Cost of Living in Budapest, Hungary
Hungary · Europe
$1,500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
48
Cost Index
NYC=100
44
Rent Index
NYC=100
78
Quality of Life
Good
68
Safety Index
Good
1.7M
Population
HUF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $7 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $28 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $9 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1 |
| Monthly Pass | $25 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.6 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $170 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $18 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $850/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $580/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,100/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $4,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $2,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 7.5% |
View Cost of Living in Hungary
Cost of Living in Budapest — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Budapest, Hungary is approximately $1,500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Budapest has a cost index of 48, making it around 52% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Budapest costs around $580/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $850/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,800/month. The rent index is 44 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Budapest scores 78/100 on the quality of life index and 68/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 76/100. The climate index is 58/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Budapest is approximately $1,400/month. With a purchasing power index of 64/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is HUF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Budapest
The average monthly salary in Budapest is approximately $1,400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 64/100.
Healthcare Costs in Budapest
Healthcare quality in Budapest is rated 76/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Budapest
Budapest has a quality of life score of 78/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Budapest
Students living in Budapest should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Budapest
Expats moving to Budapest often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Budapest, Hungary is approximately $1,500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 48 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Budapest
Living in Budapest offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 48 and a quality of life score of 78/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Budapest provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Hungary and around the world.
Key Facts About Budapest
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,500
- Cost Index: 48
- Rent Index: 44
- Average Salary: $1,400
- Quality of Life: 78/100
- Safety Score: 68/100
- Country: Hungary
- Currency: HUF
Is Budapest Expensive?
Budapest has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Budapest compare to other cities?
Budapest is located in Europe with a population of approximately 1.7M. At a cost index of 48 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Budapest stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Budapest?
The average cost of living in Budapest, Hungary is approximately $1,500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 48 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Budapest?
Rent in Budapest varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 44 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Budapest alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Budapest expensive to live in?
Budapest has a cost index of 48 compared to New York City (100). At 48, Budapest is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,500.
What is the quality of life in Budapest?
Budapest has a quality of life index of 78/100 and a safety index of 68/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Budapest compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Budapest with any city worldwide. Budapest's cost index is 48 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Budapest?
Many residents live comfortably in Budapest with a monthly budget of around $1,500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Budapest good for expats?
Budapest is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Budapest?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Budapest.
Is Budapest cheaper than New York?
Yes, Budapest has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Budapest?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Budapest.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Budapest
Cheapest Ways to Live in Budapest
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Budapest typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $580/month compared to $850/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Budapest, Hungary.
Is Budapest Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 64/100 and a quality of life score of 78/100, Budapest is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 48 relative to New York City, Budapest remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Hungary has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Budapest Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Budapest", "Budapest monthly expenses 2026", and "is Budapest affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,500, a safety score of 68/100, and healthcare rated 76/100, Budapest offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Hungary.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026