In Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic is about midway when it comes to the cost of living, with similar prices to Lithuania, Slovakia and Hungary. Since the country joined the EU, there has been an influx of foreigners resulting in a booming real estate market. When it comes to capital cities, Prague is one of the best values for money and makes it possible to live in the city even if you don’t have a top-earning job. When looking for somewhere to live, try to get a local or native Czech speaker to help you – estate agents geared towards foreigners will list more expensive properties than those easily available to local people. However, it’s not uncommon for teachers to find positions with paid accommodation and will get assistance in finding their apartment, or have hostel accommodation provided while they house hunt.
The prevalence of foreign expats means that the country has a diverse social scene with plenty of cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, particularly in the capital. Crime rates are quite low even in the capital, just be more wary of crowded tourist spots as you would in any major city, as pickpocketing is on the rise. Public transport is cheap and efficient, so where possible take the bus, subway or tram to avoid using local taxis, which sometimes try to scam foreigners. It can be really tricky to get a driving licence in the Czech Republic, especially for non-EU citizens, so avoid this if possible. Petrol is also really expensive here. The healthcare system is both good and cheap, but don’t expect exemplary manners from the doctor as they tend to be quite brusque.
Popular outdoor pursuits in the Czech Republic include hiking, skiing and cycling. Salaries for expats in the country are often higher than what locals receive, and so foreigners can afford to take up new hobbies and enjoy a good quality of life.