Eastern Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Budapest
The average cost of living in Budapest, Hungary is $1,132 per month for a single person, and $2,637 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $934 per month. The local average net salary is $1,796 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 25.7 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,132 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,637 / mo
- Student
- $660 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Budapest
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,796.24 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Budapest | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Budapest | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Budapest | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Budapest | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Budapest | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Budapest | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Budapest | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Budapest | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Budapest | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Budapest | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Budapest FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Budapest. |
Rent & Property Prices in Budapest
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $934 | $766 – $1,099 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $710 | $616 – $833 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,756 | $1,415 – $2,332 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,339 | $999 – $1,766 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $6,307 | $5,497 – $8,328 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $4,428 | $3,331 – $6,096 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $934$766 – $1,099
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $710$616 – $833
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,756$1,415 – $2,332
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,339$999 – $1,766
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $6,307$5,497 – $8,328
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $4,428$3,331 – $6,096
Grocery Prices in Budapest
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.32 | $1.00 – $1.60 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.86 | $1.50 – $2.83 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.70 | $1.67 – $4.00 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.10 | $2.79 – $5.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $12 | $8.33 – $20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $7.77 | $5.33 – $9.99 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $8.65 – $23 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.37 | $1.00 – $2.66 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.32 | $1.67 – $3.00 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.61 | $1.67 – $4.66 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $3.65 | $1.67 – $5.66 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.13 | $0.67 – $1.67 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.22 | $0.77 – $1.67 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.73 | $1.00 – $2.66 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.67 | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $5.83 | $2.60 – $8.33 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.37 | $1.00 – $1.60 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.16 | $1.33 – $4.09 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $8.33 | $7.99 – $9.99 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.32$1.00 – $1.60
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.86$1.50 – $2.83
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.70$1.67 – $4.00
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.10$2.79 – $5.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $12$8.33 – $20
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $7.77$5.33 – $9.99
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$8.65 – $23
- Apples (1 kg) $2.37$1.00 – $2.66
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.32$1.67 – $3.00
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.61$1.67 – $4.66
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $3.65$1.67 – $5.66
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.13$0.67 – $1.67
- Onions (1 kg) $1.22$0.77 – $1.67
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.73$1.00 – $2.66
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.67$0.50 – $1.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $5.83$2.60 – $8.33
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.37$1.00 – $1.60
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.16$1.33 – $4.09
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $8.33$7.99 – $9.99
Public Transport & Car Costs in Budapest
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.67 | $1.50 – $2.33 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $30 | $30 – $33 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.66 | $3.66 – $4.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.47 | $1.47 – $1.47 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $22 | $22 – $22 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.95 | $1.82 – $2.10 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $31,314 | $29,948 – $35,144 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $38,688 | $33,312 – $41,657 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.67$1.50 – $2.33
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $30$30 – $33
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.66$3.66 – $4.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.47$1.47 – $1.47
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $22$22 – $22
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.95$1.82 – $2.10
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $31,314$29,948 – $35,144
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $38,688$33,312 – $41,657
Utility & Internet Costs in Budapest
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $167 | $121 – $257 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $28 | $17 – $40 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $25 | $21 – $37 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $167$121 – $257
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $28$17 – $40
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $25$21 – $37
Childcare & Preschool in Budapest
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $537 | $300 – $999 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $16,297 | $7,995 – $31,480 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $537$300 – $999
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $16,297$7,995 – $31,480
Clothing Prices in Budapest
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $122 | $83 – $150 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $51 | $27 – $67 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $125 | $83 – $183 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $134 | $100 – $200 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $122$83 – $150
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $51$27 – $67
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $125$83 – $183
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $134$100 – $200
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Budapest
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $79 | $50 – $117 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $20 | $13 – $28 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $10 | $8.33 – $13 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $79$50 – $117
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $20$13 – $28
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $10$8.33 – $13
Restaurant Prices in Budapest
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $13 | $9.99 – $22 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $72 | $50 – $117 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10 | $9.99 – $13 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.00 | $1.67 – $6.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.33 | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.60 | $2.33 – $5.33 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.96 | $1.33 – $3.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.92 | $1.17 – $2.66 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $13$9.99 – $22
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $72$50 – $117
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $10$9.99 – $13
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $4.00$1.67 – $6.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.33$2.00 – $6.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.60$2.33 – $5.33
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.96$1.33 – $3.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.92$1.17 – $2.66
Salaries & Mortgages in Budapest
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,796 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.93% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,796
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.93%
Compare Budapest with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Hungary
Debrecen
Monthly / 1 person
$945
vs NYC
21.5/100
Hungary
Pecs
Monthly / 1 person
$899
vs NYC
20.4/100
Hungary
Szeged
Monthly / 1 person
$765
vs NYC
17.4/100
Czech Republic
Olomouc
Monthly / 1 person
$1,132
vs NYC
25.7/100
Czech Republic
Plzen
Monthly / 1 person
$1,175
vs NYC
26.7/100
Poland
Poznan
Monthly / 1 person
$1,177
vs NYC
26.7/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Budapest?
- An estimated $1,132 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Budapest. A family of four needs around $2,637 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $660.
- How much money do I need to live in Budapest?
- Plan for at least $1,132 per month as a single person, $2,637 per month for a family of four, or $660 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Budapest.
- What is the average rent in Budapest?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Budapest rents for around $934 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,756 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Budapest?
- The average monthly net salary in Budapest is around $1,796. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 52% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Budapest?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Budapest costs around $13. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $63 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.32/L) and bread ($1.86/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Budapest?
- A monthly public transport pass in Budapest costs around $30. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Budapest?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Budapest costs around $25 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.