Cost of Living in Budapest - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $753 (excluding rent), and $1,449 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,863 (excluding rent), and $2,987 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.56 Ft 3,792

$8.39 Ft 2,751

$17.35 Ft 5,689

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$58.1 Ft 19K

$37.75 Ft 12.4K

$90 Ft 29.5K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.75 Ft 2,869

$7.3 Ft 2,394

$11.09 Ft 3,637

Cappuccino

$2.85 Ft 935

$1.76 Ft 576

$4.38 Ft 1,438

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

$1.8 Ft 591

$1.18 Ft 386

$2.59 Ft 849

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.28 Ft 421

$0.84 Ft 274

$2.23 Ft 733

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.83 Ft 928

$1.42 Ft 464

$4.25 Ft 1,393

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.8 Ft 919

$2.24 Ft 734

$4.21 Ft 1,379

Milk (1 liter)

$1.21 Ft 397

$0.93 Ft 304

$1.69 Ft 553

White Bread (500g)

$1.66 Ft 546

$1.12 Ft 367

$2.66 Ft 871

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.08 Ft 681

$1.14 Ft 373

$3.13 Ft 1,027

Eggs

$2.99 Ft 982

$2.01 Ft 660

$3.69 Ft 1,211

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.14 Ft 3,326

$7.33 Ft 2,404

$15.9 Ft 5,215

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.25 Ft 2,048

$4.91 Ft 1,610

$8.38 Ft 2,749

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.53 Ft 4,438

$8.77 Ft 2,875

$20.47 Ft 6,714

Apples (1kg)

$1.94 Ft 636

$1.03 Ft 336

$2.36 Ft 774

Banana (1kg)

$1.93 Ft 633

$1.37 Ft 448

$3.14 Ft 1,029

Oranges (1kg)

$2.16 Ft 710

$1.46 Ft 480

$3.8 Ft 1,246

Tomato (1kg)

$3.51 Ft 1,152

$1.55 Ft 510

$6.79 Ft 2,226

Potato (1kg)

$1.12 Ft 368

$0.79 Ft 259

$1.69 Ft 554

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 Ft 398

$0.85 Ft 278

$1.71 Ft 559

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.51 Ft 495

$0.85 Ft 280

$2.28 Ft 749

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 Ft 190

$0.41 Ft 136

$0.89 Ft 292

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.6 Ft 2,166

$6.18 Ft 2,028

$7.31 Ft 2,396

Wine (Bottle)

$5.95 Ft 1,952

$2.32 Ft 762

$10.41 Ft 3,414

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.2 Ft 395

$0.88 Ft 288

$1.52 Ft 498

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.68 Ft 550

$1.14 Ft 374

$2.28 Ft 748

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.29 Ft 422

$1.14 Ft 374

$1.57 Ft 513

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.83 Ft 8,471

$25.69 Ft 8,425

$28.7 Ft 9,413

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.15 Ft 1,034

$2.86 Ft 939

$3.15 Ft 1,034

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.11 Ft 366

$1.14 Ft 375

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.02 Ft 6,237

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.78 Ft 584

$1.71 Ft 562

$1.94 Ft 636

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

$25.7K Ft 8.4M

$25.3K Ft 8.3M

$32.8K Ft 10.8M

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

$30.7K Ft 10.1M

$27.1K Ft 8.9M

$34.3K Ft 11.2M

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

$149 Ft 48.9K

$103 Ft 33.7K

$208 Ft 68.2K

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

$25.89 Ft 8,490

$14.25 Ft 4,674

$39.9 Ft 13.1K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$19.86 Ft 6,512

$14.23 Ft 4,667

$28.46 Ft 9,333

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$62.8 Ft 20.6K

$42.99 Ft 14.1K

$86 Ft 28.2K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$21.89 Ft 7,179

$14.28 Ft 4,683

$31.42 Ft 10.3K

Cinema Ticket

$9.08 Ft 2,978

$7.33 Ft 2,404

$11.14 Ft 3,653

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

$463 Ft 152K

$264 Ft 86.4K

$732 Ft 240.1K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.3K Ft 4M

$6,055 Ft 2M

$23.1K Ft 7.6M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$85.6 Ft 28.1K

$28.76 Ft 9,431

$115 Ft 37.7K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.73 Ft 14K

$20.3 Ft 6,658

$72.5 Ft 23.8K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.9 Ft 32.1K

$69.7 Ft 22.9K

$145 Ft 47.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$104 Ft 34.1K

$71.3 Ft 23.4K

$143 Ft 46.8K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$732 Ft 240K

$577 Ft 189.3K

$924 Ft 302.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$558 Ft 183.1K

$436 Ft 142.9K

$726 Ft 238.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,362 Ft 446.7K

$1,020 Ft 334.4K

$1,894 Ft 621.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$950 Ft 311.6K

$706 Ft 231.4K

$1,411 Ft 462.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,276 Ft 1.7M

$4,521 Ft 1.5M

$7,535 Ft 2.5M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,870 Ft 1.3M

$3,077 Ft 1M

$5,631 Ft 1.8M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,616 Ft 530K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.03

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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🇪🇺 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.