Exploring the Cost of Living in Hungary
With its modern higher education system, vibrant cultural scene, picturesque natural surroundings, and economical living costs; Hungary presents a compelling package. The surge in foreign interest in relocating to the country should come as no surprise; over 430,000 expats have made Hungary their new home. Our article explores the cost of living in Hungary.
The cost of living in Hungary
While living expenses have certainly increased in recent years, Hungary still ranks among the most affordable European nations according to the living cost index. Housing, transportation, food, educational fees, and other living expenses are significantly lower than in most Western European nations.
The costs will be provided in Hungarian Forint (Ft), US dollars and At the time of publication 1 US dollar is approximately 370 Ft, and 1 euro is 400 Ft. The exchange rate can change over time, so it is recommended to convert prices from Forint if needed.
Education
Primary, secondary, college and even university education is free of any charge for Hungarian citizens. Private institutions offer English-language education for foreign nationals at varying tuition rates.
|
Cost |
Ft |
Euro |
US dollar |
|
Kindergarten annual tuition fee |
500,000 – 1,000,000 Ft |
1260 – 2520 € |
1,360 – 2720 $ |
|
Primary school annual tuition fee |
3,000,000 – 4,000,000 Ft |
7,560 – 10,080 € |
8,170 – 10,890 $ |
|
Secondary school annual tuition fee |
4,000,000 – 9,000,000 Ft |
10,080 – 22,680 € |
10,890 – 24,510 $ |
Hungarian universities attract many international students due to their high-quality education and low tuition fees.
|
Cost |
Ft |
Euro |
US dollar |
|
BA / BSc annual tuition fee |
600,000 – 2,000,000 Ft |
1,511.75 – 5,037.35 € |
1,632.96 – 5,443.21 $ |
|
MA / MSc annual tuition fee |
600,000 – 2,000,000 Ft |
1,511.75 – 5,037.35 € |
1,632.96 – 5,443.21 $ |
|
Medicine and dentistry programs’ annual tuition fee |
4,000,000 – 6,000,000 Ft |
10,080 -15,111.43 € |
10,886.42 -16,329.62 $ |
|
Ph.D. program annual tuition fee |
1,000,000 – 2,000,000 Ft |
2,518.57 – 5037.14 € |
2,721.60 – 5443.2 $ |
Food
According to the latest Eurostat report on the average prices of non-alcoholic drinks and foods, Hungary stands out as one of the most affordable among EU member states. Despite experiencing above-average inflation in recent years, food prices in Hungary have remained relatively cheap compared to other countries.
|
Cost (source: Numbero.com) |
Ft |
Euro |
US dollar |
|
Dining for two at a mid-range restaurant |
12,000-30,000 Ft |
30.2 – 75.6 € |
32.7 – 81.7 $ |
|
Fast food menu |
2000-3000 Ft |
5 – 7.6 € |
5.4 – 8.2 $ |
|
Domestic beer (0,5 L) |
350-1200 Ft |
1 – 3 € |
1 – 3.3 $ |
|
Imported beer (0,33 L) |
500-1300 Ft |
1.3 – 3.3 € |
1.4 – 3.5 $ |
|
Soft drink (0,33 L) |
350-700 Ft |
0.9 – 1.8 € |
1 – 1.9 $ |
|
Cappuccino |
370-1200 Ft |
0.7 – 3 € |
1 – 3.3 $ |
|
Milk (1 L) |
260-550 Ft |
0.7 – 1.4 € |
0.7 – 1.5 $ |
|
Bread (0,5 KG) |
400-800 Ft |
1 – 2 € |
1.1 – 2.2 $ |
|
Rice (1 KG) |
400-1000 Ft |
1 – 2.5 € |
1.1 – 2.7 $ |
|
Eggs (12 pieces) |
600 Ft – 1300 Ft |
1.5 – 3.3 € |
1.6 – 3.5 $ |
|
Cheese (1 KG) |
2000-6500 Ft |
5 – 16.4 € |
5.5 – 17.7 $ |
|
Chicken fillets (1 KG) |
1400-2800 Ft |
3.5 – 7 € |
3.8 – 7.3 $ |
|
Beef (1 KG) |
2500-8000 Ft |
6.3 – 20 € |
6.8 – 21.8 $ |
|
Apples (1 KG) |
350-700 Ft |
0.9 – 1.8 € |
1 – 1.9 $ |
|
Bannana (1 KG) |
450-1800 Ft |
1.2 – 4.5 € |
1.2 – 4.9 $ |
Healthcare
Hungary’s tax-funded universal healthcare system ensures that citizens can access a wide range of healthcare services at no cost. Additionally, the private healthcare sector in Hungary offers world-class services at highly competitive prices, making it a leading destination for medical tourism in Europe. Hungary excels particularly in dental tourism, commanding a 42% share in Europe and 21% globally.
The table below illustrates examples of average medical costs in Hungary.
|
Cost |
Ft |
Euro |
US dollar |
|
Annual dental examination |
50,000 – 80,000 Ft |
126 – 201.6 € |
136.2 – 217.9 $ |
|
Dental X-rays |
8000 – 32,000 Ft |
20.1 – 80.6 € |
21.8 – 87.1 $ |
|
Dental implants |
400,000 – 2,000,000 Ft |
1,007.8 – 5444.9 € |
1089 – 5445.7 $ |
|
Tooth extraction |
20,000 – 30,000 Ft |
50.4 – 75.6 € |
54.5 – 81.7 $ |
|
Dental braces |
500,000 – 1,000,000 Ft |
1,259.8 – 1,259.6 € |
1,361.4 – 2722.4 $ |
|
Full panel blood test |
15,000-20,000 Ft |
37.8 – 50.4 € |
40.8 – 54.5 $ |
|
Basic cardiological examination |
40,000-60,000 Ft |
100.8 – 151.2 € |
108.9 – 163.3 $ |
|
Basic respiratory examination |
40,000-60,000 Ft |
100.8 – 151.2 € |
108.9 – 163.3 $ |
|
Basic neurological examination |
40,000-60,000 Ft |
100.8 – 151.2 € |
108.9 – 163.3 $ |
|
Basic gynecological examination |
40,000-60,000 Ft |
100.8 – 151.2 € |
108.9 – 163.3 $ |
|
Rhinoplasty |
1,500,000 – 2,500,000 Ft |
3,777.1 – 6,295.2 € |
4,083.7 – 6806.1 $ |
Housing
In recent years, Hungary’s real estate sector has experienced significant growth, resulting in notable rises in both rental and purchase prices. Nevertheless, Hungary maintains one of the most affordable real estate markets within the EU.
|
Cost |
Ft |
Euro |
US dollar |
|
National average real estate price per square meter |
621,701 Ft |
1,565.7 € |
1,692 $ |
|
National average real estate price |
71,514,599 Ft |
180,099.9 € |
194,629.7 $ |
|
National average monthly rental price |
285,732 Ft |
3,814.5 € |
4,121.7 $ |
|
Average real estate price per square meter in Budapest |
1,003,226 Ft |
2,526.6 € |
2,730.4 $ |
|
Average real estate price in Budapest |
108,408,850 Ft |
273,015.1 € |
295,048.3 $ |
|
Average monthly rental price in Budapest |
327,379 Ft |
824.4 € |
891 $ |
Transportation
Getting around in Hungary is exceptionally convenient. Not only does the country boast a robust road infrastructure, but it also features a thoroughly linked and cohesive public transportation system. The table provided offers an overview of average transportation expenses.
|
Cost |
Ft |
Euro |
US dollar |
|
Single ticket (Budapest) |
450 Ft |
1.1 € |
1.2 $ |
|
Single ticket bought on the spot (Budapest) |
600 Ft |
1.5 € |
1.6 $ |
|
Block of 10 tickets (Budapest) |
4000 Ft |
10.1 € |
10.9 $ |
|
Airport shuttle bus single ticket |
2200 Ft |
5.5 € |
6 $ |
|
Monthly Budapest-pass |
8950 Ft |
22.5 € |
24.4 $ |
|
Hungary monthly pass for all public transport vehicles |
18,900 Ft |
47.6 € |
51.4 $ |
|
Taxi (starting + distance-based fee) |
1100 Ft + 440 Ft/km |
2.8 + 1.1 € |
3 + 1.2 $ |
|
Car rental |
15,000-20,000 Ft/day |
37.8 – 50.4 € |
40.8 – 54.4 $ |
Frequently asked questions
What is the living cost in Budapest for families?
The monthly living cost in Budapest for a family of four typically ranges between 800,000 and 1,200,000 Ft. However, the precise amount varies depending on factors like housing preferences and individual consumption habits.
What is the cost of living in Hungary in Euros?
A single individual typically incurs monthly living expenses of approximately 600 to 1000 euros, excluding housing costs.
What is the cost of living in Hungary in US dollars?
An individual typically needs to budget around 650 to 1100 USD per month for living expenses, without factoring in housing costs.
Crystal Worldwide: Expert help for moving to Hungary
Are you looking to immigrate to Hungary? Are you attempting to obtain a Hungarian residence permit? Crystal Worldwide – an international law firm that specializes in residency by investment, tax planning, and wealth protection – is here to assist you in avoiding any potential mistakes. During our more than thirty years in operation, we have managed to earn the respect and trust of our clients by offering professionally sound and lawful immigration solutions, tax savings, and wealth protection, together with fast and timely services provided at the highest level of discretion.
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