Living expenses
Living expenses vary depending on your lifestyle. Generally, you should prepare a budget from 10,500 to 19,000 CZK per month to cover your basic needs in Prague.
🏠 Accommodation
UCT Dormitories: 4,340–7,595 CZK
Room in Flatshare: 9,000–15,000 CZK
🚋 Transportation
Ticket (30 / 90 min): 36 / 46 CZK
Student Pass (30-day): 130 CZK
Student Pass (90-day): 360 CZK
Taxi (Airport-Center): min. 500 CZK
🍴 Eating Out
Canteen Meal: 100–150 CZK
Restaurant Lunch: 170–300 CZK
Cappuccino / Beer: 75 / 60 CZK
Big Mac Meal: 109 CZK
📱 Connectivity & Extra
Mobile Plan: ~500 CZK
Internet: ~300 CZK
Other (Culture/Sport): 2,000–4,000 CZK
🛒 Supermarket (Typical Prices):
Loaf of bread: 40 CZK
Butter (250g): 65 CZK
Milk (1l): 25 CZK
Eidam cheese (100g): 35 CZK
Eggs (10pc): 75 CZK
Ham (100g): 40 CZK
White yogurt (150g): 15 CZK
Whole chicken (1kg): 180 CZK
Pork / Beef (1kg): 220 / 290 CZK
Potatoes / Rice (1kg): 40 / 60 CZK
Apples / Bananas (1kg): 45 / 40 CZK
Tomatoes (1kg): 85 CZK
Water (1.5l): 20 CZK
Bottle of beer / wine: 25 / 170 CZK
💰 Monthly Living Expenses Estimation
Accommodation (UCT Dorms): 4,340–7,595 CZK
Food: 4,000–7,000 CZK
Public Transport: 130 CZK
Other (Culture, Sports, etc.): 2,000–4,000 CZK
Total Estimated Budget: 10,500–19,000 CZK
💡 Tip: Compare Prague with your hometown at numbeo.com. Also, remember you can return online purchases within 14 days.
💰 Currency & Exchange
The local currency is the Czech Crown (CZK), or "koruna". Payment in Euros is generally not accepted in most shops. Before arrival, we suggest bringing a small amount of crowns for safety reasons; you can exchange more once you are in the city.
⚖️ Legal Rights: By law, you have 3 hours to cancel any exchange and get your money back (for transactions under 1,000 EUR). Always keep your receipt!
📍 Recommended Exchange Office 
Capital Exchange — Jindřišská 12, Prague 1 (Nové Město)
📱 Mobile Apps
Download Revolut or Splitwise for easy currency conversion and splitting expenses with friends.
🚩 Avoid Traps
Avoid airport and city center offices with "0% commission" – they often have poor rates. Watch Honest Guide for more tips.
🏦 Banks & ATMs
Most stores accept MasterCard and Visa. However, for a longer stay, we recommend opening a local student bank account to save on exchange rates.
Benefits for students:
- Free account management & Internet banking
- Free incoming payments & card payments
- Student cards and ISIC benefits
Recommended banks within walking distance from Dejvice campus:
💡 Final Tips & Warnings:
1. Avoid "Scam" ATMs:
Do not use generic machines marked only with a big "ATM" sign (see image). They often have extremely high fees. Use bank-branded ATMs (KB, ČSOB, etc.) and always decline dynamic conversion.
Do not use generic machines marked only with a big "ATM" sign (see image). They often have extremely high fees. Use bank-branded ATMs (KB, ČSOB, etc.) and always decline dynamic conversion.
2. Opening an account:
Always bring your Passport, another identity document, and your ISIC card to receive all student benefits.
Always bring your Passport, another identity document, and your ISIC card to receive all student benefits.
⚠️ Avoid these
High fees / Poor rates