Moving to Budapest in 2025 offers more than beautiful buildings and thermal baths — it’s one of the most affordable and surprisingly livable cities in Europe right now.
Often called the “Paris of the East,” Budapest delivers more than beautiful bridges and thermal spas. With its low cost of living, fast-growing startup scene, and Central European location, the Hungarian capital is an increasingly popular home base for digital nomads, expats, and long-term residents alike.
Whether you’re relocating for work, studies, or simply a change of pace — Budapest gives you room to breathe and explore.
Key Facts About Budapest (Hungary)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~1.7 million |
| Language | Hungarian (official), English widely spoken among youth |
| Currency | Hungarian Forint (HUF) |
| Average Rent | HUF 200,000–350,000/month (€500–900) |
| Average Net Salary | HUF 350,000–500,000/month (€900–1,300) |
| Digital Nomad Budget | €1,500–2,500/month |
| Health Insurance | Public/private – from €50/month |
| Safety Level | Medium-high – central areas are safe, outskirts vary |
| Public Transport | Metro, tram, bus (~HUF 9,500/month or €24) |
| Climate | Continental – hot summers, cold winters |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Study, work, freelance, business, Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa available |
| Education | ELTE, CEU, Corvinus, international schools |
| Grocery Prices | Low to moderate – Lidl, Spar, Aldi, Tesco |
| Access to Nature | Danube River, Buda hills, Margaret Island, many parks |
| City Atmosphere | Vibrant, artistic, affordable, youth-friendly |
Renting in Budapest: Big Apartments, Small Budgets
Budapest still offers some of the most affordable housing in the EU, especially if you’re coming from Western Europe. Apartments tend to be large (think high ceilings and 19th-century architecture), and prices are fair — though rising.
Average monthly rent in 2025:
- 1-bedroom in District V or VI: €700–950
- 2-bedroom in District VII or XIII: €950–1,400
- Studio in District VIII or IX: €550–750
- Utilities: €150–250/month
- Deposit: Typically 1–2 months’ rent
Want to explore listings? Browse long-term rentals in Budapest via XMetr.
Visas and Residency: Hungary is Open to Movers
Hungary is in the EU, so EU/EEA citizens can relocate easily, but non-EU residents also have accessible options.
Common residency paths:
- Residence Permit for Employment – job contract required
- Student Visa – for degree-seekers or exchange programs
- Residence Permit for Other Purposes – includes family reunification or medical treatment
- Digital Nomad Visa (White Card) – available for remote workers with non-Hungarian clients
- Permanent Residence – after 3–5 years of legal stay, with integration requirements
Hungarian immigration is less bureaucratic than in many neighboring countries — but some knowledge of Hungarian or help from a local agent can speed things up.
Language and Everyday Life
Hungarian is famously difficult, but in Budapest, you can get by with English — especially in cafés, coworking spaces, and the expat-heavy districts.
Still, learning a few words (like köszönöm = thank you) goes a long way.
Locals are friendly but reserved, public transport is fast and cheap, and life moves at a more relaxed pace than in Western capitals.
Where to Live in Budapest
- District V (Belváros) – central, historic, expensive
- District VI (Terézváros) – close to theaters, culture, Andrássy Avenue
- District VII (Erzsébetváros) – nightlife, cafés, youthful energy
- District VIII (Józsefváros) – gentrifying, multicultural
- District IX (Ferencváros) – riverside, quiet, close to universities
- District XIII (Újlipótváros) – upscale, family-friendly, near parks
- Buda side (District I & II) – hilly, green, elegant, more local feel
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Budapest for Long-Term Living
| Neighborhood | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. District V | Central, prestigious, great access to landmarks and riverfront. |
| 2. District VI | Cultural, expat-friendly, close to parks and nightlife. |
| 3. District VII | Lively, popular with young people and creatives. |
| 4. District II | Upscale, green, peaceful – ideal for families and nature lovers. |
| 5. Újbuda (District XI) | Modern, student-oriented, calm but well connected. |
Cost of Living in Budapest
Budapest remains affordable by European standards, making it an excellent city for freelancers, creatives, and students.
- Rent: €600–1,400/month
- Groceries: €150–250/month
- Public transport pass: €25/month
- Coffee: €2
- Dinner for two: €30–50
- Health insurance (private): €40–100/month
You can live well on €1,300–2,000/month, depending on lifestyle.
Work and Income
Budapest is growing as a tech and startup hub, with a strong pool of developers, designers, and engineers. Freelancers and remote workers are increasingly choosing the city for its balance of cost and culture.
Key sectors:
- IT and software development
- Finance and shared services centers
- Tourism and hospitality
- Creative industries
- Education and language teaching
Coworking spaces are common, and many expats report a good work-life balance.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €2,200 |
| IT Project Manager | €2,800 |
| UX/UI Designer | €1,800 |
| Architect | €1,700 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €2,000 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €3,000 |
| Nurse | €1,300 |
| High School Teacher | €1,400 |
| Marketing Specialist | €1,800 |
| Accountant | €1,700 |
🇭🇺 Budapest combines historic charm with a growing tech scene. While salaries are lower than Western Europe, the cost of living is also significantly lower, making it attractive to freelancers, expats, and digital nomads.
Healthcare: Affordable and Efficient
Hungary’s healthcare system includes both public and private options. Expats often prefer private care for faster service, though public hospitals are improving.
- EU citizens can access public care via EHIC or local registration
- Non-EU residents must carry private insurance (required for residency)
- English-speaking clinics are widely available in Budapest
- Pharmacy access is excellent and prices are low
Final Thoughts: Is Budapest Right for You?
Budapest hits a sweet spot. It’s beautiful but functional, affordable but cultured, laid-back but ambitious. If you’re looking for a city where you can live comfortably without sacrificing culture or cost, this might be it.
Come for the views. Stay for the freedom.
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