Cost of Living in Budapest - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $733 (excluding rent), and $1,418 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,899 (excluding rent), and $3,063 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.55 Ft 3,832

$8.38 Ft 2,780

$17.32 Ft 5,750

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$57.4 Ft 19.1K

$37.32 Ft 12.4K

$89.0 Ft 29.5K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.79 Ft 2,918

$7.33 Ft 2,434

$11.14 Ft 3,699

Cappuccino

$2.88 Ft 957

$1.77 Ft 589

$4.43 Ft 1,471

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.80 Ft 598

$1.18 Ft 391

$2.59 Ft 859

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.36 Ft 450

$0.88 Ft 293

$2.36 Ft 784

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.85 Ft 946

$1.43 Ft 473

$4.28 Ft 1,419

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.96 Ft 983

$2.37 Ft 785

$4.44 Ft 1,475

Milk (1 liter)

$1.26 Ft 418

$0.96 Ft 320

$1.76 Ft 583

White Bread (500g)

$1.69 Ft 560

$1.13 Ft 376

$2.69 Ft 894

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.13 Ft 705

$1.16 Ft 386

$3.21 Ft 1,065

Eggs

$3.17 Ft 1,052

$2.13 Ft 707

$3.91 Ft 1,298

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.17 Ft 3,376

$7.35 Ft 2,440

$15.95 Ft 5,294

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.35 Ft 2,108

$4.99 Ft 1,657

$8.53 Ft 2,830

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.21 Ft 4,384

$8.56 Ft 2,841

$19.98 Ft 6,632

Apples (1kg)

$1.86 Ft 618

$0.98 Ft 327

$2.26 Ft 752

Banana (1kg)

$1.93 Ft 642

$1.37 Ft 454

$3.15 Ft 1,044

Oranges (1kg)

$2.15 Ft 714

$1.45 Ft 482

$3.77 Ft 1,253

Tomato (1kg)

$3.50 Ft 1,162

$1.55 Ft 514

$6.77 Ft 2,246

Potato (1kg)

$1.13 Ft 376

$0.80 Ft 265

$1.70 Ft 565

Onion (1kg)

$1.25 Ft 416

$0.88 Ft 291

$1.76 Ft 585

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.56 Ft 518

$0.88 Ft 293

$2.36 Ft 784

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 Ft 192

$0.41 Ft 137

$0.89 Ft 295

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.92 Ft 2,298

$6.48 Ft 2,152

$7.66 Ft 2,543

Wine (Bottle)

$6.06 Ft 2,010

$2.36 Ft 783

$9.08 Ft 3,013

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.20 Ft 398

$0.87 Ft 290

$1.52 Ft 503

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 Ft 550

$1.13 Ft 374

$2.25 Ft 748

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.28 Ft 425

$1.13 Ft 376

$1.56 Ft 517

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$26.05 Ft 8,648

$25.91 Ft 8,601

$28.95 Ft 9,609

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.09 Ft 1,027

$2.81 Ft 933

$3.09 Ft 1,027

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.11 Ft 369

$1.14 Ft 379

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.15 Ft 6,356

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.77 Ft 589

$1.71 Ft 566

$1.93 Ft 642

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.4K Ft 8.4M

$25.1K Ft 8.3M

$32.5K Ft 10.8M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$31.1K Ft 10.3M

$27.4K Ft 9.1M

$34.6K Ft 11.5M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$145 Ft 48.1K

$99.7 Ft 33.1K

$202 Ft 66.9K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$25.64 Ft 8,509

$14.11 Ft 4,684

$39.51 Ft 13.1K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$19.94 Ft 6,618

$14.29 Ft 4,743

$28.58 Ft 9,486

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$64.3 Ft 21.3K

$43.99 Ft 14.6K

$88.0 Ft 29.2K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$21.96 Ft 7,289

$14.32 Ft 4,755

$31.52 Ft 10.5K

Cinema Ticket

$8.97 Ft 2,977

$7.24 Ft 2,403

$11.00 Ft 3,651

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$460 Ft 152.8K

$262 Ft 86.9K

$727 Ft 241.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.3K Ft 4.1M

$6,015 Ft 2.0M

$22.9K Ft 7.6M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$85.8 Ft 28.5K

$28.82 Ft 9,568

$115 Ft 38.3K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.12 Ft 14.0K

$20.01 Ft 6,643

$71.4 Ft 23.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.0 Ft 32.2K

$69.1 Ft 22.9K

$144 Ft 47.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$105 Ft 34.9K

$72.0 Ft 23.9K

$144 Ft 47.8K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$722 Ft 239.6K

$570 Ft 189.1K

$911 Ft 302.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$554 Ft 183.9K

$432 Ft 143.5K

$721 Ft 239.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,332 Ft 442.2K

$997 Ft 331.1K

$1,852 Ft 614.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$969 Ft 321.5K

$719 Ft 238.8K

$1,439 Ft 477.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,420 Ft 1.8M

$4,436 Ft 1.5M

$7,394 Ft 2.5M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,858 Ft 1.3M

$2,986 Ft 991.2K

$5,464 Ft 1.8M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,645 Ft 545.9K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.03

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Budapest Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

267

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

291

Mbps

112

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🇪🇺 Europe

Cost of Living in Budapest - Frequently Asked Questions

Budapest tends to offer a favorable balance of cost and quality for many travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll find affordable mid-range housing options relative to Western Europe, strong public transit, and a vibrant cultural scene that doesn’t break the bank. In general, the city rewards those who explore beyond the center, with neighborhoods a short ride from the center offering good value, cafés, coworking spaces, and markets that support a flexible lifestyle. Seasonal shifts can tilt prices in tourist hotspots, so timing matters. For context, Cost of Living in Budapest helps set expectations against Western cities. Tip: Check a few neighborhoods in person to gauge how price, vibe, and commute align with your priorities.

Daily life in Budapest blends practicality with plenty of small luxuries. Housing search often yields options in outer districts where rents are friendlier, balanced by access to metro lines for a quick ride into the center. Food options range from markets and casual bistros to longer sit-down meals, with groceries staying affordable if you cook at home. Transit is straightforward and economical, with a reliable tram and metro network for errands and weekend explorations. For budgeting context, Budapest living cost varies by district, so map your priorities before choosing a base. Tip: Consider a longer lease to lock in stability and avoid seasonal price bumps.

Quality of life in Budapest can be excellent if you plan ahead. Use a simple budgeting framework: housing first, then recurring costs, with a flexible leisure category. Save by choosing neighborhoods with good infrastructure but cheaper rents, cooking at home, and using public transit instead of rideshares. Seasonality affects crowds and noise in central areas, so test visits at different times. Neighborhood fit comes from walking around on weekends, noting green spaces, cafes, and gym access. Build a routine that balances work and exploration, and give yourself time to adapt to local customs and language habits. Tip: Build a simple monthly budget and adjust as you go.