Living in Budapest

Budapest

The Danube, trams and local wine
Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner
91
Score

Whether you're cruising on the Danube River, admiring the Parliament building, sipping local wines, or riding the old-world trams, Budapest offers an exciting experience, making every visitor feel at home under its twinkly lights.

The Good

  • 🎉 Good nightlife
  • 🤤 Great food options
  • 🍜 Streetfood
  • 🦄 Strong nomad community
  • 👮 Safe
  • 🚀 Fast wifi
  • ✈️ Close to airport
  • 🚌 Good public transport
  • 🏛️ Architecture
  • 🛍️ Shopping
  • 🥰 Beautiful

The Bad

  • 🚘 Traffic
  • 🥶 Cold winters
  • 📸 Very Touristy

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
Budapest
Cheapest () Costliest ()
Hungary
10%
more expensive than Hungary median
120th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • Budapest is the most expensive place (out of 2) to live in Hungary
  • The average salary in Budapest is
  • It's about 26% cheaper to live in Budapest than it is Beijing
  • You can expect to spend around $1,387.12 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
--
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
--
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026

Safety

safe

Budapest is generally safe for digital nomads, with low violent crime rates, though petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Where to stay

1. District VII (Erzsébetváros)

District VII is at the heart of Budapest's nightlife and cultural scene, with lots of cafes, bars, and co-working spaces. It's also central, which makes it easy to explore other parts of the city. The neighbourhood is lively but also has quieter, residential streets.

2. District VI (Terézváros)

District VI is close to major attractions like the Opera House and Andrássy Avenue, and also offers a mix of cultural activities and quieter residential areas. It's good if you wanna be close to central landmarks while having a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier District VII.

3. District I (Castle District)

If you are after a quieter, more picturesque setting, the Castle District is a decent option. It offers beautiful views, historic architecture, and a more chilled environment. It's a bit further from the nightlife and busier areas, but has a really nice vibe.

4. District IX (Ferencváros)

District IX has become increasingly popular among expats and digital nomads due to its mix of residential and up-and-coming spots. It has affordable housing, good cafes, and a strong local community feel.

Transport

Public Transport

Budapest has an extensive and efficient public transport system, making it easy to navigate the city. The network includes buses, trams, and metros, all operated by BKK. The public transport service is known for its punctuality and coverage, connecting various parts of the city seamlessly.

The metro system consists of four lines: M1 (Yellow Line), M2 (Red Line), M3 (Blue Line), and M4 (Green Line), with the M1 line being one of the oldest in the world. Trams are also a popular choice, especially the iconic tram line 4 and 6 that run along the Grand Boulevard.

Bus

Buses in Budapest offer comprehensive coverage and operate frequently throughout the city. The central bus terminal is located at Deák Ferenc tér, where multiple lines converge. You can use the BKK app or website to plan your route and check schedules.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available throughout Budapest and can be hailed from the street or booked via phone. Look for licensed yellow taxis, as they are regulated and their fares are metered.

Ride-Hailing

In addition to traditional taxis, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt are available in Budapest. Both provide a cost-effective alternative to metered taxis and allows passengers to choose their preferred vehicle type.

Bicycles

Biking is a popular way to explore Budapest, especially during the warmer months. The city offers numerous dedicated bike paths and the Bubi bike-sharing system, which allows you to rent bicycles from several stations around the city. This is a great option for those who prefer to see the sights at their own pace.

Internet speed

Good

Download
50.2Mbps
Upload
15.4Mbps
Latency
21.7ms
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Time difference

Budapest

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in June is pleasant with temperatures around 17°

Average temperatures

11°
17°
23°
26°
28°
28°
23°
16°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

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