How much will it cost to keep warm in Czechia this winter?

The rapid onset of cold weather in Czechia means that heating season kicked in already in September, a month earlier than last year. With autumn upon us and this summer’s record-breaking heat a distant memory, staying warm is a worry given the economic climate.

From heating your home to warming your body and soul, we gathered some expert tips to help answer the question: how much will staying warm cost you in Czechia in 2024-25?

The start of this year’s heating season in the Czech Republic has brought some welcome news for homeowners. With the current heating season beginning unusually early, prices for various energy sources are declining.

According to an analysis by online traders XTB, in a year-on-year comparison, the prices of all monitored energies, i.e. wood, coal, gas, and electricity, are falling. At the same time, however, it should be noted that energy prices remain higher than before the energy crisis.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for heating your home this year.

Gas: Prices have fallen by approximately 15 percent, allowing the average household to save at least CZK 3,600 during the heating season. E.ON, for instance, now offers gas at CZK 1,755 per MWh, with typical monthly costs of around CZK 3,000 during the coldest months.

Electricity: Although prices have dropped by only 8 percent, households can still save about CZK 4,600. ČEZ will charge CZK 3,388 per MWh, translating to roughly CZK 3,900 for four months of usage for the average household.

Wood: Wood is considered the most cost-effective heating source this year with prices dropping approximately 20 percent since last year. For an average household of 81 square meters, this could mean savings of around CZK 2,500 per season.

XTB emphasizes the importance of selecting the right energy supplier and doing so at the right time: several large suppliers have announced another batch of price cuts starting in the fall or early next year, which will further reduce household energy costs.

In fact, gas prices vary by as much as 32.5 percent and electricity prices by up to 36.5 percent between the most and least expensive options. Fixed-term contracts (one or two years) are cheaper by up to 20 percent compared to indefinite-term contracts. Prices for fixed contracts can be up to a third lower than those for indefinite-term options.

If you need to stock up on sweaters and jackets, the good news is that according to the Czech Statistical Office, there has been virtually no change in clothing and footwear prices since last year. We've averaged prices for key winter pieces from H&M, GAP, Bershka, Decathlon, and Marks & Spencer for an overview of what you can expect to pay for new winter clothes this autumn and winter.

In Czechia, you'll pay approximately CZK 719 for a men’s sweater, around CZK 719 for a women’s sweater, and about CZK 3,583 for a quilted coat for woman, while a men’s quilted coat typically costs around CZK 2,000. For winter accessories, expect to pay about CZK 299 for thermal socks and CZK 279 for a unisex scarf. Gloves range from CZK 149 for basic fleeced versions to CZK 799 for leather options with thermowarmth technology.

In Czechia, sales typically occur during key periods: post-Christmas sales run from late December to January, while summer sales occur from July to August. Additionally, many retailers offer promotions around holidays and special events.

The cheapest way to warm up this winter is with a stiff drink. Svařák (mulled wine) cost up to CZK 90 at Czech Christmas markets last year; you can get it for about one-third less (CZK 83/l) at Billa for those who want to taste firsthand where the drink really got its name. (According to this article, it was a process used to mask the taste of cheap Communist-era wine).

For teetotalers, the season of pumpkin spice latte has begun. For a cozy, if pricey, seasonal treat, head to a Prague café where you’ll typically pay between CZK 120 and CZK 200. Or settle into a Czech restaurant with a nice bowl of soup: the cheapest on the menu at Prague buffet Havelská Koruna is CZK 50.