Cost of Living in Hungary: The Ultimate Guide

Located in the heart of Europe, Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for the ideal combination of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable living.

But before you pack your bags for Eastern Europe, knowing the cost of living in Hungary is an essential part of planning your big move.

In this guide you will learn about:

• Monthly costs of living in Hungary
• Cost of accommodation in Hungary
• Cost of utilities in Hungary
• Cost of food in Hungary
• Cost for eating at a restaurant in Hungary
• Cost of transport in Hungary
• Cost of healthcare in Hungary
• Cost of education in Hungary
• Cost of living in Hungary for international students
• Cost of entertainment in Hungary
• Cost of living in Hungary vs. other countries

Hungary Living Costs Per Month

The cost of living in Hungary per month varies based on a range of factors. Here are the average costs for living in Hungary based on family size:

Cost of Accommodation in Hungary

The cost of accommodation in Hungary can vary based on a range of factors. This includes where you live and the type of property. Let’s take a closer look at the average rental prices in Hungary.

Budapest

As the capital city, Budapest is the most popular area in Hungary. Living in Budapest brings with it a high standard of living, a thriving expat community, and in demand rental properties.

Debrecen

Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city after Budapest. It is renowned for its prestigious university and presents excellent opportunities for investing in rental properties, particularly in the city center. It provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling capital, all while maintaining a high standard of living.

Pécs

Located in the southern part of Hungary, Pécs is known for its Mediterranean vibe, historical sites, and vibrant arts scene. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a mix of culture and affordability.

Cost of Buying Property in Hungary

The cost of buying property in Hungary varies significantly based on the location and property type. For those looking to obtain residency, the Hungary Golden Visa offers the ideal opportunity, with one of the investment options being investing in a Hungary property.

Additionally, the Hungary property market has grown substantially. In 2017 the Hungary property market stood at $0.63 billion, in 2024 it stands at $1.47 billion, making the Hungary property market a fantastic option for investors.

Here are a few property costs in some of Hungary’s most popular areas:

Cost of Utilities in Hungary

Accommodation price is not the only factor to consider when purchasing or renting a property in Hungary. The cost of utilities is an essential aspect to factor into your cost of living. The cost of utilities in Hungary is as follows:

Cost of Food in Hungary

The Hungary prices for food and drink can vary significantly based on where you do your weekly shop, the types of items you buy, and where you live. In general, food prices in Hungary are significantly less than many western European countries and the US. Let’s take a closer look:

Cost for eating at a restaurant in Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is an absolute must-try for all those visiting. The rich and bold flavors are deeply rooted in the history of the country.

Whether you want to try out the infamous goulash (beef and vegetable stew) or the traditional Töltött Káposzta (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce), there is something for everyone.

Here are a few examples of the cost for eating at a restaurant in Hungary:

Cost of Transport in Hungary

Knowing the cost of transport in Hungary is important to budget how to get around accordingly. Here are some of the costs for various transportation in Hungary:

Cost of Healthcare in Hungary

Hungary has a dual healthcare system with both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is available to residents and Hungarian citizens (those with a Hungary passport).

Most foreign nationals in Hungary choose the private healthcare system as it is cheaper than other countries in the European Union while offering fantastic facilities and services. Additionally, the cost of private health insurance is also significantly cheaper.

Here are some basic healthcare costs in Hungary:

Cost of Education in Hungary

Hungary is well known for its high-quality education system, offering affordable options, even for private schools. Compared to other European countries, private international schools in Hungary are cheaper per year.

Here are some general private school costs in Hungary:

Living Cost in Hungary for International Students

Studying in Hungary is one of the most popular options for students looking to study abroad. There are a range of fantastic institutions that welcome students from across the globe each year.

The cost of living in Hungary for international students can range significantly depending on the type of accommodation, lifestyle, and area. For example, staying in a student dormitory will cost a lot less than a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.

Here is a breakdown for the living expenses in Hungary for international students per month:

Cost of Entertainment in Hungary

Hungary is full of amazing things to do and see. From exploring the stunning historic architecture and relaxing at a thermal spa, to spending a day at a leisure fitness club or visiting the stunning museums, there is no shortage of things to do in Hungary.

Here are some general costs for entertainment in Hungary:

 

Cost of Living in Hungary vs. Other Countries

Hungary cost of living vs UK

The Hungary cost of living vs the UK is evident in many areas. Here is a cost comparison to see the major differences in the cost of living between the UK and Hungary:

Cost of living in Hungary vs USA

The Hungary cost of living compared to the US is significant, with the US costing 43% more without rent and 52.9% more with rent. Here is the cost of living in the US and Hungary in both USD and Euros to make things more convenient:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living in Hungary

Is it expensive to live in Hungary?

Living in Hungary costs significantly less to other countries in Europe and the US. For example, the cost of living in Hungary is 52.9% lower than the US and 82.8% less than in the UK.

What is the average living cost per month in Hungary?

The average cost of living per month in Hungary is €618.30 for a single person without rent and €2,171.30 for a family of four without rent.

How much is the rent in Hungary?

Rent in Hungary varies based on the location and type of accommodation. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will set you back about €475.62 per month. While a three-bedroom apartment will cost around €762.22 per month.

What is the cost of living in Hungary for a family of four?

A family of four estimated monthly costs are about €2,171.30 per month without rent. Including rent for an apartment in the city center, you’re looking at about €3,500 per month.

How does the cost of living in Hungary compare to the UK?

The cost of living in Hungary is about 82% less than the UK including rent. It is very clear when looking at certain items like transportation costs, schooling, and accommodation.

Is Hungary an affordable country for American expats?

Yes, Hungary is a very affordable country for American expats, particularly if they are earning in US dollars. The cost of living in the US is 52% more than in Hungary.

What are utility costs like in Hungary?

Utility costs in Hungary are quite affordable compared with other western European countries. However, it will depend on the property type, size, and usage. For example, running air-conditioning throughout the summer will cost significantly more than using a ceiling fan.

How much are clothes in Hungary?

The cost of clothes in Hungary is pretty on par with the rest of Europe. For example, Nike running shoes will set you back €74, while in the UK, the same will cost about €90. Whereas a pair of men leather business shoes costs €80 in Hungary and €90 in the UK.