Vienna vs Budapest

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Budapest is roughly 5% more affordable than Vienna (index 31 vs 32, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Budapest
More affordable overall
5% cheaper than Vienna · Cost index: 31 vs 32

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

32Cost Index31
2,600Median Income /mo1,629
72Safety Index77
30Income Tax %15
90Internet (Mbps)128
200Coworking /mo190

Price Breakdown

ViennaCategoryBudapest
$1,150/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
31% ← cheaper
$790/month
$1.5/liter
Meal for One
27% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
29% ← cheaper
$10/meal
$80/month
Monthly Transit Pass
44% ← cheaper
$45/month
$290/month
Utilities (Monthly)
59% ← cheaper
$120/month
$70/visit
Doctor Visit
21% ← cheaper
$55/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Vienna

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Budapest

Internet128 Mbps
Coworking$190/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vienna cheaper than Budapest?

Budapest is cheaper than Vienna. Budapest has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 32/100 for Vienna (New York = 100), making it roughly 5% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Budapest than Vienna?

Budapest is approximately 5% cheaper than Vienna based on cost index scores (31 vs 32, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Vienna could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,845/month in Budapest.

What is the rent comparison between Vienna and Budapest?

In Vienna, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,150/month. In Budapest, the equivalent is around $790/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Vienna offers 90 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Budapest offers 128 Mbps and coworking at ~$190/month. Budapest has a cost advantage of 5%.

What is the average income in Vienna vs Budapest?

The median net monthly salary in Vienna is approximately $2,600 USD, compared to $1,629 USD in Budapest.

Compare Vienna with…

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

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