Last update: Oct 2026 Hungary 201.7K

Cost of Living in Debrecen

For one person, living costs in Debrecen are estimated at $1,349 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $24 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Debrecen

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Debrecen actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,349 per month with rent, or $737 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,349 /mo

A couple spends around $2,128 per month with rent, or $1,289 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,128 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,906 per month with rent, or $1,841 without housing.

$2,906 /mo

Overall, Debrecen is 0–3% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 23% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Debrecen? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.49 Ft 4,357
$10.49 Ft 3,388
$14.98 Ft 4,841
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$48.26 Ft 15.6K
$48.26 Ft 15.6K
$84.4 Ft 27.3K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.87 Ft 3,189
$9.56 Ft 3,088
$10.20 Ft 3,297
Cappuccino
$2.43 Ft 786
$0.63 Ft 202
$4.05 Ft 1,308
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.56 Ft 504
$1.06 Ft 343
$1.98 Ft 638
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.06 Ft 343
$0.94 Ft 303
$1.24 Ft 402
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.78 Ft 576
$0.90 Ft 289
$2.68 Ft 865
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.35 Ft 759
$1.57 Ft 507
$4.36 Ft 1,409
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.25 Ft 405
$0.94 Ft 303
$1.41 Ft 455
White Bread (500g)
$1.47 Ft 475
$1.20 Ft 386
$2.40 Ft 776
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.38 Ft 768
$1.50 Ft 484
$2.98 Ft 964
Eggs
$3.69 Ft 1,191
$1.86 Ft 601
$4.47 Ft 1,444
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.30 Ft 3,327
$8.44 Ft 2,728
$12.26 Ft 3,962
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.85 Ft 2,212
$4.61 Ft 1,489
$8.91 Ft 2,877
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.52 Ft 5,013
$12.33 Ft 3,984
$17.23 Ft 5,567
Apples (1kg)
$1.98 Ft 641
$0.45 Ft 147
$2.41 Ft 778
Banana (1kg)
$2.26 Ft 732
$2.02 Ft 652
$2.36 Ft 762
Oranges (1kg)
$2.09 Ft 675
$0.93 Ft 302
$3.11 Ft 1,003
Tomato (1kg)
$3.56 Ft 1,150
$1.24 Ft 401
$3.73 Ft 1,205
Potato (1kg)
$0.89 Ft 289
$0.67 Ft 215
$1.19 Ft 384
Onion (1kg)
$1.26 Ft 409
$0.47 Ft 152
$1.41 Ft 455
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.55 Ft 500
$1.52 Ft 490
$1.59 Ft 513
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53 Ft 173
$0.32 Ft 104
$0.83 Ft 270
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.95 Ft 2,246
$6.95 Ft 2,246
$7.55 Ft 2,438
Wine (Bottle)
$4.22 Ft 1,362
$2.43 Ft 785
$7.18 Ft 2,319
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.24 Ft 402
$0.86 Ft 277
$1.36 Ft 440
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.11 Ft 683
$1.20 Ft 388
$3.70 Ft 1,195
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.50 Ft 485
$1.38 Ft 447
$1.95 Ft 631
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$25.84 Ft 8,347
$22.59 Ft 7,300
$27.72 Ft 8,955
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.17 Ft 1,023
$3.17 Ft 1,023
$4.53 Ft 1,462
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.47 Ft 475
$1.40 Ft 452
$1.55 Ft 502
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.41 Ft 4,010
$9.31 Ft 3,006
$15.52 Ft 5,013
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.86 Ft 602
$1.76 Ft 569
$1.95 Ft 631
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.3K Ft 10.4M
$27.5K Ft 8.9M
$32.3K Ft 10.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.9K Ft 11.6M
$30.4K Ft 9.8M
$38.2K Ft 12.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$154 Ft 49.9K
$121 Ft 39.0K
$242 Ft 78.0K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.41 Ft 8,532
$15.25 Ft 4,928
$30.51 Ft 9,857
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$21.37 Ft 6,904
$18.37 Ft 5,934
$24.48 Ft 7,909
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$48.53 Ft 15.7K
$40.05 Ft 12.9K
$61.6 Ft 19.9K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.28 Ft 2,675
-
Cinema Ticket
$9.75 Ft 3,149
$6.70 Ft 2,165
$15.22 Ft 4,919
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$404 Ft 130.4K
$242 Ft 78.2K
$666 Ft 215.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.8K Ft 3.5M
$4,817 Ft 1.6M
$16.7K Ft 5.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$87.5 Ft 28.3K
$45.30 Ft 14.6K
$91.4 Ft 29.5K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.63 Ft 10.9K
$18.47 Ft 5,966
$38.83 Ft 12.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$86.3 Ft 27.9K
$46.19 Ft 14.9K
$98.8 Ft 31.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 Ft 32.7K
$99.1 Ft 32.0K
$121 Ft 39.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$614 Ft 198.4K
$520 Ft 168.1K
$765 Ft 247.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$458 Ft 147.9K
$376 Ft 121.4K
$661 Ft 213.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,182 Ft 381.9K
$1,072 Ft 346.5K
$1,532 Ft 495.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$911 Ft 294.3K
$783 Ft 252.9K
$1,295 Ft 418.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,922 Ft 944.0K
$2,566 Ft 828.9K
$3,713 Ft 1.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,608 Ft 842.7K
$2,148 Ft 694.0K
$3,314 Ft 1.1M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,248 Ft 403.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.9
6.5
8.96

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Debrecen $1,349
Accommodation & Living
$458
Groceries & Markets
$250
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$202
Eating Out
$191
Clothing & Footwear
$139
Sport & Entertainment
$68
Getting Around
$42

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $614, dropping to $458 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 49% of the average salary ($1,248) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,248 – below monthly costs of $1,349. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $250 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $48.00 – well below the European average of $73.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $25.84 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 91% of cities in Europe

Debrecen is cheaper than 55% of cities worldwide and 73% within Europe.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
16:55 4:55 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
201,704
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to HUF – Hungarian Forint Converter

Hungarian Forint exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 323 HUF (1,000 HUF = 3.1 USD). 1 EUR = 363 HUF (1,000 HUF = 2.75 EUR).

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Debrecen Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Debrecen - Frequently Asked Questions
How does overall affordability in Debrecen stack up for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Debrecen offers a practical balance of value and quality for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want reliable infrastructure without the high price tag of Western capitals. For many, the Cost of Living in Debrecen feels approachable thanks to mid-range rents, affordable dining, and straightforward utilities. The city's compact center and diverse neighborhoods influence housing choices, from lively student areas to calmer residential districts. Public transport and bike-friendly streets help keep daily expenses predictable, while winter heating and occasional seasonal surcharges can shift monthly costs modestly. Shopping at local markets and planning meals around seasonal produce helps you stretch a budget. Tip: Map a few neighborhoods you like and test a week of groceries to estimate monthly costs.
What does daily life look like in Debrecen, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Around Debrecen, you can balance comfort with frugality by choosing the neighborhood that fits your pace. Start with rental listings in the central academic belt or quieter outer districts; you'll find a range of apartment types and lengths. Food options span markets, bakeries, and budget-friendly eateries. For transport, tram and bus networks connect core neighborhoods, and cycling is practical in good weather. Coworking and coffee spots cluster near universities, offering reliable wifi and flexible day passes. Debrecen living cost remains manageable if you shop locally, cook at home, and time errands with market days. Tip: Build a weekly routine to minimize transit back-and-forth and save time.
How would you describe the quality of life in Debrecen, budgeting strategies, and tips for neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Debrecen blends a calm pace with cultural offerings, outdoor spaces, and seasonal events. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: fixed essentials (rent, utilities), flexible costs (food, transport), and a buffer for unexpected expenses. Neighborhood fit depends on your work style and days you plan to explore: choose a central area for nightlife and coworking, or a leafy suburb for longer walks and quieter mornings. Save by joining community programs, taking advantage of student discounts where possible, and using bike lanes to cut transport costs. Note seasonal shifts in heating and outdoor activities; spring and autumn can offer milder, cheaper days to explore. Tip: Try a sample month across three neighborhoods.
What is the average cost of living in Debrecen in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Debrecen should plan on about $1,349 per month with rent, or $737 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Debrecen worth the cost of living?
Debrecen is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,349. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What is the average salary in Debrecen?
After taxes, the average worker in Debrecen takes home about $1,248 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How much is rent in Debrecen?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Debrecen runs about $614 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $458. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Debrecen?
Grocery spending in Debrecen lands around $250 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Debrecen?
Getting around Debrecen by public transport costs about $25.84 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Debrecen?
$1,000 is below the $1,349 average in Debrecen, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Debrecen good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Debrecen for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife. Monthly costs land around $1,349 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Debrecen?
Debrecen is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,349, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Is Debrecen good for backpackers?
Debrecen is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,349, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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