Cost of Living in Budapest - Updated Prices & Insights

54.75

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $728 (excluding rent), and $1,465 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,895 (excluding rent), and $2,945 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.5 Ft 3,984

$8.34 Ft 2,890

$17.25 Ft 5,978

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$57.7 Ft 20K

$37.5 Ft 13K

$89.4 Ft 31K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.58 Ft 2,974

$7.16 Ft 2,481

$10.88 Ft 3,770

Cappuccino

$2.76 Ft 957

$1.7 Ft 589

$4.25 Ft 1,471

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

$1.79 Ft 620

$1.17 Ft 405

$2.57 Ft 891

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.33 Ft 462

$0.87 Ft 301

$2.32 Ft 805

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.82 Ft 976

$1.41 Ft 488

$4.22 Ft 1,464

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.83 Ft 981

$2.26 Ft 783

$4.25 Ft 1,471

Milk (1 liter)

$1.2 Ft 417

$0.92 Ft 319

$1.68 Ft 582

White Bread (500g)

$1.75 Ft 606

$1.18 Ft 408

$2.79 Ft 968

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.12 Ft 734

$1.16 Ft 402

$3.2 Ft 1,107

Eggs

$3.06 Ft 1,059

$2.05 Ft 711

$3.77 Ft 1,306

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.83 Ft 3,406

$7.11 Ft 2,462

$15.42 Ft 5,342

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.16 Ft 2,136

$4.85 Ft 1,679

$8.27 Ft 2,867

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.23 Ft 4,583

$8.57 Ft 2,969

$20.01 Ft 6,933

Apples (1kg)

$1.85 Ft 641

$0.98 Ft 339

$2.25 Ft 780

Banana (1kg)

$2.01 Ft 696

$1.42 Ft 492

$3.26 Ft 1,131

Oranges (1kg)

$2.19 Ft 758

$1.48 Ft 513

$3.84 Ft 1,331

Tomato (1kg)

$3.59 Ft 1,245

$1.59 Ft 551

$6.94 Ft 2,406

Potato (1kg)

$1.17 Ft 406

$0.83 Ft 286

$1.76 Ft 611

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 Ft 418

$0.84 Ft 292

$1.7 Ft 587

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.54 Ft 533

$0.87 Ft 301

$2.33 Ft 806

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 Ft 186

$0.38 Ft 133

$0.82 Ft 285

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.87 Ft 2,382

$6.44 Ft 2,230

$7.61 Ft 2,635

Wine (Bottle)

$5.88 Ft 2,038

$3.52 Ft 1,221

$10.29 Ft 3,564

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.15 Ft 399

$0.84 Ft 291

$1.45 Ft 504

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.67 Ft 577

$1.13 Ft 393

$2.27 Ft 786

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.32 Ft 456

$1.17 Ft 404

$1.6 Ft 555

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$25.81 Ft 8,943

$25.67 Ft 8,894

$28.68 Ft 9,937

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.08 Ft 1,067

$2.8 Ft 969

$3.08 Ft 1,067

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.12 Ft 387

$1.15 Ft 397

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$18.78 Ft 6,507

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.85 Ft 640

$1.78 Ft 616

$2.01 Ft 697

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

$26.2K Ft 9.1M

$25.8K Ft 8.9M

$33.4K Ft 11.6M

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

$31.3K Ft 10.8M

$27.6K Ft 9.5M

$34.9K Ft 12.1M

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

$146 Ft 50.6K

$101 Ft 34.9K

$204 Ft 70.5K

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

$25.71 Ft 8,909

$14.15 Ft 4,904

$39.63 Ft 13.7K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$20.25 Ft 7,015

$14.51 Ft 5,027

$29.02 Ft 10.1K

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$61.9 Ft 21.5K

$42.4 Ft 14.7K

$84.8 Ft 29.4K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$21.82 Ft 7,560

$14.23 Ft 4,931

$31.31 Ft 10.8K

Cinema Ticket

$9.16 Ft 3,175

$7.4 Ft 2,562

$11.24 Ft 3,893

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

$447 Ft 154.9K

$254 Ft 88.1K

$706 Ft 244.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.4K Ft 4.3M

$6,068 Ft 2.1M

$23.1K Ft 8M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$83.9 Ft 29.1K

$28.21 Ft 9,773

$113 Ft 39.1K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.65 Ft 14.4K

$19.79 Ft 6,856

$70.6 Ft 24.5K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$98 Ft 34K

$69.8 Ft 24.2K

$145 Ft 50.4K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$107 Ft 37K

$73.2 Ft 25.4K

$146 Ft 50.7K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$716 Ft 248.2K

$565 Ft 195.9K

$904 Ft 313.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$546 Ft 189.2K

$426 Ft 147.7K

$710 Ft 246.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,354 Ft 469.2K

$1,014 Ft 351.3K

$1,883 Ft 652.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$983 Ft 340.7K

$730 Ft 253K

$1,461 Ft 506.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,760 Ft 1.6M

$3,464 Ft 1.2M

$6,409 Ft 2.2M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,114 Ft 1.1M

$2,640 Ft 914.5K

$4,399 Ft 1.5M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,401 Ft 485.5K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.03

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

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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.