Prague vs. Surroundings: Is living outside the centre worth it?
Updated 2025 · 10 min read
With rising prices in Prague, more and more people are asking: is it not worth living outside Prague and commuting? Surrounding municipalities offer significantly lower rents, but they have their own specifics, time, transport costs and limited options outside the home.
Price comparison: Prague vs. Surrounding areas
| Location | Rent for a 2-room flat with kitchenette | To the city centre | Annual pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prague centre (Prague 2) | 32 000 Kč | 0 min | 3 650 Kč (public transport) |
| Prague outskirts (Prague 9) | 20 000 Kč | 25 minutes by metro | 3 650 Kč (public transport) |
| Říčany | 16 000 Kč | 45 minutes by train | ~11 000 Kč |
| Kladno | 13 000 Kč | 55 minutes by bus | ~12 000 Kč |
| Beroun | 14 000 Kč | 50 minutes by train | ~12 500 Kč |
Actual savings after deducting transport costs
Comparison of Říčany vs. Prague 9 (not the centre): Rent in Říčany is 4 000 Kč lower, but the annual travel pass costs approximately 7 350 Kč more = in reality you pay 600 Kč more per month. more in Říčany with a lower quality of life. The exception is families with children, who will appreciate the larger space at a lower price.
When does it pay off in the Prague area?
- Work from home 3+ days a week (minimal travel required)
- Do you need a larger flat or house for your family?
- Do you prefer a quieter environment over urban dynamism?
- Planning your own property: land and houses in the surrounding area are 40-60% cheaper.
Conclusion
For singles and childless couples, the area around Prague becomes economically disadvantageous or equal to Prague's outer districts once transport costs are included. The greatest savings apply to families with a car or those working from home, where the extra space truly pays off.
Are you looking for accommodation in Prague?
Compare offers on Booking.com: most with free cancellation.
View offers →Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the cheapest flats in Prague?
The cheapest flats are in the outer districts: Prague 14 (Černý Most) from 12 000 Kč, Prague 9 (Letňany) from 13 000 Kč, Prague 13 (Stodůlky) from 13 500 Kč. When transport costs are included, surrounding towns (Kladno, Říčany) turn out to be less economical than the outer districts of Prague with metro access.
How much does renting an apartment in Prague outside the centre cost?
Renting a 2+kk flat in Prague outside the city centre: Prague 9 (outskirts) for 20 000 Kč/month, Prague 2 (centre) for 32 000 Kč/month. Surrounding municipalities: Říčany 16 000 Kč + annual travel pass 11 000 Kč = effectively 16 917 Kč/month with poorer accessibility and a longer commute.
How to save on rent in Prague?
Choose Prague's outer districts with metro access instead of surrounding municipalities, search Bezrealitky.cz for commission-free listings, and offer a longer lease in exchange for a discount. Living outside Prague is only worthwhile if you work from home 3+ days a week or if your family needs more space.
Is it cheaper to live in student accommodation or a private flat in Prague?
Dormitories are the cheapest option: 4,500-8,000 Kč/month including utilities. A private studio in an affordable district costs 15,000-20,000 Kč. Shared accommodation ranges from 8,000 to 14,000 Kč. For students or those spending their first year in Prague, dormitories are the best choice. Living outside Prague is economically disadvantageous for students commuting daily.