You have several options of accommodation in Prague. If you are a student and looking for a cheaper option, I suggest sharing a flat with other people. You can rent a bed, which means that your room and common areas are shared. Prices are usually based on location and the amount of people living in a flat. It’s a good way to practice your Czech, if you live with Czech nationals.
If you prefer more privacy, you can rent a room in a shared flat. Rooms are rented furnished or unfurnished. Unfurnished rooms are sometimes cheaper and it might be worth buying cheap furniture and selling it when moving out.
If you don’t want to share a flat, that shouldn’t be a problem. You will have to bear in mind demand for accommodation in Prague is high, so prices will be higher. There will be a lot of competition. Landlords are usually more comfortable renting long-term to natives and people who speak Czech.
The quality of available housing can vary. Generally, the rental market in Prague is divided between low-priced, mainly aimed at Czech nationals, and more expensive, high-standard accommodation for the expat community.
Rents vary widely, depending on their quality, furnishing and location. Prices for rooms range between 7.000 CZK and 14.000 CZK a month. For a standard one-bedroom apartment you can expect to pay between 12.000 CZK and 20.000 CZK a month. Apartments in the center of Prague usually cost 20.000 CZK to 50.000 CZK.
Utilities may or may not be included. Don’t forget to check whether utilities are included in the rental price prior to signing any agreement as utilities can add a significant amount to your monthly expenses.
Where to look for an apartment? Well, for English-speaking expats it is good to use social media groups. There are several groups on Facebook where you can find some offers of accommodation. Czech-language websites usually have the most offers and sometimes they are translated into English. You can also look up some webpages in English offering accommodation for foreigners. It’s pleasant that offers are in English and the owner of the property usually speaks English, but prices are often higher.
If you choose an offer from a realtor, they usually charge the amount of one rent plus taxes. Therefore it’s definitely better to avoid realtor.
As the language might be a major obstacle while looking for an accommodation, it's great to have a Czech-speaking person on-site to help you with your search. If you don’t have anyone who can help you, our agency provides this service.
My advice: start your research ASAP, check your agreements carefully, and live happily in your new place!
