Cost of Living in Budapest - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $730 (excluding rent), and $1,435 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,926 (excluding rent), and $2,995 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.32 Ft 3,749

$8.21 Ft 2,720

$16.98 Ft 5,626

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$56.5 Ft 18.7K

$36.72 Ft 12.2K

$87.5 Ft 29.0K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.73 Ft 2,891

$7.28 Ft 2,412

$11.06 Ft 3,665

Cappuccino

$2.84 Ft 942

$1.75 Ft 580

$4.37 Ft 1,448

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

$1.80 Ft 595

$1.17 Ft 389

$2.58 Ft 856

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.35 Ft 447

$0.88 Ft 291

$2.35 Ft 779

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.94 Ft 973

$1.47 Ft 487

$4.40 Ft 1,460

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.92 Ft 968

$2.33 Ft 773

$4.38 Ft 1,452

Milk (1 liter)

$1.25 Ft 415

$0.96 Ft 318

$1.75 Ft 579

White Bread (500g)

$1.67 Ft 553

$1.12 Ft 372

$2.66 Ft 883

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.14 Ft 708

$1.17 Ft 388

$3.23 Ft 1,069

Eggs

$3.02 Ft 1,001

$2.03 Ft 672

$3.73 Ft 1,235

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.20 Ft 3,380

$7.37 Ft 2,443

$16.00 Ft 5,301

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.38 Ft 2,113

$5.01 Ft 1,662

$8.56 Ft 2,837

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.45 Ft 4,456

$8.71 Ft 2,887

$20.34 Ft 6,741

Apples (1kg)

$1.84 Ft 610

$0.97 Ft 323

$2.24 Ft 742

Banana (1kg)

$1.90 Ft 630

$1.35 Ft 446

$3.09 Ft 1,024

Oranges (1kg)

$2.19 Ft 726

$1.48 Ft 490

$3.84 Ft 1,274

Tomato (1kg)

$3.64 Ft 1,208

$1.61 Ft 535

$7.04 Ft 2,334

Potato (1kg)

$1.17 Ft 389

$0.83 Ft 274

$1.76 Ft 584

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 Ft 400

$0.84 Ft 280

$1.70 Ft 562

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.54 Ft 509

$0.87 Ft 288

$2.32 Ft 770

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 Ft 180

$0.39 Ft 128

$0.83 Ft 276

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.71 Ft 2,222

$6.28 Ft 2,081

$7.42 Ft 2,459

Wine (Bottle)

$5.98 Ft 1,983

$2.33 Ft 773

$8.98 Ft 2,974

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.20 Ft 397

$0.87 Ft 289

$1.51 Ft 501

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.64 Ft 544

$1.12 Ft 370

$2.23 Ft 740

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.26 Ft 418

$1.12 Ft 370

$1.53 Ft 508

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$26.37 Ft 8,738

$26.23 Ft 8,691

$29.30 Ft 9,710

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.26 Ft 1,081

$2.97 Ft 983

$3.26 Ft 1,081

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.12 Ft 372

$1.15 Ft 382

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$18.78 Ft 6,222

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.76 Ft 582

$1.69 Ft 560

$1.91 Ft 634

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

$25.9K Ft 8.6M

$25.6K Ft 8.5M

$33.1K Ft 11.0M

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

$30.8K Ft 10.2M

$27.1K Ft 9.0M

$34.3K Ft 11.4M

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

$149 Ft 49.4K

$103 Ft 34.0K

$208 Ft 68.9K

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

$26.03 Ft 8,624

$14.33 Ft 4,748

$40.12 Ft 13.3K

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$20.46 Ft 6,780

$14.66 Ft 4,859

$29.33 Ft 9,717

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$63.9 Ft 21.2K

$43.76 Ft 14.5K

$87.5 Ft 29.0K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$22.45 Ft 7,440

$14.65 Ft 4,853

$32.23 Ft 10.7K

Cinema Ticket

$8.81 Ft 2,920

$7.11 Ft 2,357

$10.81 Ft 3,581

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

$459 Ft 152.1K

$261 Ft 86.5K

$725 Ft 240.2K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.2K Ft 4.0M

$5,980 Ft 2.0M

$22.8K Ft 7.5M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$87.1 Ft 28.9K

$29.26 Ft 9,696

$117 Ft 38.8K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.07 Ft 14.3K

$20.46 Ft 6,780

$73.0 Ft 24.2K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.1 Ft 31.5K

$67.7 Ft 22.4K

$141 Ft 46.8K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$106 Ft 35.2K

$72.9 Ft 24.1K

$146 Ft 48.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$725 Ft 240.2K

$572 Ft 189.5K

$915 Ft 303.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$557 Ft 184.5K

$434 Ft 144.0K

$724 Ft 239.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,339 Ft 443.5K

$1,002 Ft 332.1K

$1,861 Ft 616.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$982 Ft 325.2K

$729 Ft 241.5K

$1,458 Ft 483.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,706 Ft 1.9M

$4,648 Ft 1.5M

$7,747 Ft 2.6M

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,905 Ft 1.3M

$3,014 Ft 998.6K

$5,515 Ft 1.8M

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,665 Ft 551.6K

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 20, 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.