Work

Employment rates vary considerably between cities and regions. Workload intensity in Prague is highest in the 25-64 age group, the group with the highest labor force participation, although it is average overall. The same applies to the older age groups.

Chart: GVA per capita in Euros

Year: 2021

Area: NUTS 2

*Source: Eurostat 

Labor income reflects not only the specific structure of the economic base of large cities but above all the economic level of the county as a whole. Significant differences in price levels that reflect the possibilities to use a given level of income also play a key role. Differences between incomes are considerable, especially between cities from the former socialist bloc (including Prague) and those in Western Europe, with Zurich in Switzerland standing out. However, when converted to real incomes, differences are significantly lower. This is due, inter alia, to the above-average income levels in capital cities such as Prague, Warsaw, and Budapest. The graph does not capture the possible changes during the previous two years caused by COVID-19 and high inflation, yet these can significantly impact the values for some cities.  

Chart: Average monthly pre-tax income in PPS (purchasing power standard) Euros 

Year: 2020

Area: City territory

*Source: Czech Statistical Office, statistik.at, stadt.muenchen.de, Statistical Office in Warszawa, ksh.hu, statbank.dk,ajuntament.barcelona.cat, stadt-zuerich.ch, opendata.cbs.nl/statline,dati.istat.it

IPR Prague calculations using CNB exchange rates and the Eurostat Euro/PPS

Unemployment rates are falling in most cities, with Vienna being the exception. Nevertheless, the overall (general) unemployment rate varies considerably between cities and regions. Prague has long reported very favorable values, confirming the continued high supply (excess) of job opportunities.

Chart: Unemployment rate (%)

Year: 2011–2021

Area: NUTS 2

*Source: Eurostat