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.

Price level index for food and non-alcoholic beverages (Eurostat, 2022)

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

714.33 €

772.24 $

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 $

The living cost in Budapest are usually higher compared to other parts of the country.

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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