Cost of Living in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has a cost of living index of 37/100 (New York = 100). It is 63% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

37/100
Cost Index
$1,150/mo
Median Income
77/100
Safety Index
humid continental
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 42/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$655/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$470/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,220/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 48/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.05/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.35/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.9/kg
Dining OutScore: 45/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$8.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$45/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$7.5/meal
TransportationScore: 38/100
Monthly Transit Pass$25/month
One-Way Ticket$1.35/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.12/km
UtilitiesScore: 40/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$110/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$18/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$12/month
HealthcareScore: 55/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$65/visit
Dentist Visit$80/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 48/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$8.5/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$8/ticket
FitnessScore: 42/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$32/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$15/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$6.5/entry
Personal CareScore: 42/100
Haircut (Men)$12/cut
Haircut (Women)$28/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$4.2/bottle
ClothingScore: 48/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$55/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$35/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$75/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$180
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
78/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: District VII (Jewish Quarter), District VI (Terezvaros), District V (Downtown)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest cheap to live in?

Budapest has a cost of living index of 37/100, where New York = 100. It is 63% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $740–$1,036 per month.

How much does rent cost in Budapest?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Budapest costs approximately $655/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $470/month.

Is Budapest good for digital nomads?

Budapest has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $180/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Budapest?

The median net monthly salary in Budapest is approximately $1,150 USD. The income tax rate is around 33.5%.

How does Budapest compare to New York for cost of living?

Budapest (cost index 37) is 63% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,575/month by moving from New York to Budapest.

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