Cost of Living in Budapest

Summary of cost of living in Budapest, Hungary:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 3,500.00 Ft 2,500.00-6,000.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 18,000.00 Ft 12,000.00-29,000.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 2,595.00 Ft 2,200.00-3,500.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 800.00 Ft 400.00-1,200.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 900.00 Ft 600.00-1,400.00
Cappuccino (regular) 743.83 Ft 450.00-1,200.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 475.87 Ft 350.00-700.00
Water (12 oz small bottle) 378.55 Ft 300.00-600.00
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 1,818.49 Ft 1,135.62-2,646.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 498.35 Ft 294.84-816.47
Rice (white), (1 lb) 347.73 Ft 217.72-544.31
Eggs (regular) (12) 1,139.72 Ft 720.00-1,440.00
Local Cheese (1 lb) 1,975.38 Ft 1,220.16-3,175.15
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 868.32 Ft 657.71-1,200.00
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 1,853.83 Ft 1,133.98-2,721.56
Apples (1 lb) 257.71 Ft 154.22-317.52
Banana (1 lb) 319.12 Ft 249.48-453.59
Oranges (1 lb) 302.76 Ft 181.44-498.95
Tomato (1 lb) 633.92 Ft 272.16-1,133.98
Potato (1 lb) 190.74 Ft 136.08-294.84
Onion (1 lb) 221.57 Ft 158.30-317.52
Lettuce (1 head) 510.11 Ft 300.00-800.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 175.68 Ft 120.00-300.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 1,999.50 Ft 1,200.00-3,500.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 393.58 Ft 300.00-500.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 564.71 Ft 350.00-890.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 2,100.00 Ft 2,000.00-2,500.00
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 350.00 Ft 350.00-450.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 9,500.00 Ft 9,500.00-11,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 1,000.00 Ft 1,000.00-1,100.00
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 708.11 Ft 643.74-965.61
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 6,000.00 Ft 6,000.00-6,600.00
Gasoline (1 gallon) 2,432.68 Ft 2,195.54-2,649.79
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 10,000,000.00 Ft 8,250,000.00-11,500,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 9,772,697.03 Ft 8,500,000.00-11,000,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 54,643.62 Ft 37,777.78-90,000.00
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 31.26 Ft 20.00-40.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 5,451.61 Ft 4,000.00-9,500.00
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 18,463.93 Ft 12,000.00-25,000.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 5,212.86 Ft 3,350.00-8,000.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 2,500.00 Ft 2,100.00-3,200.00
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 142,352.94 Ft 100,000.00-200,000.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 3,572,205.88 Ft 2,000,000.00-6,000,000.00
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 29,785.08 Ft 10,000.00-40,000.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 12,904.29 Ft 8,000.00-20,000.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 31,010.58 Ft 20,000.00-45,000.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 35,234.02 Ft 20,000.00-50,000.00
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 204,804.59 Ft 150,000.00-280,000.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 159,722.08 Ft 120,000.00-220,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 370,432.37 Ft 290,000.00-555,212.13
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 263,388.78 Ft 200,000.00-400,000.00
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 131,667.85 Ft 111,482.72-185,804.53
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 87,781.92 Ft 74,321.81-111,482.72
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 412,117.41 Ft
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 9.69 7.80-13.00

Prices in Budapest

This city had 8108 entries in the past 12 months by 922 different contributors.
Last update: June 2023
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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91 Comments so far
Gabor Kovacs on May 28, 2023:
Hi Faten,
I believe you can hardly get by with that salary if you have to pay room rental fee. It is not impossible if you need to pay though. Yet keep in mind that food price are very high and you won't be able to save any.
Regards,
Gabor
Faten on May 23, 2023:
I have a question for native Hungarians as a student who just got an internship in Budapest, I always loved and was fascinated by its beauty and history, and I would like to know if I can live off 350000 HUF a month as a salary from the company. I'm good with money and not a bigger spender and I manage my budget carefully. if so please answer me honestly. Thank you very much in advance.
Norbs on May 02, 2023:
I wonder if those people who write here have ever been to the country? My God! Who thinks that Budapest is dangerous? Budapest is one of the safest city in Europe! Of course, if you get off the plane and immediately go to buy drugs and women, you might end up in the wrong neighborhood. Many people write very bad things here, which are not true. I have lived in the city for 20 years. I don't understand those who spend 400K HUF on food either. What do they eat, gold? Who rents an apartment for 2000€..and where...in the parliament? Who says that Hungarians are primitive and shoot in the street? My God! It would have been better not to see this page! I had no idea that people are so malicious! Please, if you come to Budapest, don't read anything here! Budapest is a very cool city!
Hanna on Apr 01, 2023:
Could a single retired person live well on 2500 EUR netto in Budapest?
Or other cities in Hungary?
Is teaching English classes a possibility?
Ilove Hungary on Mar 28, 2023:
Budapest has mostly lower prices with higher salaries than Athens, Greece. Wow!
Anonymous on Mar 24, 2023:
What will be salary/month for 10 years experienced technicians in Budapest - Electricians, Plumbers, Masons, Labors? Also for engineers - civil, mechanical, electrical.
steve ryan on Jan 18, 2023:
hoping to visit Hungary with my wife. Thanks for the info
Syed on Nov 23, 2022:
How much monthly salary should be to live in budapest for 4 member of family including all expenses.
Anonymous on Nov 08, 2022:
Your monthly income would need to be atleast 15,000 eur to accomplish that.International school per child averages 2,000 eur monthly not including school supplies which is 300 eur monthly per child. Remember the Hungarian government taxes income abroad at 17% which is normal.We live in Budapest anything outside of Budapest is much cheaper but infrastructure is severely lacking wouldn't recommend it.
Sam on Oct 31, 2022:
How much would be the perfect salary for family with 3 children in Budapest??? considering all the 3 children will go to international school..
How much is the school , house other expenses??

Can anyone guide me on this please?

thanks
Eszter T. on Oct 19, 2022:
Hi, well the English speaking community varies really where you live and what is the group of people you interact. In Budapest there are lots of international companies, the younger generation (in their 30s and under) has quite a good coverage. Though you might run into troubles e.g. bus stations or basic shops and smaller groceries. In the city center you are quite ok, but if you leave Budapest - unless you leave for any university towns like, Pécs, Szeged, Debrecen, Székesfehérvár, Győr, or during the summer Balaton - you probably will have difficulties to find someone to have meaningful conversation with.
Anonymous on Oct 10, 2022:
What % of people speak English overall? And also what % speak English outside of cities?

Thank you, I am grateful for any replies.
Lol on Jul 09, 2022:
Man, the majority of these comments are completely unhinged. Budapest is safer or just as safe as any major Western European city. The sketchiest parts do not even come close to the sketchiest parts of Paris for example.
Attila on Jun 26, 2022:
The apartment prices are totally out-of-date, not even close to current prices. Renting a 1 room apartment in the city center starts at 300k HUF.
Diego on Jun 05, 2022:
Today I paid 1500 For a bottle of water at Budapest airport. You might say, airports are always more expensive. Ok, the second airport I travelled to was Stockholm, 35 Kn for the same type of water here. That's the equivalent of 1315 Ft today. Are we serious here? Prices in this airport are cheaper than in Budapest. Can you guys illustrate how your data is gathered because I guarantee 100% that it's absolutely wrong. For a mediocre restaurant in Budapest you don't pay less than 4000 Ft nowadays. Please someone prove me wrong with receipts from regular places in Budapest city centre. I am not even going to start discussing rent and the other parameters. Can someone from you team look into the accuracy of this data? thank you!
Diego on Jun 05, 2022:
This data is completely outdated. You guys should know that companies are using your data to justify salaries and the numbers you are showing here are completely misleading. Very irresponsible to state "Last update: June 2022" when I could guarantee with receipts that those prices don't exist. Imported beer 800.00 Ft in a restaurant! you must me joking! Please let me know which restaurant doesn't charge you more than 1500 Ft nowadays for a beer and I will be their most recurrent customer.
Db on May 24, 2022:
Hi Guys,

13.2M HUF gross is a good salary in Budapest for 5+ yrs of experience moving from India?
Baralauar on Mar 24, 2022:
Hi, guys is a 16 million HUF/month gross a good salary in Budapest for 7+ years of experience moving from India?

You will not earn 16 million in Hungary.
maybe 1,6 million which is very good, I only see thet chance to it if you are a consultant or programmer.
Lui Marx on Mar 20, 2022:
bp is a neglected city.buildings crumbling everywhere.it was nice 100 years ago.even then ,not because ppl wanted nice buildings but it was the law to spend 20 % of your cost on the facade. just look behind front doors. all shitty .
it is also expensive unless u r a foreigner. takes 100 years work to save enough to buy a modest apartment. city is drab oct through may.greed everywhere
Lui Marx on Mar 20, 2022:
Consumer Prices in Budapest are 40.01% higher than in Antalya (without rent)
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Budapest are 54.65% higher than in Antalya
Rent Prices in Budapest are 133.54% higher than in Antalya
Restaurant Prices in Budapest are 112.77% higher than in Antalya
Groceries Prices in Budapest are 68.96% higher than in Antalya
Anonymous on Mar 17, 2022:
Hi, guys is a 16 million HUF/month gross a good salary in Budapest for 7+ years of experience moving from India?
Anonymous on Mar 17, 2022:
Hi guys is 16HUF/month gross a good salary in budapest for 7+ years experience moving from India ?
Anonymous on Mar 12, 2022:
Is 1,200,000 per month salary enough for 2 people? If they want to do good savings also
Layla on Mar 03, 2022:
@PurplePeopleEater
500k gross or net? I live on about 460k net a month and it's perfectly comfortable. I spend about 175k on a nice one bedroom including utilities on the buda side, close to mom park. Granted, that's not considered downtown, but many downtown areas have cheaper housing than the greener buda side. I do cook a lot myself, but I don't buy the cheapest groceries; lots of fresh vegetables, plant-based milk, nuts, conrflakes, nice chocolate, that kind of stuff. Basically, I buy whatever I feel like. And I go out for a coffee/dinner/beers about once a week.
Sure, you can't buy clothing from fancier brands on a regular basis. But if you just want to have a good appartment, go out moderately and not worry too much about your groceries, 500k net is very doable in Budapest.
Anonymous on Feb 10, 2022:
France has more money, modern infrastructure, and high tech luxuries than Hungary will ever have.Hungary is primitive by far compared to France. Very low salaries are common throughout Hungary for good reason. Look at how Hungarians live in ramshackle dwellings outdated by atleast 50 years. Not to forget how Hungarians dress no tailored clothing right down to their primitive shoes that even animals wouldn't wear. Major hanus crimes happen daily which normally go unpunished in Hungaria.Many Hungarians seem to be allergic to hot water and soap. Body odor is plentiful in Hungaria and gladly displayed in public places
Laci on Feb 07, 2022:
@UrbanNomad : Don't get me wrong, I didn't say there wasn't criminality, I said tho that, especially when you are French, finding BP dangerous is just ridiculous ! Behave normally and cautiously, and nothing should happen, which is not all the time the case when being in big cities at home (Paris/Marseille/Lyon just to name a few).
Anonymous on Jan 30, 2022:
Who really wants to live in Budapest anyway? Nobody in their right mind would. The HUF currency like Hungary is continuing on a downward spiral to the point of no return. The land of nothingless, mismanaged over 35 years and it continues to get worse by the day not the year.Hungarians can forget about moving to the USA I've had my application just to visit USA almost 7 years now Hungarians aren't welcome in the United States anymore
Mark on Jan 09, 2022:
Rent in Bp is very expensive, the prices went up a lot in the last 5 years and salaries are not following that. Also HUF went down by about 20% (to EUR) in the last 3 years which resulted in increased prices of almost everything. And again, salaries do not follow that high inflation rate.
Anonymous on Dec 18, 2021:
Budapest has always been dangerous but believing people online that has never been there are getting visitors killed. I've been a taxi driver over 37 years I see alot of violent crimes throughout Budapest many times and its never slowed down.
Arpad on Dec 15, 2021:
It's funny what frogs are telling about Budapest: probably they don't come from one of the many and dangerous banlieues of French cities, those places where Algerians and Africans beat the police when they are angry, I mean. Allez vous faire enculer avec vos mesonges!
Anonymous on Nov 28, 2021:
Crime rates aren't accurate listed here so they should be much high.Cost of living is also important obviously. Many move to Budapest to start a new life nothing wrong with that but most depend upon others online. People who believe crime statistics here are in for a terrifying experience once reality sets in especially in Budapest. Remote areas obviously have much less crime. Anyone interested in moving to Budapest should contact the main police department in Budapest in person. An accurate list of burglaries robberies rapes etc will be provided quarterly or annually. If unable to appear in person get their crime blotter website print it off and make your own decisions. Most promoters of Budapest tend to paint a rose picture of how safe Budapest is only to gain subscribers nothing more. FYI it's best to know crime statistics first before anything else no matter which country it is worldwide. Depending upon someone else's guess work concerning crime has ended many a person's life. So look at factual statistics concerning real crime statistics instead of being a statistic.

Anonymous police officer Budapest
PurplePeopleEater on Nov 06, 2021:
500k HUF/month/person is NOT enough for a decent living in downtown Budapest. Definitely not. Only the costs of a nice downtown apartment would take most of the budget.
UrbanNomad on Oct 19, 2021:
@Laci: Yes, criminality does not exist if one does not want to see it. If you spend most of your time on Vaci Utca or other posh neighborhood, you would probably never see serious crimes. But if you open your eyes and take an objective look at reality, you will realize that it is not as peaceful as you want it to be.
On another note you are right about the living costs, 500k is more than enough for a single person to live(decently) in the city center.
Laci on Sep 04, 2021:
As a French person myself, I'd love to know where the French guy from 01.01.21 comes from, so I can have a good laugh, probably from la Creuse or Meuse, in a 50 ppl village to find Budapest dangerous !

This is simply a lie. Tho, you'll not be welcome in here if you behave shadily (shouting late in the evening for no reason, breaking stuff etc), which actually makes sense but some tourists tend to forget about it. It's holidays for you, it's home for others.

As for people saying you need 800k net to live in Budapest, I'd love to have a break down of their expenses. Even spending your food budget at Culinaris and have an expat-built flat, you will not even come close to this number. 500k is more than comfortable to live in the city center.
Mina on Aug 31, 2021:
I have a family of 6 members with 4 daughters. I have an offer in Hungary , would 6,000 euro enough per month given international schooling for my daughters and 3 bedrooms rent in city center?
Corin on Aug 26, 2021:
Budapest is one of the most livable cities in Europe. The city has splendid architecture and refined culture. If you like to eat out and spend some time with your friends at a bar, it is affordable to do so in comparison with other European capitals. Plus, the Danube and the plenty of parks and forests offer a sense of connection to nature. How many cities do you know with a green island-oasis, like Margrit Island in the middle of a river? So, all in all, Budapest is rich in culture, safe, and Hungarians are decent people in general. If you want to find faults, you can find them everywhere as there is no perfect country. In the financial aspect, if you are employed in Hungary, you may not earn as much as you would in Nothern European countries. Yet, the cost of living is also relatively much lower than in those countries.
Md Emran Hasan on Aug 11, 2021:
Thanks for your valuable information. Hope see you soon ☺️
Gab on Jun 23, 2021:
Also, BP is far from my favorite city, but these comparisons with Tunis and France gave me a good laugh. Yes, everywhere is safe during the day, but you should avoid the shadiest areas at night (they are not in the city center).
Definitely safer than West EU cities. Also, there is practically no gun violence, the french guy much have been high as a kite and confused them with fireworks or something.
Gab on Jun 23, 2021:
I don't know what the standards of some people are, but minimal wage is 167 000 HUF in Hungary currectly, so you can scrape by with that (somehow). Accordingly, anything over 500 000 HUF would be enough to rent a nice flat and live a comfortable life, without having to worry about money too much. If that is not enough, then ask yourself why you need to spend several times as much money on yourself than the average local.
Ankush on Jun 19, 2021:
How much salary will be better to live a good life in budapest. My employer offered me 1200k as a monthly out of which 66% will be my take home.
Calamity Jane on Jun 03, 2021:
What kind of crazy nonsense is this about BUD being "dangerous"?? Tbh I can see why foreigners from certain countries would think so based on what they see when wandering around at night. Sure, it can be quiet outside the central area especially during certain seasons, and you might come across a ranom person here or there which can startle some people, but I wouldn't call it dangerous and as a single female, I would say Tunis, while the ppl there are generally very friendly, I don't feel safe wandering around on my own as much as I would in BUD.
Some districts not far outside the centre can seem seedy at night and there are homeless ppl making all kinds of noise but just walk past, don't make eye contact, and remember: homeless ppl are eveywhere in the world, especially in any big city.
I live in Toronto where there are shootings and stabbings almost everyday. It wasn't always like this, and no one I know has been shot or stabbed but it goes to show that it really depends where you are. Here, it can happen anywhere, and in BUD if it's going to happen, it's not likely to happen in some random place. Not to mention, shootings and stabbings are pretty rare.
BUD is an incredible city, and Hungary is beautiful! Even if your salary doesn't cover your monthly expenses, find a way to make it work or even just go for as long as you can last! BUD is that great~ I've been a few times and it's amazing!
Anonym on May 28, 2021:
If you spend 2000 euros on renting an apartment, that must be a very luxurious one. I was renting 2 apartments in the 11th district (both around 40 sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 kitchen, 1 bathroom, with small entry hallway, excellent conditions) for 130k and 160k each (unfurnished and furnished, with all bills covered). They were close (1 busstop away) to Allee shopping centre and the M4 metro, a 100m away from the #4 and #6 trams. My food expenses were around 60k, but i don't go to restaurants a lot (aside from fast food), so no luxury eating.
We are now at 220k. Add 10k for the monthly pass for public transport. I did this on a 300k ft salary. No car. Single guy.
Even if i bump the numbers up to, let's say, 250k for the apartment, and 100k for the food, that's still well under the 500k ft (around 1400 euros) most people ask of here (unless ofc you're used to top luxury, which i'm not lol).
True, the closer you get to the heart of the city, and the more luxurious and less cheap the apartments get. But i still had leftover money to go to bars, concerts, do sports, ect.
The numbers on this site are fairly accurate.
As for safety: relatively safe, with a few places you should not go late at night (like Hős street, avoid even during the day :'D). But avoiding run-down places is generally a good idea, not a unique problem IMO.

Source: me, a born-and-raised resident of budapest.
Anonymous on May 04, 2021:
I don't know why anybody says bullshitts, what an interest drives him to say these silly words here about Budapest, but Budapest is definitely not a primitive place and if you compare Budapest with Tunis, it is a different dimension. Budapest cleaner and safer than the most of west European cities. There is not a bad, or dangerous "no go " zone. There are advanced commercial and cultural facilities. There is no as same maintained building as in Germany or Austria but significantly more developed than Tunis or most of the place around the world. Budapest is not as cheap as was 10 years ago but, Budapest is still a cheap place compare with the west European cities.
Anonymous on Mar 24, 2021:
Sharing your name and work place isn't a wise thing to do especially here.
Christie Gee on Mar 23, 2021:
I need tips where I can search for studio apartments for rent within 9th district in Budapest. Or, places near 9th district. Workplace will be Mill Park Office Building. Thank you
Anonymous on Mar 18, 2021:
My wife and I visited Budapest May 2018.We planned on staying two months but we left after five days.Compared to the UK it's very primitive we were told by our friends in the UK.Just the same we wanted to see for ourselves and our friends were right.So we ventured onward to Tunis,Tunisia which was like night and day overall compared to Budapest in every way. Medical care is top knotch in Tunis and cheap extremely clean and safe modern roads infrastructure and a good command for the English language.We purchased a beautiful spacious summer home in Tunis for a measly 32,000 pounds while there.
Anonymous on Mar 16, 2021:
A basic search on any website like Ingatlan, Alberlet or even Facebook groups are enough to see that the prices on here are very relatable to the actual market. Go seek help :)
Anonymous on Mar 11, 2021:
Anyone claiming that rent is on average 2000 euro per month is nothing but mentally retarded. It's so out of touch with reality that it's incredible that any can even consider putting those words on the internet.
Anonymous on Feb 23, 2021:
Hi, does 825,000 HUF (Gross salary) good enough for a family of 2 persons to have a healthy life in Budapest?
Anonymous on Feb 19, 2021:
I'm opening a strip club 2021 in Budapest I'm naming it BOOTYPEST.
Anonymous on Feb 13, 2021:
I'm not sure where some of the commenters live but it's certainly not Budapest that's for sure. The reason there isn't anybody out nowadays is the nationwide curfew from 8 pm. In the before times, the city centre was packed every night non stop.

There are no random groups of people going around shooting stuff. That is simply a lie and it's amazing how you can even write such things down. Contrary to popular belief, the cops aren't quite so bribable, as many of them are young and despise bribery. Use your common sense people, don't believe such egregious made up lies from people that never lived in the city.
Anonymous on Feb 06, 2021:
Hi Anonymous

I've lived in Budapest for 21 years now but I'm originally from Hampshire.€1300 would've been more than enough 10 years ago for all expenses including rent but not anymore.Fortunately I bought my house many years ago cheap in Budapest.€1300 would get you an efficiency unfurnished apartment quite far from downtown Budapest.Apartments average €2000 and up for a one bedroom apartment within 6km of the metro unfurnished.When I say unfurnished it's really unfurnished. A stove and refrigerator will be needed too which is normal.In answer to your question about €1300 being enough for two people to live the answer is NO.Thats not enough for one person,honestly.
Anonymous on Feb 05, 2021:
Hi everyone,

My wife and I are moving to Budapest. Just us to. I met €1300 and she would still need to find work there.

Is it possible to survive on this?
Anonymous on Feb 04, 2021:
France is much safer than Budapest always has been for this reason.Large unknown groups of people circulate throughout Budapest the majority unchecked. Security looking the other way only requires a small amount of money People run rapid.Notice how few locals are out at night on foot or driving.Theres a very good reason for that it's unsafe. I've never met anyone who could outrun a bullet but gunfire is normal especially at night.
Anonymous on Feb 02, 2021:
When some commenter from France says Budapest is dangerous (it is not) and goes back to Paris where there was bombing, cathedral set on fire, and vandalism by protesters. :D
Anonymous on Dec 19, 2020:
800,000 huf net minimum for a single person would cover all expenses depending upon lifestyle but 950,000 huf net each month would be much better. If you wanted to live an hour out of Budapest 546,000 net each month would allow you to scrape by barely.The numbers here aren't correct,I've lived in Budapest 5 years so I know.
Gabriela on Dec 16, 2020:
Hello,

A single can live in Budapeste with 546.000 HUF (net) montlhy? Including rent
Anonymous on Dec 13, 2020:
None of costs listed here are accurate from food, entertainment rentals or even monthly salaries. Bump salaries 30% lower,food costs 25% higher, entertainment 50% higher depending upon the venue.Utilities should be 40% more.
I'm from Budapest and I know the costs of things.The only things that are accurate here are transportation via busses or taxies,and internet costs each month.Anyone can post anything online,however it's much different when one needs to budget for daily expenses as I do.
ellayesszedello on Dec 02, 2020:
Hi YD,

I am assuming that you will be making 2700 EUR net and your wife is not working. This is around 965,000 HUF, which puts you well into the top 3% of earners in Hungary. Generally, this amount of money is the combined earnings of both parents for a middle class family in Hungary.

Rent for a nice flat with two children will be about 250-300k HUF in a decent area, including bills.
Groceries for a family of four will be at least 150k, but if you want to eat healthy, then it is closer to 200-250k. If in addition you also want to eat out regularly, then around 300-350k will be needed.
Maintaining a car is relatively cheap, I think 50k a month should be enough if you only drive on weekends.

Entertainment and holidays are relative, so I'm not going to give numbers. Basically, once you pay for a good flat, decent food and a car, you'll have about 1000EUR left over for holidays, entertainment, etc.

If your wife doesn't work, you won't be exactly rich off of your salary, but it will be a good middle class life.

I hope this helps.
YD on Nov 26, 2020:
Hi guys,

I am planning to move to Budapest with my wife and two daughters (2 and 5 y.o).
I'm trying to calculate if the salary around 2700 euro (net) would be enough to live comfortably.
Including house bills, grocery, entertainment, rent apartment, driving on the weekends, Preschool/Kindergarten for children and medicine, holidays, etc

Thanks
Joan on Oct 02, 2020:
The information above is really quite out of date after the last 8 months
Subimal on Sep 06, 2020:
I am planning to move to Budapest with wife and 9 years daughter. Let me know cost of leaving and howmuch salary I need so that i can accomadate daughter school and all other daily grosary and etc...end of the month i want save few mone
Lila on Aug 16, 2020:
Price for a 50g packet of Golden virginia tobacco? 10 pack?
Thanks
Anonymous on Jun 08, 2020:
@Pawan Kohli - hope this helps!

- https://www.profession.hu/en
- https://www.cvonline.hu/en
- https://dreamjo.bs/en
- https://www.workania.hu/en/
- https://jobline.hu/
Pawan Kohli on Feb 27, 2020:
Hi,

Please help me on below points -

1. How I can apply for Jobs in Budapest (any specific website)
2. Cost of living for 2 Adults and 2 Kids below 10 years
3. Scope of teacher (English Language) in Budapest

Thanks
Sandra M on Feb 24, 2020:
We are a family of three (me, hubby and our pre teen) I’d say to live in a decent area Rose Hill in a decent space 90sqm. We dont drive just either public transport or taxi and still have the freedom to live comfortably- monthly running cost is about 1.4M all in rent, grocery, entertainment, school fees and house bills but does not include holiday budget or Christmas pressies
Janos Ster on Jan 20, 2020:
That average salary is NOT what an outlender, leader, flight driver ... get. The average what the most people can get.
Anonymous on Jan 20, 2020:
That average salary is NOT what a teacher, nurse, doctor or fire fighter gets...
Janos Ster on Jan 19, 2020:
The average expenses are around 300.000 Ft in Budapest for 2 people which can contains this cost : basic 40 square meter accomodation rent , food, transportation) and not more.
Janos Ster on Jan 19, 2020:
The salary is real what is here on numbeo. Hungarian poeople in average can earn around this 250.000 Huf. This is usually start from 130.000 Huf to 350.000 Huf but the most hungarian people can earn under 300k. If you are from abroud or you have higher position or you are leader you can earn more. There are some professsion what can pay you over 400 but is not typical. So average hungarian people can earn from 130-350 so average net 220-270. It means the data is correct net 250.000.
Rafa on Jan 17, 2020:
Hey guys,

I am planning to move to Budapest with my family (Me, wife and 2 years old baby).

We both are planning to work and from what I can see we can bring home roughly 600/650k HUF net per month.

My question is... Do you think a family of 3 can live ok (without luxury) with 600k HUF?

Thanks in advance.
Aboriginal on Jan 16, 2020:
OK guys,

So you consider this thread updated for 2020, whereas you do not take care of your data at all..

Anyways I tried to dig out the latest data regarding the salaries for Budapest.

These are official data from the Statistical Office for Q1-Q3 in 2019, you can see the regional figures here. (Since, there is a general salary hike in the country and the CEE region, this will be higher for the whole year.)

https://www.ksh.hu/docs/hun/xstadat/xstadat_evkozi/e_qli029b.html

So average gross salary was around 450 000 HUF in Budapest in the aforementioned period. In net terms:300 000 HUF. Quite a difference..
Mic on Jan 09, 2020:
Mrx, your mentioned euro (Gross) is around 890 000 gross. It is around 600 000 net in forint. https://www.humancentrum.hu/wage-calculator
Well, you may survive, but with full family, I would not count for a long run. A flat minimum 200 000 from that, plus additional costs. As a start, may be good, but long run, not the most safeties. Much more, what Hungarians are earning there, so you should feel lucky anyway
Mic on Jan 09, 2020:
George, you may survive from that money, even two of you. Not super convenient, but manageable. If you want comfortable life, then also your partner should get a job.
Mic on Jan 09, 2020:
Aboriginal: do not count just expats salaries, but talk to locals. Average if reaches - not bank or business man, or language bonus payed french citizen for example - is around net 230 000 -270 000. Trust me, been there, done that. If you need to pay rent (150 000/200 000) then good luck living there.
Wekerle Tamas on Dec 26, 2019:
Well no,It is a little bit lower actually,thats what you get from this shithole. If you dont believe it than come and see
Aboriginal on Dec 22, 2019:
Guys,data regarding average Budapest net salaries are very outdated. It should be around 350 000-400 000 HUF.

What u actually highlight that would rather reflect to the net average of the country as a whole but the salaries are a lot higher in the capital.

Please,correct this mistake.

Cheers
Anonymous on Nov 26, 2019:
2000 USDis quite enogh to live and additionale save money in Budapest But here in Budapest salaries are definitely lower Dont believe anyone you can get such high money per mounth in Budapest if you are not high qualified specialist Basic selary in Butapest is in the range of 500-600 USD.If you are planning to come and work in Central Europe you should consider Prague or Warsaw
George on Nov 20, 2019:
Hi guys, a just got a job offer in hungary with a 2000usd tax free salary, we are a just a couple and i was wondering if is that salary enough for both of us paying rent and services etc? i will apreciate the help.
gretings.
Mrx on Nov 19, 2019:
Hi guys I have offered a job with 2680 euro gross, we are a couple with a child that is about 6 month, Does this salary is the good one and we are able to cover expenses?
Smat on Oct 13, 2019:
Hi everyone,

I am in contact with an organization in Budapest for a position of Software Engineer and the interviews are in progress, they are asking me to tell them my expected salary. But i am confused to tell them a figure.
I am from Pakistan and if everything goes well, I will relocating alone. I am single but I have family to support here in Pakistan.
Can anyone tell me what should be my ask, keeping in view that I have to live in Budapest and support my family back in Pakistan?

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
BPbase on Sep 06, 2019:
Dear all,

After 2yrs of living in Budapest- i can share you some basic things I figured. We are a family of 3.

We live in the Buda side- 2nd District

Property type: 2bedroom, 1 kitchen dining, living room, bath, toilet, 95sqm flat in an old but
Maintained building, double glazed not carpeted

For the common cost: 24,500

Electric: (summer-no AC with occasional use of 2blowers) average of 15,000
Electric During winter: 18,000
•we have 2 fridge freezer and the normal appliances constantly running; washing machine, electric hob /oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, dishwasher etc.

Gas (summer) average 7,000
Winter: 22,000
We run hot water all year and during winter it heating is on all day maintaining a room temperature of 21degrees

Monthly pass for 2 adults: 9,500 each (19,000 both)
1child month pass: 3,450

UPC family bundle 300mbps w/ tv and landline: 9,990 mo ty

Grocery: this varies depends on what I obviously cook or prepare. Ours is between 280-380k in a month. We are a mix household and I cater for 2picky eater! My main diet is seafood (thus increases the budget a lot) i order from a supplier with an average cost of 18,000 weekly spent on seafood alone. Hubby loves red meat and daughter is in between. This also includes things such laundry and cleaning materials etc and other household stuff

Eating out: again varies every month. Range from 60-80k in a month

Recreational: we dont have any gym membership or such but we do go out to see movie, concerts, circus, exhibitions regularly. This can be between 50-100k a month depends what you want to watch or see

School: our daughter is bilingual. She attends a bilingual program and it cost just about 800,000 in a year or a monthly instalment for 90k extra on her tuition alone. This is A LOT cheaper than international schools that can cost as little as 1.8m to 7m in a year! This does not included school meal of which is approx 12,000 a month, class money 20,000 in a year, field trips 80,000 a year etc

Extras: for 2hour violin lesson cost us 12,000
Private tutoring per hour 3,500 (math, Hungarian)

Holidays: we go for 3holidays in a year during summer break, autumn break and winter break

I do not work in Budapest but has an income from abroad. I was offered a job here but turned it down coz wage was a joke! 350k net for a full time in Finance sector and was an insult when got an offer in education sector for 180,00”net. It would cost me more to hire somebody to look after our daughter and run the household with our crazy routine and schedules. Hubby works in aviation and we can’t complain with how much they give as a wage.

Point is: depends on your lifestyle and cost will change. If we would eat salami everyday and kifli then we would save loads but we are quite happy how we live here compare to the pressure we had back when living in London.

I know families of 3 that lives on a 380k a month but they are a proper Hungarian household that eats only if not mainly Hungarian diet. That is good for them but for us it won’t work.
#restaurant manager on Aug 22, 2019:
Hello everyone,

Please i just want to know the cost of living for a single person. I got an offer in budapest for a restaurant manager for 1200 euros is it good if I'm single?

Thanks in advance.
#FS on Aug 10, 2019:
#Developer

one small flat with utility rate + 2 monthly ticket for publick transport is around 200k.
the food price in supermarkat is little bit cheaper or similar like wet EU. If you are cooking it can be stop 100-150k. So you can alive :)
Developer on Aug 09, 2019:
#Havva,
Hi,

Me and my husband are thinking to move to Budapest. I am an SAP developer, and I got an offer 395k HUF net. My husband is a mechanical engineer, and he is also looking for a job, and lets say he will start 2 months later. Is that 395k enough for us to live a normal life for 2 or 3 months. (Of course we will rent an apartment, and according to my reasearch it's around 160k.) Some of them said that 500k HUF is not enough to live in Budapest, some of them said you can live normally in Budapest with 400k (I mean 2 person). We are confused about these comments. What would you recommend?

Thank you in advance
Steven on Jul 31, 2019:
@Rachel: the costs of an international private school varies greatly, so no estimation on that, but its expensive (minimum 300-500 per child per month, but can be much more). Also I don't know if you plan to rent or buy, but renting a 2-3 bedroom flat will be above 700 euro minimum with bills(in an old block flat). Check out( https://realestatehungary.hu/ ). Personally I wouldn't even think about Budapest in your case with a monthly net salary below 3000 EUR (1.000.000 HUF after tax). For taxes check ( https://www.humancentrum.hu/wage-calculator )

To "#Anonymous on Jul 26, 2019":
Rent prices have increased a lot since 8 years. Also HUF lost a lot to EUR (sitting around 330 HUF/EUR). Regarding the job it really depends on you area of expertise. For example with junior IT jobs its not uncommon to get 350k HUF after taxes, but I'm not familiar with other jobs. For a start you could check https://www.profession.hu/ for job search. It is used here in Hungary. Also LinkedIn is popular, so you can get up to relevant job offerings there. Also you can check Hays salary guide 2019:
https://www.hays.hu/cs/groups/hays_common/@hu/@content/documents/digitalasset/hays_2396534.pdf
The estimations are a bit high (10-20 percent depending on different areas) but the relation to of wages to each other are fair. Hope it was helpful!
Anonymous on Jul 26, 2019:
Hi all,
I am a British / Hungarian nationality who is planing to move to Budapest. Is there any advise one how to look for a job which pays at least 350000.00 HUF/PCM ? I used to the London wages and I know that it will be a big difference in between the lifestyle I used to but if I make at least a £1000.00 I think it is good to start but I haven't lived there over 8 years and I am clueless how things work over there.
I am happy for any advise
Anonymous on Jul 14, 2019:
How much is the cost of staying in Budapest for 15days on tourist visit
Rachel on Jun 16, 2019:
Hey we r moving from Toronto to Budapest with 3 primary school kids ...they would need to attend an international school there ...please help what would be a decent Salary for ya to move there with kids
Gabriel81 on Jun 13, 2019:
Hi All,

To answer the recent questions about the living costs in Hungary: it really depends on your needs. If you live prudently, Budapest is a very cheap city despite the increasing rent prices. but if you want to enjoy the bars, restaurants and various programmes, want to eat healthily and so on, you will need more money. Expect good places to rent above 500EUR plus costs. Apart from that 500Eur per person should cover any basic needs. Of course if you want to enjoy the city to its full you'll need a higher salary. A gross salary of ~12 mil a year will allow you a fantastic life here.
Ish on Jun 09, 2019:
Hi All

I got an offer of 11,500,000 forints gross (annual). Is it ok to move to Budapest along with wife and 6 years old child? Can there be any savings? Thank you.