The question "how much will it cost?" is among the first that families ask when they begin to arrange care for a senior. The answer is not simple - prices can differ by almost double depending on which region you are searching in and whether the facility is state-run or private. We have compiled an overview of current average prices for the year 2026.
State-run vs private facilities: a fundamental difference in price
State (subsidised) retirement homes are established by municipalities or regions. They are funded from public budgets and are therefore more affordable. The disadvantage is usually longer waiting lists - in Prague up to 1-3 years. Prices range from approximately 18,000 to 30,000 CZK per month.
Private (commercial) facilities are primarily funded by client fees. They may offer a higher standard, better staff-to-client ratios, modern equipment and shorter or no waiting times. Prices are higher - typically 28,000 to 55,000 CZK per month and more. In premium Prague facilities the price exceeds even 70,000 CZK.
Average prices by region in 2026
| Region | State-run facility | Private facility |
|---|---|---|
| Prague | 27,000-35,000 CZK | 40,000-70,000 CZK |
| Central Bohemian Region | 24,000-30,000 CZK | 32,000-50,000 CZK |
| South Moravian Region | 20,000-26,000 CZK | 28,000-42,000 CZK |
| South Bohemian Region | 19,000-24,000 CZK | 26,000-38,000 CZK |
| Plzeň Region | 19,000-24,000 CZK | 25,000-37,000 CZK |
| Liberec Region | 19,000-23,000 CZK | 25,000-36,000 CZK |
| Moravian-Silesian Region | 17,000-21,000 CZK | 22,000-33,000 CZK |
| Ústí nad Labem Region | 17,000-21,000 CZK | 22,000-32,000 CZK |
| Karlovy Vary Region | 17,000-20,000 CZK | 21,000-31,000 CZK |
Indicative averages for 2026. Actual prices may vary depending on the specific facility, room type (single/double) and scope of care.
What is included in the price and what is charged separately
The basic price of a retirement home usually includes:
- Accommodation - room (single or double), utilities, cleaning, laundry
- Meals - usually 5 meals per day (breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner)
- Basic nursing care - assistance with hygiene, dressing, administering medication, transfers
- Group activities - exercises, social games, cultural events
For these services, you usually pay separately:
- Medical aids (diapers, walking frame, special mattress)
- Medications beyond those prescribed by the GP
- Hairdresser, pedicurist, beautician
- Individual activation or therapy (physiotherapy, speech therapy)
- Escort to the doctor, transport
- Telephone line, internet, television
- Above-standard meals or dietary specialities
Tip: Always request the complete price list of services, including extras, before signing the contract. The basic price and actual monthly costs may differ by up to 3,000-8,000 CZK.
How to pay for it all: combining sources
Few pay for retirement home from just one source. A typical combination looks like this:
- Old-age pension - the average pension in the Czech Republic in 2026 is approximately 20,000-21,000 CZK per month. This is the first and usually the largest source of funding.
- Care allowance - at level III of dependency 12,800 CZK, at level IV 19,200 CZK. More in the article about care allowance 2026.
- Own savings or assets - selling property, using savings
- Family contribution - the law stipulates a maintenance obligation towards parents; enforceable by court.
- Housing benefit - under conditions set by law, you can also apply while in a residential facility
Example calculation for a senior with level III dependency in Prague
| Old-age pension | 21,000 CZK |
| Care allowance (level III) | 12,800 CZK |
| Total available | 33,800 CZK |
| Average state retirement home Prague | ~30,000 CZK |
| Remaining to the senior | ~3,800 CZK |
When is a home carer cheaper than a retirement home
Simply put: a home carer is cheaper if the senior needs care only for part of the day. If a home care agency provides 4-6 hours of care per day, monthly costs are around 15,000-22,000 CZK - significantly less than retirement home.
Once the need for care approaches 24 hours (dementia, immobility, night-time restlessness), the cost of a carer rises and may exceed the price of a residential facility. On top of that, a retirement home offers a safe environment, immediate medical assistance and social contacts.
You can find a detailed comparison of both options in the article Retirement home or with a caregiver at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average price of a retirement home in the Czech Republic in 2026?
The average total price ranges between 20,000 and 45,000 CZK per month depending on the region and type of facility. Prague is the most expensive, Karlovarský and Ústí nad Labem Region the cheapest.
What is included in the price of a retirement home?
The basic price includes accommodation, meals (5 meals per day) and basic nursing care. Hairdresser, pedicure, individual therapy or medication are usually an extra charge.
Does the family have to top up the cost of care in a retirement home?
It depends on the senior's income. The law guarantees that at least 15 % of the client's income must remain as pocket money. If the senior's income is insufficient, the law allows requesting a contribution from the family; this obligation can be enforced through the courts.
Are state retirement homes cheaper than private ones?
Usually yes. State-run facilities are subsidised and tend to be 20-40 % cheaper. The disadvantage is longer waiting times. Private facilities offer a higher standard and faster admission.
When is a carer at home cheaper than a retirement home?
A caregiver at home is more cost-effective for lower care needs (4-6 hours per day). For 24-hour care needs, prices are comparable or a retirement home may be cheaper.
Find prices for specific facilities
Compare prices of retirement homes in your area and send a non-binding enquiry.
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