Budapest vs Vienna

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Vienna is roughly 2% more affordable than Budapest (index 31 vs 31, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Vienna
More affordable overall
2% cheaper than Budapest · Cost index: 31 vs 31

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

31Cost Index31
1,784Median Income /mo3,100✓
75✓Safety Index70
33Income Tax %30✓
150✓Internet (Mbps)90
180✓Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

BudapestCategoryVienna
$882/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
27% cheaper →
$1,200/month
$0.92/liter
Meal for One
39% cheaper →
$1.5/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% cheaper →
$16/meal
$29/month
Monthly Transit Pass
45% cheaper →
$53/month
$162/month
Utilities (Monthly)
48% cheaper →
$310/month
$55/visit
Doctor Visit
45% cheaper →
$100/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Budapest

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Vienna

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability85/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest cheaper than Vienna?

Vienna is cheaper than Budapest. Vienna has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 31/100 for Budapest (New York = 100), making it roughly 2% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Vienna than Budapest?

Vienna is approximately 2% cheaper than Budapest based on cost index scores (31 vs 31, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Budapest could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,946/month in Vienna.

What is the rent comparison between Budapest and Vienna?

In Budapest, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $882/month. In Vienna, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Budapest or Vienna?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Budapest offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$180/month. Vienna offers 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Vienna has a cost advantage of 2%.

What is the average income in Budapest vs Vienna?

The median net monthly salary in Budapest is approximately $1,784 USD, compared to $3,100 USD in Vienna.

Compare Budapest with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Budapest wins or loses.

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