Czech minimum wage fell short of basic living costs last year

The net minimum monthly wage in Czechia was not enough last year to cover basic living expenses and rent. Depending on where people lived, it would have had to be 7 to 24 percent higher – an increase of around 1,250 to 4,280 crowns.

The finding stems from an analysis by the Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs (RILSA). The institute first assessed the situation two years ago and says affordability has improved to some extent since then.

The gross minimum wage last year stood at 20,800 crowns, equivalent to 42.2 percent of the average gross wage. The net minimum wage was 17,837 crowns.

The government is due to decide on Monday how much the minimum wage will increase over the next two years.