Czechia: cost of living

How much have fuel and energy prices risen in Czechia?

Prices of fuels and lubricants for cars were 37.5% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, up from 26.2% in August, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Transport prices overall rose 13.2%, the largest contribution to inflation.

In the housing and energy part of the basket, actual rents rose 6.1% and imputed costs of owner-occupied housing 5.1%. Prices of goods rose 1.2% and services 4.6% over the year. The CZSO publishes the full breakdown by item each month, about ten days after the month ends.

Official sources: CZSO: Consumer price indices, September 2026

What is the poverty rate in Czechia?

11.5% of people in Czechia were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, according to Eurostat, using the CZSO's Living Conditions survey (EU-SILC). The rate was 11.3% in 2024.

The measure counts people who are below 60% of median income, severely deprived, or living in a household with very low work intensity. It is relative to Czech incomes, so it shows inequality at the bottom rather than absolute hardship. Income data refer to the year before the survey.

Official sources: Eurostat: At risk of poverty or social exclusion (ilc_peps01n)

What is the subsistence minimum in Czechia?

The subsistence minimum (životní minimum) is CZK 5,500 a month for a single person, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, page updated 1 October 2026. The lower existence minimum is CZK 3,130.

For households, amounts are added up: CZK 5,000 for the first adult, CZK 3,750 for each further adult, and between CZK 2,480 and CZK 3,490 for dependent children by age. The subsistence minimum is not a poverty line for statistics; it is used to decide eligibility for the state social assistance benefit and other support.

Official sources: MPSV: Životní a existenční minimum

How fast are prices rising in Czechia?

According to the IMF, consumer price inflation in Czechia was 2.5% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.3% (2015) to 15.1% (2022). It is 34th highest of 48 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 3.7%. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 93rd highest.

What is household spending per person in Czechia?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Czechia was $9,718, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at $9,846; its low point was 2005, at $7,484. It is 29th highest of 44 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $11,266. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 39th highest.

What share of people in Czechia live in extreme poverty?

0.0%: that is the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Czechia for 2023, according to the World Bank. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 0.4%; Czechia is 32nd highest of 34. Worldwide: 56th of 59.

How many people in Czechia are poor?

10.2%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Czechia for 2021, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 38th highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 15.9%. Of 72 countries with 2021 data, 66th highest.

What is Czechia's Gini coefficient?

The World Bank puts the Gini index in Czechia at 25.7 in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 24.9 (2017) to 26.9 (2005). It is 32nd highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 31.5. World rank, highest first: 55th of 59.

How many people in Czechia go hungry?

The FAO puts moderate or severe food insecurity in Czechia at 9.1% in 2024. Its high point since 2015 was 2022, at 10.0%; its low point was 2018, at 3.8%. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Czechia is 17th highest of 45. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 99th highest.