Budapest Housing Guide for International Students 2026
Everything you need to know before you sign a lease
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Finding a home in Budapest is an adventure. The architecture is stunning, the prices are reasonable compared to Western Europe, but the paperwork can be tricky.
Note: Study in Budapest does not endorse real-estate agencies and student accommodation providers. In search of housing, as in everything, exercise common sense.
Where most students live – quick district overview
Where most students live – quick district overview
District V (Belváros) – cobble-stone charm. Expect €430–€550 for a 30 m² 1-bed. Popular with Erasmus students who want nightlife outside the front door.
District VI (Terézváros, near Oktogon) – grand cafés, 4/6 tram line 24 h. Shared-flat rooms €300–€380, studio €580.
District VII (Erzsébetváros) – ruin-pub capital. Rooms €270–€350; older buildings, no lift. Great for evening life, check heating type (many still on coal-fired district heating = high winter bills).
District XI (Újbuda) – BME campus literally here. Family houses turned into student shares; rooms €250–€320. Green, quiet, 10 min tram to city centre.
District XIII (Angyalföld) – 30 m² flat €560
The "Dorm Life" Option
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
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
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!
Where to Find Flats (Websites & Groups)
Where to Find Flats (Websites & Groups)
Don't just rely on one source. The best deals often appear and disappear within 24 hours.
Top Hungarian Property Websites
Ingatlan.com: The largest database in the country. It has an English version. Look for the "Kiadó" (For Rent) section.
Alberlet.hu: Specifically focused on rentals (Albérlet means rental). Very foreigner-friendly.
Rentingo.com: A platform that connects tenants and landlords directly (often without agency fees).
Facebook Groups (The Student Marketplace) Facebook is huge in Hungary for rentals. Join these groups immediately:
💡 Pro Tip: When messaging a landlord on Facebook, write a proper introduction. "Hi, is this available?" is often ignored. Instead, write: "Hi, I am an international student at ELTE University. I am clean, non-smoker, and looking for a flat for 12 months. Is your apartment still available?"
District Deep Dive
District Deep Dive
District V (The Heart)
Vibe: Touristy, expensive, beautiful. Parliament & Basilica are here.
Best for: Students who have a higher budget and want to walk everywhere.
District VI & VII (The Party Zone)
Vibe: The "Broadway" of Budapest and the Jewish Quarter. Ruin bars, street food, 24/7 trams (4-6 line).
Best for: Social butterflies.
Warning: It can be loud at night. Check if your bedroom window faces the street or the courtyard.
District VIII (The Student Hub)
Vibe: Rapidly gentrifying. The "Palace District" part (behind the National Museum) is stunning and safe. Deep District VIII can be gritty but cheap.
Best for: Students at Semmelweis or Pázmány University.
District IX (The Trendy Choice)
Vibe: Raday street (restaurant street), Corvinus University, and the Great Market Hall.
Best for: Corvinus students and foodies. Modern rentals are common here.
District XI (Buda Side)
Vibe: Green, calmer, more residential. Home to BME University.
Best for: Engineers (BME) and those who prefer trees over trams.
The "Enter Hungary" Portal & Legal Registration
The "Enter Hungary" Portal & Legal Registration
(This is the most critical section for visa purposes)
If you are a non-EU student, you cannot get your Residence Permit without a valid accommodation address.
1. The Lease Agreement (Szerződés) Never rent a flat without a written contract. For the Immigration Office, you usually need a contract signed by two witnesses.
Language: Always ask for a bilingual contract (Hungarian + English). If it is only in Hungarian, do not sign it until a Hungarian speaker checks it for you.
In Hungary, the registration process for international students is now almost entirely digital via the Enter Hungary platform.
1. For EU/EEA Nationals If you are a citizen of an EU country, you have the right to reside in Hungary for more than 90 days. However, you must register your long-term residence.
The Process: You must create an account on Enter Hungary and apply for a "Registration Certificate" (Regisztrációs igazolás) within 93 days of your arrival.
Requirements: You will need to upload your lease agreement and proof of health insurance/sufficient funds.
2. For Third-Country Nationals (Non-EU) Non-EU students must register their accommodation via Enter Hungary as part of their Residence Permit (Tartózkodási engedély) process.
The Key Difference: Unlike Hungarian citizens, you do not receive a plastic "Address Card." Instead, your address is registered in the official government database.
Re-registration: Every time you move to a new apartment, you are legally required to report the change of address on the Enter Hungary portal within 3 days. Failure to do so can lead to fines or issues with your visa status.
3. Essential Documents for the Upload To successfully register your address online, you will need:
Lease Agreement: Signed by you, the owner, and two witnesses.
Accommodation Reporting Form: A specific PDF form that must be signed by the landlord. Even though the process is digital, you must scan this signed document.
Title Deed (Tulajdoni lap): Usually optional, but check on the EnterHungary portal. A document from the Land Registry (not older than 30 days) proving the person renting to you actually owns the flat. Most landlords can download this for you for a small fee (~3,000 HUF).
Costs, Deposits & Utilities (Rezsi)
Costs, Deposits & Utilities (Rezsi)
The Deposit (Kaució)
Standard practice is 2 months of rent upfront as a security deposit, plus the first month's rent.
Example: If rent is €400, you need €1200 cash on Day 1.
You get the deposit back when you move out, provided there is no damage.
Utilities (Rezsi) In Budapest, rent usually excludes utilities. You will see listings saying "Rent + Rezsi".
Avoid Scams (Safety First)
Avoid Scams (Safety First)
Budapest is safe, but rental scams targeting international students are common in August and September.
The "I'm Abroad" Scam The "owner" sends you beautiful photos of a cheap flat but says they are currently working in London/Berlin. They ask you to transfer money via TripAdvisor/Airbnb/Western Union, and they will "mail you the keys."
Verdict: 100% SCAM. Never transfer money without meeting someone or seeing the flat.
The "Fake Office" Scam You go to an agency that asks for a fee (e.g., 20,000 HUF) just to give you a list of phone numbers for apartments.
Verdict: SCAM. Legitimate agents take a commission from the owner, not the student.
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