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Cost of Living in Budapest

Budapest, Budapest, Hungary · Population 3,067,751 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Hungary average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Ft287,080 ($787)
Couple, monthlyFt516,242 ($1,414)
Family of four, monthlyFt674,097 ($1,847)

Estimated Prices in Budapest

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFt2,847 ($7.80)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFt11,388 ($31.20)per meal
CappuccinoFt854 ($2.34)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Ft64,532 ($177)per month
Monthly public transport passFt10,439 ($28.60)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFt27,521 ($75.40)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Ft7,972 ($21.84)per month
Fitness club membershipFt7,972 ($21.84)per month
Cinema ticketFt2,088 ($5.72)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFt139,840 ($383)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFt97,280 ($267)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFt291,840 ($800)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Budapest is Ft569,400 ($1,560) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Ft287,080 ($787) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Ft373,204 ($1,022) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Ft97,280 ($267)) represents about 34% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Budapest

Budapest vs DebrecenBudapest vs MiskolcBudapest vs SzegedBudapest vs SzombathelyBudapest vs PécsBudapest vs Győr

Nearby Cities

Budaörs

8 km away · Pest

Budakeszi

8 km away · Pest

Törökbálint

12 km away · Pest

Diósd

13 km away · Pest

Solymár

13 km away · Pest

Budakalász

14 km away · Pest

Csömör

15 km away · Pest

Nagykovácsi

15 km away · Pest

Other Major Cities in Hungary

Debrecen

Hajdú-Bihar · pop. 328,642

Ft230,135 ($631) / mo

Miskolc

Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén · pop. 294,144

Ft230,135 ($631) / mo

Szeged

Csongrád-Csanád · pop. 239,025

Ft216,080 ($592) / mo

Szombathely

Vas · pop. 147,920

Ft216,080 ($592) / mo

Pécs

Baranya · pop. 139,412

Ft216,080 ($592) / mo

Győr

Győr-Moson-Sopron · pop. 129,373

Ft216,080 ($592) / mo

Nyíregyháza

Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg · pop. 114,873

Ft216,080 ($592) / mo

Kecskemét

Bács-Kiskun · pop. 108,651

Ft216,080 ($592) / mo

Living in Budapest

Budapest is the capital and one of the key cities in Hungary. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Ft287,080 ($787), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Ft97,280 ($267) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Ft674,097 ($1,847) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Ft516,242 ($1,414) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Budapest is Ft569,400 ($1,560). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Ft373,204 ($1,022) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Ft287,080 ($787) per month in Budapest including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Hungary.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Budapest?
A net salary of around Ft373,204 ($1,022) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Budapest with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Budapest is Ft569,400 ($1,560).
How much is rent in Budapest?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Ft139,840 ($383) per month in the city centre and Ft97,280 ($267) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Ft291,840 ($800).
Is Budapest cheaper than Hungary on average?
No — Budapest is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Hungary average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Budapest?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Ft64,532 ($177) in Budapest. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Ft2,847 ($8) and a cappuccino runs around Ft854 ($2).
How do transport costs in Budapest compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Budapest is estimated at Ft10,439 ($29). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Budapest are estimates based on Hungary national averages adjusted for city size (population 3,067,751) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.