If you’re thinking about moving to Brno, you’ve made a great choice! Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is a vibrant and welcoming place that offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and great career opportunities. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Prague but still has everything you need – from a thriving job market to exciting cultural experiences.
Here’s everything you need to know before making the move to Brno!
1. Why Move to Brno?
Brno is often called “the heart of Moravia” and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, strong job market, and international community. While it may not be as famous as Prague, it has many advantages for expats:
✅ Lower cost of living compared to Prague and Western Europe.
✅ Strong job market, especially in IT, engineering, and business services.
✅ A great mix of history and modern life – stunning architecture, museums, and a lively student scene.
✅ Excellent public transport and a bike-friendly city layout.
✅ Close to nature – parks, forests, and wine regions nearby.
2. Finding a Place to Live in Brno
🏠 Best Neighborhoods for Expats
🔹 Brno-Střed (City Center) – Perfect if you love being in the heart of the action. Full of bars, restaurants, and cultural spots.
🔹 Veveří – A trendy area with cafes, shops, and great public transport links.
🔹 Žabovřesky – A quieter residential area, great for families.
🔹 Královo Pole – Popular with students and expats, close to universities and tech hubs.
🔹 Komín & Bystrc – Located near forests and Brno Dam, ideal for those who love nature.
💰 How Much Does Rent Cost in Brno?
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center – Around €700–€900 per month.
- 1-bedroom outside the center – Around €500–€700 per month.
- Shared flat – Around €300–€500 per month, depending on location.
📌 Tip: Check out websites like Bezrealitky.cz, Sreality.cz, and Facebook groups for rental listings.
3. Working in Brno
Brno is a growing hub for technology, business, and education, attracting many international companies. Some of the biggest employers include:
💻 IT & Technology: IBM, Red Hat, AT&T, Honeywell, Zebra Technologies.
🏭 Engineering & Manufacturing: Siemens, Thermo Fisher Scientific.
📞 Business & Customer Services: Infosys, SAP, Accenture.
🎓 Education & Research: Masaryk University, Brno University of Technology.
🛂 Do You Need a Work Visa?
- EU citizens – No visa required, just register at the Foreign Police within 30 days of arrival.
- Non-EU citizens – You’ll need a work permit or employee card (your employer usually helps with this).
📌 Tip: Many companies look for English speakers, but learning basic Czech can help you find even more opportunities.
4. Cost of Living in Brno
One of the biggest advantages of living in Brno is its affordability compared to other European cities.
💰 Average Monthly Expenses (for a single person):
- Rent: €600–€800
- Utilities: €100–€150
- Public Transport: €15–€25 (monthly pass)
- Groceries: €150–€250
- Eating Out: €5–€10 for a meal, €2–€3 for a beer
- Gym Membership: €30–€50
📌 Tip: Many restaurants offer “denní menu” (daily lunch specials) for around €5–€7!
5. Getting Around Brno
🚋 Public Transport: Brno has a fantastic public transport system, with trams, buses, and trolleybuses running frequently.
- A monthly pass costs around €15–€25.
- Tickets can be bought via the IDOS app or at ticket machines.
🚲 Cycling: Brno is bike-friendly, and there are shared bikes available.
🚗 Driving & Parking: Parking in the city center is limited, but if you live outside the center, having a car can be useful for exploring the region.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Brno has a small airport (BRQ), but most people fly from Vienna (2 hours away) or Prague (2.5 hours by train).
📌 Tip: The train to Prague takes just over 2 hours and is comfortable and affordable.
6. Social Life & Meeting People
Brno has a vibrant international community, and it’s easy to meet new people!
🍻 Pubs & Beer Gardens – Czechs love their beer! Try Pivovar Pegas or Lokál U Caipla.
🎭 Cultural Events – Check out Špilberk Castle, Brno Philharmonic, and the Janáček Theatre.
🏀 Sports & Outdoor Activities – Join hiking groups, yoga classes, or running clubs in Lužánky Park.
🌍 Expat Groups – Join Facebook groups like “Brno Expats” or “Brno Foreigners” for meetups and advice.
📌 Tip: Learning basic Czech phrases will help you integrate faster, but many locals speak English.
7. Healthcare & Safety
🏥 Healthcare: The Czech Republic has a high-quality healthcare system, and expats can access public or private medical services.
- EU citizens – Can use their EHIC card, but private insurance is recommended.
- Non-EU citizens – Need health insurance before applying for a visa.
👮 Safety: Brno is one of the safest cities in Europe, but like any city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
📌 Emergency Numbers:
- 112 – General emergency line
- 155 – Ambulance
- 158 – Police
8. Fun Things to Do in Brno
🏰 Špilberk Castle – A historic fortress with beautiful city views.
⛪ Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul – A landmark with amazing architecture.
🦇 Brno’s Underground & Ossuary – Spooky tunnels and bone crypts under the city!
🍷 Moravian Wine Region – Just outside Brno, perfect for wine tasting.
🏞️ Brno Reservoir & Veveří Castle – A great escape into nature.
📌 Tip: Don’t forget to try “Svíčková” (traditional Czech dish) and “Tvarůžky” (strong-smelling cheese)!
Final Thoughts
Brno is a fantastic place to live, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern convenience. With affordable living costs, a thriving job market, and a friendly international community, it’s no wonder more and more expats are choosing Brno over bigger European cities.
If you’re moving here, get ready for a city that’s full of surprises, amazing food, great beer, and plenty of opportunities to explore!
