Are you considering a move to Budapest, Hungary, and wondering about the cost of living? Budapest is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Budapest and help you understand whether $1908 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1188.94.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
11.45 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
57.26 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.59 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.86 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.39 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.51 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.08 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.13 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.67 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.18 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.8 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
10.83 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.84 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.98 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.65 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.93 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.04 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.38 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.28 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.48 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.42 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.49 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
5.73 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.14 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.56 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
6.3 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.29 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
27.2 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.15 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
18.9 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
29559.81 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
29665.22 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
160.52 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
16.59 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
51.32 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
15.94 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.16 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
416.11 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
10044.22 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
80.39 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
34.84 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
94.66 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
99.58 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
638.24 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
508.58 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1117.36 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
837.84 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
4128.56 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2745.59 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1188.94 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
10.13 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Budapest come to a total of approximately $1908. This includes an average monthly rent of around $638 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $168 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $608 per month.
Living in Budapest appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1188.94. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Budapest, you would likely need an income exceeding $1188.94.
In Budapest, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1188.94, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Budapest is approximately $638. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $508.58 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Budapest can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $472 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Hungary can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Hungary.
The location score of 76 makes Budapest a safe city, especially for tourists. Minor crime acts are present, but very little standard precaution can make your stay safe. There are not violent criminal acts against tourists. Travelers just need to avoid areas that are risky for walking alone at night.
It can be said that transportation in Budapest is safe. Unlike in other major cities, the risk of being kidnapped by the taxi driver does not exist. The only possibility is to be overcharged, but only by the unlicensed taxis. The best solution is to call them via phone, rather than stopping them on the street. Some taxi drivers may advise you to visit certain restaurants since they receive money for that.
Petty crimes, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, are the main problem in Budapest. As in any other city, tourist areas and public transport are the main places where the thieves operate. Visitors need to pay special attention and take care of their belongings, as well as avoid carrying their passports with them.
Budapest is not prone to more serious natural disasters due to its location. Only severe flooding or snowstorms can sometimes occur.
Regarding mugging and kidnapping risks, tourists can feel relaxed and safe, since Budapest is not a dangerous city. There are no reports of such violent crimes against tourists.
The recent history of terrorist attacks throughout the capital cities in Europe, make Budapest a possible target. The September 2016 Budapest explosion make the whole city feel fear and anxiety and authorities are in readiness. So, the threat of a terrorist attack exists and tourists need to follow the advice in case it happens.
Drink spiking in the strip clubs and overpricing normal goods are common scams in Budapest. Sex work is legal in Hungary and some sex workers may be involved in scams and theft. It was also reported that taxi drivers tend to give banknotes that are no longer valid to the tourists, so take care not to accept them.
When solo women travelers are in question, Budapest can be considered a safe city, in comparison to other capitals. The assaults against foreign female tourists almost do not occur.
Your valid passport is the necessary documentation during your stay in Hungary, in case it lasts less than 90 days. If you want to prolong your stay, you must register with the nearest Immigration Office. Nationals who have Schengen can stay in the country as much as they desire.
The Hungarian Forint is the official currency in Hungary. It is never advisable to exchange money in the street since better exchange rates are in banks and you will not be deceived. The local currency is accepted in most of the services, although there are some places where it is possible to pay in Euros.
Hungary has a mild climate. Summers are usually very hot, with temperatures up to 34°C, while winters can be very cold with -11°C. In case you decide to visit it during the summer season, prepare in advance your clothing and hydration.
Most travelers come to Budapest via Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport, which is well known under the nickname Ferihegy, and it is 16 km away from the city center. Other alternative airports are in Debrecen, Sármellék, Győr-Pér, and Pécs-Pogány.
As it is advised in any other country in the world, a travel insurance policy is necessary before traveling abroad. In case of emergency, it is important to have it, because those situations cannot be predicted.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 37°F | 41°F | 51°F | 62°F | 71°F | 77°F | 81°F | 80°F | 71°F | 60°F | 47°F | 38°F |
| Temp | 32°F | 34°F | 43°F | 53°F | 62°F | 68°F | 71°F | 70°F | 62°F | 52°F | 41°F | 33°F |
| Low | 26°F | 28°F | 35°F | 44°F | 52°F | 58°F | 61°F | 59°F | 52°F | 42°F | 35°F | 28°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 2°C | 5°C | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C | 25°C | 27°C | 26°C | 21°C | 15°C | 8°C | 3°C |
| Temp | 0°C | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C | 21°C | 21°C | 16°C | 11°C | 5°C | 0°C |
| Low | -3°C | -2°C | 1°C | 6°C | 11°C | 14°C | 16°C | 15°C | 11°C | 5°C | 1°C | -2°C |