Cost of Living in Hungary: A 2026 Guide for Expats and Residents

Living costs are one of the first things we are asked about at Global Citizen Solutions when advising clients through residency programs – and Hungary is an excellent example of why. The cost of living in Hungary averages about €696.60 (~$802.70) a month for a single person, excluding rent, according to Numbeo’s July 2026 data. As one of the most affordable countries in the European Union, Hungary keeps attracting expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for a high quality of life on a reasonable budget. 

To purposefully equip people for relocating and navigating residency programs in Hungary, this article will be your guide to understanding the cost of living in Hungary in 2026. We will cover everything from monthly costs, transportation, healthcare, food, accommodation, utilities, and more. 

Cost of Living in Hungary: Key Takeaways

A single person spends about €696.60 (~$802.70) per month in Hungary, excluding rent, while a family of four spends around €2,505.10 (~$2,886.90). 

Housing is the largest monthly expense, with one-bedroom apartments in a city center costing about €782.60 in Budapest compared to €561.10 in Pécs and €548.20 in Debrecen. 

Hungary remains one of the most affordable countries in the EU. Numbeo puts its overall cost of living 28.7% lower than that of the United States, and rent 61.8% lower. 

Budapest is the most expensive city, while smaller cities such as Debrecen and Pécs offer substantially lower accommodation costs.  

Affordable private healthcare, low everyday expenses, and relatively inexpensive education continue to make Hungary attractive for expats, students, retirees, and digital nomads. 

The cost of living in Hungary is lower than in most Western European countries, which makes it an appealing choice for both expats and students. A single person spends about €696.60 (~$802.70) a month, excluding rent, according to Numbeo’s 2026 data for Hungary. A family of four spends around €2,505.10 (~$2,886.90), also excluding rent. 

Housing is usually the largest single expense on top of these figures. A one-bedroom apartment in a city center outside Budapest averages around €531.50 nationally, while the same apartment in Budapest itself averages €782.60. 

Expenses can differ depending on lifestyle and location. But living in Budapest comes with higher costs, while smaller towns and rural areas tend to be far more affordable. 

The cost of accommodation in Hungary will depend on a few factors. This includes where you live and the type of property. These are the average housing prices in different cities in Hungary.  

Budapest 

As the capital city, Budapest is the most popular area in Hungary, famously split into its older, historic Buda side on the west and the flatter Pest to the east, separated by the impressive Danube River. Living in Budapest comes with a high standard of living, a thriving expat community, and in-demand rental properties. 

Debrecen 

If you’re drawn to Hungary but you don’t want the fast pace of the capital, Debrecen is worth a close look. As the country’s second-largest city, it’s built around one of Hungary’s most respected universities, so you’ll find a young, international crowd alongside long-time locals. You will get good restaurants, a walkable center, and a real sense of community. For anyone eyeing rental property, the city center in particular has been catching investors’ attention. 

Pécs 

Pécs is in southern Hungary and has a warmer, more relaxed feel than most Hungarian cities, with many locals comparing it to the Mediterranean. Walk down Király utca in the early evening and you’ll smell fresh bread from the bakeries mixed with grilled sausage from a nearby street stall, while church bells ring in the background.  

If Debrecen is known for its university atmosphere and quiet routine, Pécs is all about historic streets, art, and slower afternoons. Choose Pécs if you value charm and culture over campus buzz; this might be perfect for people looking to maximize their pension and compare Hungary’s cost of living for retirees.  

Cost of Buying Property in Hungary

Similar to the rental market, the cost of buying property in Hungary varies significantly based on the location and property type. For those looking to obtain residency, the Hungary Golden Visa offers the opportunity, with one of the investment options being investing in a Hungary real estate investment fund. 

Additionally, house prices in Hungary climbed 23.5% in 2025 alone, which presents Hungary as one of the fastest-growing property markets in Europe. 

Here are a few property costs in some of Hungary’s most popular areas: 

Most rentals in Hungary come unfurnished, and with utilities billed separately, so this is one of the first accounts you’ll set up after signing a lease. Here’s what to expect nationally: 

Food and drink prices in Hungary vary depending on where you shop, the products you buy, and where you live. So, if you want to keep track of your grocery spending, skip the corner shop and head to a Lidl or Aldi, or better yet, a local market on a Saturday morning. Additionally, food prices in Hungary are less than in many Western European countries and the US. 

Here is a look at an average grocery list with prices in Hungary. 

Cost for eating at a restaurant in Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is a must-try for all those visiting. The rich and bold flavors are deeply rooted in the history of the country. 

Whether you want to try out the famous goulash (beef and vegetable stew) or the traditional Töltött Káposzta (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce), there is something for everyone. 

Here are a few examples of the cost for eating at a restaurant in Hungary: 

Many people living in Budapest don’t own a car, so as someone looking into Hungary, don’t rush to buy one. The city’s reliable public transport network means a monthly pass covers buses, trams, and the metro, with services running well into the evening. Here are the typical transport costs in Hungary. Here are some typical costs: 

Healthcare in Hungary runs on a dual system with both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is available to residents and Hungarian citizens, i.e. those with a Hungary passport. 

Most foreign nationals in Hungary choose the private healthcare system as it is cheaper than other countries in the European Union while still providing some of the best facilities and services. This is an important consideration for those looking to retire in Hungary. 

Here are some basic healthcare costs in Hungary: 

Hungary is well known for its high-quality education system, offering affordable options even for private schools. Compared to other European countries, private international schools in Hungary tend to cost less per year. Here are some general private school costs: 

Living Cost in Hungary for International Students

Studying in Hungary is one of the most popular options for students looking to study abroad. There is a range of highly regarded institutions that welcome students from across the globe each year. 

The cost of living in Hungary for international students can range depending on the type of accommodation, lifestyle, and area. For example, staying in a student dormitory will cost a lot less than a one-bedroom apartment in larger cities. But before you start looking, remember to open an account at one of the many banks in Hungary to ensure you can access money throughout your studies. 

Here is a breakdown of the living expenses in Hungary for international students per month: 

There is an abundance of fun things to do in Hungary. From exploring the stunning historic architecture and relaxing at a thermal spa, to spending a day at a leisure fitness club or visiting museums, there is no shortage of things to explore in Hungary. Here are some general costs for entertainment in Hungary: 

Low prices are only one reason Hungary regularly appears on digital nomad shortlists, no matter where you’re moving from. However, comparing the costs to other countries is what will better help you understand the true cost of Hungary.  

In Global Citizen Solutions’ 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, Hungary ranks 16th out of 64 countries with a score of 88.04. The report measures each country across six areas: visa procedures, citizenship and mobility, tax treatment, economics, quality of life, and tech and innovation. This means Hungary’s ranking is based digital nomad costs. The index also reflects how easy the country is to move to, live in, and work from over the long term. 

Cost of living in Hungary vs USA

The Hungary cost of living compared to the US is significant, with the US costing 43% more without rent and 52.9% more with monthly rent. Here is the cost of living in the US and Hungary in both USD and Euros to make things more convenient for those thinking of moving to Hungary: