Cost of Living in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city in Hungary, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,380 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $855 per month, or $657 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 237 Mbps median download speed, and Hungary offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Budapest scores 78/100 — generally safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 83°F and winter highs around 44°F, with roughly 198 sunny days a year.
Budapest Cost of Living Breakdown
🍽️ Dining
🛒 Groceries
🚌 Transportation
⚡ Utilities & Tech
🎬 Lifestyle
👔 Clothing
🏠 Housing
📊 Summary
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Budapest
How Budapest Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Budapest ranks in the top 8% for public transit, but sits in the bottom 19% for healthcare. It is cheaper than 58% of them.
| Metric | Budapest | World rank | Rank in Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,380 | #141 of 340 | #10 of 91 |
| Safety | 78/100 | #69 of 340 | #36 of 91 |
| Healthcare | 52/100 | #277 of 340 | #85 of 91 |
| Internet speed | 237 Mbps | #102 of 340 | #20 of 91 |
| Walkability | 78/100 | #37 of 340 | #27 of 91 |
| Public transit | 78/100 | #26 of 340 | #16 of 91 |
| Food scene | 76/100 | #154 of 340 | #35 of 91 |
| Air quality | 89/100 | #64 of 340 | #30 of 91 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Budapest
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Budapest.
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina — $1,101/mo, 20% cheaper, safety 72/100
- Bansko, Bulgaria — $849/mo, 38% cheaper, safety 80/100
- Antalya, Turkey — $1,075/mo, 22% cheaper, safety 72/100
Neighborhoods in Budapest
District VII (Jewish Quarter) · District V (Belváros) · District VI (Terézváros)
Communities & Expat Groups
Budapest Digital Nomads · Digital Nomad Accommodation Budapest · Digitális Nomádok
Budapest FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Budapest?
A single person should budget around $1,380 per month in Budapest, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs.
How much is rent in Budapest?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Budapest averages $855 per month, dropping to about $657 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,617.
Is Budapest safe?
Budapest scores 78/100 on safety, which is generally safe. Tourist safety is rated 72/100.
How fast is the internet in Budapest?
Median download speeds in Budapest are around 237 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 35 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Hungary offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Hungary offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 90 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in Budapest?
Budapest sees summer highs around 83°F and winter highs near 44°F, with about 198 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 79 days.
Budapest in our travel guides
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- The Best Cities for Digital Nomads in 2026: Ranked by Cost, Wifi & Community
- The Cheapest Places to Travel in 2026: 20 Budget Destinations Ranked
Visa Requirements for Hungary
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