City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Czech Republic
COL index 45.6
Austria
COL index 66.8
Prague vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Prague is 31.7% cheaper than Vienna for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Prague | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45.6 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | +46.5% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €39,738 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | -17.8% |
| €920 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | +60.9% |
| €1,394 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | +55.3% |
| €87,144 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | -43.9% |
| 20.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.7% | +69.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Czech Republic = €3,311 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vienna, you would need roughly €105,189 gross in Austria (≈ €4,851 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€920)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 46)
- +Favourable tax rate (20.5%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Prague delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Prague carries a lower cost-of-living index; Prague has the lighter effective tax burden; Prague wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Prague edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Prague cheaper than Vienna?+
Prague is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Prague 45.6, Vienna 66.8 — a 31.7% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Prague and Vienna?+
Prague sits at 45.6 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 31.7% — Prague being the cheaper of the two.
Is Prague a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Prague delivers €39,738 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 20.5% effective tax rate. Vienna delivers €32,660 at 34.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €920 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Prague vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €39,738/year (€3,311/month) in Prague and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Prague or Vienna?+
Czech Republic has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Czech Republic 20.5%, Austria 34.7%.