have fluctuating currency rates to think about, also (at least if your salary is tied to a certain USD amount).