Living in Budapest

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Cost of Living in Budapest: The 2026 Student Guide

Is Budapest expensive? For most international students, the answer is a relieving "No."

Compared to Western European capitals like Paris, London, or Amsterdam, Budapest offers an incredible quality of life for a fraction of the price. However, inflation has affected Hungary like everywhere else, and costs can vary wildly depending on your lifestyle. You can live on a strict student budget, or you can live like royalty—it all depends on the choices you make.

This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay for rent, food, transport, and fun in Budapest for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Pro Tip: Before diving in, we highly recommend checking Numbeo. It is a live database where you can compare current Budapest prices directly with your hometown to see the difference percentage-wise.

Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense

Finding a place to live will likely take up 40% to 50% of your monthly budget. Prices change drastically depending on the District (Kerület).

The "Dorm Life" Option

If you are lucky enough to secure a spot in a university dormitory, this is your cheapest path.

Cost: €100 – €200 per month (approx. 40,000 – 80,000 HUF).
Pros: Extremely cheap; great for meeting people; usually close to campus.
Cons: Limited privacy (often shared rooms); strict rules; spaces run out very fast.

Private Room in a Shared Flat

This is the most popular option for international students. You rent a room in a larger apartment with 2 or 3 other students.

Cost: €300 – €450 per month (approx. 120,000 – 180,000 HUF).
Best Districts: District VIII (Józsefváros) and District IX (Ferencváros) are student hubs with lower prices.

The Private Studio Apartment

For those who value privacy and modern amenities.

Cost: €550 – €850+ per month (approx. 220,000 – 340,000 HUF).
Best Districts: District V, VI, and XIII.
Note: You will almost always need to pay a 2-month security deposit (Kaució) upfront.

Watch out for: "Utilities" (known as Rezsi). In older buildings with high ceilings, heating bills in winter can be surprisingly high. Always ask if Rezsi is included!

Groceries, Dining out & Cafes

Shopping for Groceries

Hungarian supermarkets are affordable, but dining out daily will drain your wallet.

Supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Tesco)

If you cook at home, your money goes a long way.

Milk (1L): ~400 HUF (€1.00)
Bread (Loaf): ~500 HUF (€1.25)
Chicken Breast (1kg): ~2,500 HUF (€6.00)
Beer (0.5L can): ~350 HUF (€0.90)
Apples (1kg): ~500 HUF (€1.25)

Dining Out & Cafes

Budapest has a booming gastronomy scene.

University Canteen Lunch: Most universities offer subsidized hot meals for just 1,500 – 2,000 HUF (€4 – €5).
Street Food (Gyros/Pizza slice): 1,500 HUF (€3.75).
Mid-range Dinner: 6,000 – 10,000 HUF (€15 – €25) per person.
Specialty Coffee: A flat white in a trendy cafe costs around 1,200 HUF (€3.00).

Public Transport

This is where students save the most money. Budapest has one of the best public transport systems in the world, and it is incredibly cheap for students.

Student Monthly Pass: 3,450 HUF (approx. €8.50).
- Note: You must have a valid Hungarian Student ID (or a temporary paper certificate from your university) to use this pass.
Single Ticket: 500 HUF (€1.30).
Airport Bus (100E): 2,500 HUF (€6.50).

Don't forget: The pass covers the Metro, Trams (including the famous 4-6 line), Trolleybuses, and standard Buses. It even covers the BKK ferry boats on the Danube during weekdays!

Entertainment & Lifestyle

You are in a city famous for its baths and ruin bars. You will want to have fun.

Gym Membership: €30 – €50 per month. (Tip: Many universities have free or cheap gyms).
Thermal Bath Ticket: 4,500 – 10,000 HUF (€11 – €25). It’s cheaper on weekdays or with a Zsigmondy Club Card.
Cinema Ticket: 2,500 – 3,000 HUF (€7.00).
Night out: A beer in a ruin bar is around 1,000 – 1,500 HUF (€2.50 – €4.00). A cocktail is 2,500 – 4,000 HUF (€6 – €10).

Two Student Budgets: Which One Are You?

To help you plan, we have created two "student personas." See which one fits your lifestyle.

💰 Profile A: The "Budget-Conscious" Student

You are here to study and explore, but you are smart with your money. You cook at home, share a flat, and take advantage of student discounts.

Expense Category Monthly Cost (Estimate)

Rent (Room in shared flat + Utilities)

€400

Groceries (Shopping at Lidl/Aldi)

€150

Transport (Student Pass)

€9

Entertainment (1 night out/week, free events)

€80

Phone/Internet

€15

Misc (Toiletries, etc.)

€20

TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET

~ €674 / month

How to stay in this budget:

Live in District VIII, IX, or X.
Cook your lunches for the week.
Drink "fröccs" (wine spritzer) instead of cocktails.
Use the free BKK boat for sightseeing instead of tourist cruises.

💼 Profile B: The "Affluent / Comfortable" Student

You value privacy, convenience, and experiencing the high-end side of the city. You order food delivery often and travel on weekends.

Expense Category Monthly Cost (Estimate)

Rent (Modern private studio in City Center)

€800

Groceries & Dining (Restaurants 3x a week)

€400

Transport (Pass + frequent Bolt taxis)

€80

Entertainment (Baths, clubs, weekend trips)

€250

Phone/Internet (High-speed package)

€30

Misc (Gym, Shopping)

€100

TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET

~ €1,660 / month

The perks of this budget:

Living in District V or VI (walking distance to everything).
Membership at a premium gym with a sauna.
Exploring the Hungarian countryside or Vienna on weekends.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

When planning your first month in Budapest, don't forget these one-time or irregular costs:

The Deposit (Kaució): Landlords usually require 2 months of rent upfront plus the first month's rent. If your rent is €500, you need €1,500 in cash on day one.
Textbooks: Depending on your course, budget €100–€200 per semester (though many materials are digital now).
Winter Gear: If you come from a warm climate, you will need a heavy coat and waterproof boots for January and February.

Final word about cost of living...

Budapest remains one of the most financially accessible cities in the European Union. Whether you are counting every Forint or have room to splurge, the city offers a high standard of living.

Ready to calculate your specific budget? Head over to Numbeo’s Budapest Page to see today’s prices on specific items like jeans, internet, and tennis court rentals.

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