Last update: Oct 2026 Hungary 201.7K

Cost of Living in Debrecen

For one person, living costs in Debrecen are estimated at $1,358 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $25 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 $1,358 per month with rent, or $750 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,358 /mo

A couple spends around $2,149 per month with rent, or $1,282 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,149 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,940 per month with rent, or $1,813 without housing.

$2,940 /mo

Overall, Debrecen is about 3% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are 24% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Debrecen? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.76 Ft 4,482
$10.71 Ft 3,487
$15.30 Ft 4,981
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$49.34 Ft 16.1K
$49.34 Ft 16.1K
$86.4 Ft 28.1K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.02 Ft 3,263
$9.71 Ft 3,163
$10.37 Ft 3,377
Cappuccino
$2.36 Ft 768
$0.61 Ft 198
$3.92 Ft 1,277
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.54 Ft 500
$1.05 Ft 341
$1.95 Ft 634
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.07 Ft 347
$0.94 Ft 307
$1.25 Ft 407
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.88 Ft 611
$0.94 Ft 307
$2.82 Ft 919
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25 Ft 733
$1.50 Ft 490
$4.17 Ft 1,357
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.21 Ft 394
$0.90 Ft 294
$1.35 Ft 438
White Bread (500g)
$1.47 Ft 478
$1.19 Ft 389
$2.39 Ft 777
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.47 Ft 804
$1.55 Ft 506
$3.10 Ft 1,009
Eggs
$3.53 Ft 1,148
$1.78 Ft 580
$4.29 Ft 1,396
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.19 Ft 3,319
$8.36 Ft 2,721
$12.14 Ft 3,953
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.96 Ft 2,265
$4.68 Ft 1,523
$9.05 Ft 2,947
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.45 Ft 5,032
$12.29 Ft 4,001
$17.16 Ft 5,588
Apples (1kg)
$2.00 Ft 650
$0.46 Ft 149
$2.42 Ft 789
Banana (1kg)
$2.22 Ft 723
$1.97 Ft 641
$2.31 Ft 753
Oranges (1kg)
$2.03 Ft 660
$0.91 Ft 296
$3.02 Ft 983
Tomato (1kg)
$3.41 Ft 1,109
$1.19 Ft 386
$3.56 Ft 1,159
Potato (1kg)
$0.92 Ft 298
$0.68 Ft 222
$1.22 Ft 397
Onion (1kg)
$1.21 Ft 393
$0.45 Ft 146
$1.34 Ft 438
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.52 Ft 495
$1.48 Ft 482
$1.56 Ft 507
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 Ft 184
$0.34 Ft 110
$0.88 Ft 287
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.03 Ft 2,290
$7.03 Ft 2,290
$7.63 Ft 2,486
Wine (Bottle)
$4.16 Ft 1,354
$2.40 Ft 782
$7.08 Ft 2,306
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.23 Ft 401
$0.85 Ft 277
$1.34 Ft 436
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09 Ft 682
$1.19 Ft 387
$3.65 Ft 1,189
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.51 Ft 493
$1.39 Ft 451
$1.97 Ft 641
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.60 Ft 8,662
$23.26 Ft 7,574
$28.54 Ft 9,293
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.28 Ft 1,069
$3.28 Ft 1,069
$4.68 Ft 1,525
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.49 Ft 484
$1.41 Ft 458
$1.57 Ft 511
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.10 Ft 3,939
$9.07 Ft 2,953
$15.12 Ft 4,923
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.88 Ft 611
$1.78 Ft 578
$1.97 Ft 641
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.3K Ft 10.5M
$27.6K Ft 9.0M
$32.3K Ft 10.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$36.6K Ft 11.9M
$31.0K Ft 10.1M
$38.9K Ft 12.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$156 Ft 50.9K
$122 Ft 39.8K
$245 Ft 79.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$25.95 Ft 8,450
$14.99 Ft 4,882
$29.99 Ft 9,764
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$20.95 Ft 6,821
$18.00 Ft 5,861
$24.00 Ft 7,816
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$48.87 Ft 15.9K
$40.34 Ft 13.1K
$62.1 Ft 20.2K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.95 Ft 2,588
-
Cinema Ticket
$10.00 Ft 3,257
$6.88 Ft 2,240
$15.63 Ft 5,090
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$414 Ft 135.0K
$249 Ft 81.0K
$684 Ft 222.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.8K Ft 3.5M
$4,832 Ft 1.6M
$16.8K Ft 5.5M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$86.9 Ft 28.3K
$44.98 Ft 14.6K
$90.7 Ft 29.5K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.98 Ft 11.1K
$18.66 Ft 6,075
$39.24 Ft 12.8K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$84.9 Ft 27.7K
$45.43 Ft 14.8K
$97.2 Ft 31.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 Ft 33.5K
$101 Ft 32.8K
$123 Ft 40.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$621 Ft 202.1K
$526 Ft 171.3K
$774 Ft 251.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$465 Ft 151.5K
$382 Ft 124.4K
$672 Ft 218.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,197 Ft 389.9K
$1,086 Ft 353.7K
$1,552 Ft 505.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$935 Ft 304.5K
$804 Ft 261.8K
$1,330 Ft 432.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,978 Ft 969.7K
$2,615 Ft 851.5K
$3,784 Ft 1.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,604 Ft 847.8K
$2,144 Ft 698.2K
$3,308 Ft 1.1M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,234 Ft 401.9K
-
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 3, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Debrecen $1,358
Accommodation & Living
$465
Groceries & Markets
$248
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$203
Eating Out
$193
Clothing & Footwear
$139
Sport & Entertainment
$69
Getting Around
$43

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $621, dropping to $465 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 50% of the average salary ($1,234) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,234 – below monthly costs of $1,358. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $248 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $49.00 – well below the European average of $74.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $26.60 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).

Cost Highlights

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

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:57 8:57 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
201,704
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to HUF – Hungarian Forint Converter

Hungarian Forint exchange rates as of October 12, 2026: 1 USD = 326 HUF (1,000 HUF = 3.07 USD). 1 EUR = 365 HUF (1,000 HUF = 2.74 EUR).

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Debrecen Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,358 per month with rent, or $750 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 $1,358. 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 $1,234 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 $621 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $465. 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 $248 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 $26.60 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 $1,358 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 $1,358 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 $1,358, 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 $1,358, 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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