Since I was born in Budapest and have been living here, I do know the local prices. So, I will tell you everything you need to know about the cost of living in Budapest.
Life cannot be measured in money. However, where you live unfortunately must be. Whether it’s a simple vacation or a longer stay, expenses do matter to most of us.
Important! ALL data in the article are updated on a monthly basis. As there are generally only slight changes in prices within a month, you may consider these data up-to-date.
How cheap is Budapest?
It is widely believed that big cities in Eastern Europe are rather cheap destinations. Of course, cheapness and the needs of people are highly dependent on the individual.
In international comparison, especially in terms of costs in Western Europe and the United States, Budapest, and thus Hungary, is among the cheaper destinations.
I do not mean it is crappy, however. In recent decades, both the quality of available services and the quality of the associated infrastructure have risen dramatically.
So, the price difference is no longer compensation for crap. Of course, those looking for luxury will also be satisfied, and we are not talking about Eastern European luxury here. Thus, it is safe to say that Budapest is still a more favorable alternative compared to western prices, and you won’t need to make compromises if you decide to choose it as your holiday destination.
Table of Contents
Price Comparison
Let’s see the cheaper and more expensive parts of Budapest
How much is the forint worth now?
How much is the forint worth now?
How much forint does your currency worth?
Don’t be fooled! – Check where you exchange money in Budapest!
Real estate costs
How much is the cost of living in Budapest?
How much is renting a flat or a room and the overheads in Hungary?
Purchasing real estate – How much is a square meter in Budapest?
How much does food cost in Budapest?
Prices of tobacco products
The cost of utilities in Budapest
How much is the cost of traveling in Budapest?
Catering unit prices
A luxury (Michelin-star) restaurant in the downtown
Downtown restaurants in the frequented zone
Downtown restaurants out of the frequented zone
Restaurants in the outer districts
The cost of services in Budapest
Entertainment and recreation prices in Budapest
The cost of accommodation in Budapest
How much does it cost to stay in a hostel in Budapest?
How much does it cost to stay in a three-star hotel in Budapest?
How much does it cost to stay in a four-star hotel in Budapest?
How much does it cost to stay in a luxury hotel in Budapest?
Clothing prices
Used car prices
Price Comparison – Let’s see the cheaper and more expensive parts of Budapest
Since I mentioned territorial differences, it would only be fair if I set things straight. Budapest is a rather large city, and as such there are some serious differences in financial terms.
To begin with, Budapest has been a single united city since 1873; before that, there used to be two settlements separated by the Danube. (You can read more about this topic and the way Budapest got its name in this article.) Some of the differences are visible to this day.
The Buda side is home to the wealthy – it is calmer and greener than the other side of the river. Parallel to the level of general income, life is also more expensive on the Buda side.
Let’s start with housing: purchasing or renting a flat in Buda costs much more than in Pest. The divergence may be as much as 30 percent. But that’s how it is: location matters everywhere in the world.
In which part of Pest is the cost of living more expensive?
There is no uniformity on the Pest side either. Downtown areas are much more expensive than the suburban districts in terms of real estate (as well).
Here, the central location is the characteristic that keeps prices high. Attractions, entertainment venues, and –last but not least – the cream of the business world can also be found here.
So, it doesn’t take a genius to realize that higher real estate prices are in direct proportion with the cost of services and goods, because the rent of higher value properties won’t be lower either. Accordingly, the inner districts of Pest and the Buda side are somewhat more expensive than the other parts of the capital.
Not to mention the fact that the main tourist attractions are also located in the center instead of the streets of ‘wild romance’ of the somewhat less developed Kőbánya area. And tourism is known to have a multiplying effect on the prices of even the most common consumer goods.
Districts 5, 6, and 7 are the most expensive parts of the Pest side; however, the situation is far from being homogeneous here either. Both services and goods may cost one and a half or twice as much in the vicinity of larger hotels and tourist attractions than in other parts of the city.
Restaurants in the area are typically more luxurious as well, and even street food eateries cost up to 30–50% more than, say, in the outer districts.
Want to visit the hairdresser’s or the cosmetician’s? Don’t be surprised if your new hair costs a larger sum. Of course, higher prices are not only due to the location. The quality of the service is also better than that of an apartment-saloon on the ground floor of a tower block.
Groceries here are also more expensive than the ones located in the outskirts, while larger supermarkets and hypermarkets are totally absent. Goods are sold for an approximately 15–20% higher price than in the periphery.
The more expensive parts of the Pest side are the following:
- The Pest side of Széchényi Bridge and its neighborhood
- Danube Promenade
- Deák Square
- St. Stephen’s Basilica and the surrounding area
- City Park
- Heroes’ Square
- The Parliament and its surroundings
- Margaret Island (I know, I know it is neither Pest nor Buda 🙂 )
- Vörösmarty Square
- Váci Street
- Andrássy Avenue
- Király Street
- Ráday Street
- Nyugati Railway Station
- Oktogon
- The catering places of the party district (district 7)
In which part of Buda is the cost of living more expensive?
The Buda side is also characterized by the above. The only difference here is that the parts of districts 1, 2, and 11 closer to the Danube tend to be more expensive as well. The differences compared to the rest of Buda are somewhat smaller than in Pest, but it is only due to the higher baseline.
In general, we can say that in Buda the areas close to the frequented Danube bank are more expensive than the outskirts of this side.
The more expensive parts of the Buda side are the following:
- The Buda Castle
- The Castle Garden Bazaar
- Tabán
- The Buda side of Széchényi Bridge and its surroundings
- Gellért Hill and its neighborhood
- The vicinity of Batthyány Square
- Rózsadomb
Summary
If you don’t want to pay more for the goods and services you are looking for, try to avoid the central regions. You can save quite a lot of money this way and spend it at a ruin pub at night instead.
Just kidding! I know you’d rather spend it on museum tickets. 😀
How much is the forint worth now?
Before going into details, let me tell you some important information. In Hungary, the official currency is the Hungarian forint. It is abbreviated to HUF, or Ft in shops.
The exchange rate of the forint changes from day to day. That is the reason why I don’t write the prices in EUR, USD or GBP; it would be totally useless as you would not get an accurate picture of the prices.
How much forint does your currency worth?
| Currency | Rate |
| EUR | 379HUF |
| USD | 360HUF |
| GBP | 444HUF |
| CHF | 362HUF |
| AUD | 251HUF |
| CAD | 277HUF |
| JPY | 2,76HUF |
| RUB | 5,19HUF |
Don’t be fooled! – Check where you exchange money in Budapest!
I can’t emphasize that enough. You may easily be scammed if you aren’t careful enough and exchange money at the wrong place.
I would like to help you so that you only have good experiences with your trip to Budapest. It’s not my intention to scare you, but you might get up to 40% less for your money if you are not careful. I am dead serious!
With this in mind, I’ve written a comprehensive article about the topic, providing help on where and how to exchange money. I will fill you in on the best exchange offices in Budapest and tell you which time of the day you can exchange money at the best rate. For my article, click here.
How much is the cost of living in Budapest? Specific information for everything you might need to spend money on.
Well, everything depends on where you stand. According to Starbucks-index, Budapest is a very cheap city in international standards.
However, if you compare things to Hungarian salaries, the picture is completely different. But you don’t need to worry about that.
Compared to Western European and American salaries, Hungary is pretty cheap. Of course, costs vary widely depending on needs and opportunities.
Real estate costs
How much is renting a flat or a room and the overheads in Hungary?
Budapest
Renting a smaller apartment is approximately 120,000–150,000 forints in the cheaper areas of Budapest. However, it may be over 200,000 forints in more prominent places. Overhead costs are 30,000–50,000 forints depending on the size of the flat.
This is, of course, a rough average, as there are huge differences in heating costs depending on the technology used and the age of the flat, while common charges vary based on the included services. These are the basics.
Additional costs of living basically depend on whether you decide to cook at home or eat out, clean your apartment or pay someone to do it instead of you, live close to your workplace or travel for hours, etc.
More space means higher costs. You can rent a fully-furnished flat of 75–90 sqm for 200,000-250,000 forints in the outer districts. Yet, the same apartment in the downtown area is approx. 280,000 forints. But as I mentioned above, the cost of daily shopping is also higher in the downtown.
Rooms for rent are getting more and more expensive in Budapest. Thus, a lot of university students share the rent to decrease their expenses.
A room for rent in downtown Budapest (districts 5, 6, and 7) is approx. 40,000–90,000 forints per month while renting one in the outer districts and parts of district 8 is only approx. 25,000–70,000 forints per month. However, finding a room for under 60,000 forints on the Buda side is a mission impossible.
Let’s see how it works in big rural cities like Miskolc, Szeged and Debrecen
The cost of living in the countryside is much cheaper than in Budapest. Hungary is specifically top-heavy with the capital providing almost 40% of the country’s GDP. As a result of this, housing prices are in proportion with rural salaries.
There might also be significant differences depending on whether you live in a more developed county seat or a dead-end village in Borsod county.
The monthly rental fee of a 60 sqm flat in bigger county seats like Szeged, Miskolc and Debrecen is approximately 80,000–120,000 forints. Of course, it also depends on whether you want to rent an apartment in the center or in the suburbs.
Services are slightly cheaper than those in Budapest. Overhead costs are approximately 25,000–40,000 forints per month. Room rentals range from 20,000 to 60,000 forints in county seats.
Purchasing real estate – How much is a square meter in Budapest?
As I have already mentioned there may be significant differences in costs depending on where you want to live. Central location and green areas are extra in Hungary just like everywhere else in the world.
Don’t intend to spend an unreasonable amount? A reputable estate agency may help you a lot with finding the right residence no matter if it is to be rented or purchased.
Considering average prices per district, we can say that district 5 is on top. The Parliament and its surroundings are very expensive. Last year, flats were sold at the average price of 1,244,000 forints per square meter.
Next in the line are the frequented parts of Buda including districts 1 and 2 with the average price of approximately 1,150,000 forints per square meter.
At the same time, the popularity of the downtown area is well illustrated by the fact that district 6 (Pest) has become slightly more expensive than district 12 (Buda) with the former costing 992,000, while the latter 954,000 forints per square meter.
In the outer districts of Pest, prices are typically between 650,000–800,000 forints per square meter, while in district 23 – the cheapest area – a square meter is 619,000 forints.
How much does food cost in Budapest?
Let’s take a closer look at these numbers on a daily basis.
The cost of this category is, so to speak, a matter of taste. Lobster is a small fortune in Hungary as well, yet chicken backs are only a few forints. Bread can either be bought at exclusive artisan bakeries or at the corner shop. There are no extraordinary differences in the case of basic foods, but considering they are essential, even a 10–15% difference becomes significant over time.
If you are a price-conscious shopper, do the shopping in supermarkets as generally there is a great variety of favorable prices.
Pro tip: fresh quality goods at a great price at Budapest markets! The atmosphere is amazing, and you can taste what you buy, so no pig in a poke.
Food prices in Budapest
Bakery
| Butter Croissant (50g) | 105HUF |
| Donut with Jam (75g) | 125HUF |
| French Baguette (110g) | 105HUF |
| Gluten-Free Bread (250g) | 999HUF |
| Sandwich Roll (55g) | 30HUF |
| White Bread (1kg) | 275HUF |
| Whole Grain Bread (500g) | 439HUF |
Diary and Eggs
| Butter (Lurpak 200g) | 999HUF |
| Cheddar Cheese (100g) | 599HUF |
| Egg (Large Size 10pcs) | 559HUF |
| Flavoured Yoghurt (150g) | 135HUF |
| Gouda Cheese (1kg) | 1499HUF |
| Low Fat Margarine (500g) | 409HUF |
| Milk (1 liter) | 299HUF |
| Milk Lactose-Free (1 liter) | 369HUF |
| Mozzarella Cheese (100g) | 329HUF |
Fruits
| Apple (1kg) | 379HUF |
| Banana (1kg) | 399HUF |
| Kiwi (1 piece) | 169HUF |
| Lemon (1kg) | 599HUF |
| Mandarin (1kg) | 999HUF |
| Mango (1 piece) | 599HUF |
| Orange (1kg) | 699HUF |
| Pear (1kg) | 499HUF |
| Pink Grapefruit (1kg) | 799HUF |
| Red Grape (1kg) | 489HUF |
| White Grape (1kg) | 799HUF |
| Watermelon (1kg) | 400HUF |
Vegetables
| Beetroot (1kg) | 269HUF |
| Carrot (1kg) | 299HUF |
| Cucumber (1kg) | 249HUF |
| Eggplant (1kg) | 799HUF |
| Hot Pepper (1 piece) | 55HUF |
| Mushroom (1kg) | 1189HUF |
| Onion (1kg) | 129HUF |
| Pepper (1kg) | 699HUF |
| Potato (1kg) | 249HUF |
| Pumpkin (1kg) | 299HUF |
| Tomato (1kg) | 529HUF |
Meats
| Bacon (200g) | 639HUF |
| Beef Sirloin (1kg) | 3600HUF |
| Beef Thigh (1kg) | 3200HUF |
| Catfish Fillet (1kg) | 3119HUF |
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | 1099HUF |
| Chicken Thigh (1kg) | 499HUF |
| Duck Breast (1kg) | 2899HUF |
| Ham with Pepper (100g) | 319HUF |
| Hungarian Sausage (250g) | 1099HUF |
| Pork Tenderloin (1kg) | 2199HUF |
| Salmon Fillet (1kg) | 5000HUF |
| Tuna Steak (1kg) | 7190HUF |
| Turkey Breast Fillet (1kg) | 1899HUF |
Drinks
| Coca-Cola (2,25 liter) | 499HUF |
| Coca-Cola Zero (330ml) | 225HUF |
| Lipton Green Ice Tea (1,5 liter) | 349HUF |
| Lipton Green Tea (20 tea bags) | 569HUF |
| Nescafé Instant Coffee (100g) | 999HUF |
| Orange Juice 100% (1 liter) | 439HUF |
| Pepsi Cola (330ml) | 205HUF |
| Red Bull (250ml) | 409HUF |
| Sparkling Natural Minral Water (500ml) | 129HUF |
| Still Natural Mineral Water (1,5 liter) | 99HUF |
Alcohol
| Absolut Vodka (0,7 liter) | 6499HUF |
| Bacardi Blanca Rum (0,7 liter) | 5299HUF |
| Domestic Beer (500ml) | 239HUF |
| Domestic Dry Red Wine (0,75 liter) | 1169HUF |
| Domestic Dry White Wine (0,75 liter) | 1199HUF |
| Grey Goose (0,7 liter) | 14990HUF |
| Heineken Premium Beer (0,5 liter) | 269HUF |
| Jim Beam (0,7 liter) | 6399HUF |
| Martini Bianco (750ml) | 3599HUF |
| Premium Pálinka (0,5 liter) | 6990HUF |
| Sierra Silver Tequila (0,7 liter) | 6590HUF |
| Somersby Apple Cider (330ml) | 355HUF |
| Veuve Cliquot Dry Champagne (750ml) | 16999HUF |
| White Sparkling Wine (750ml) | 1149HUF |
| Zwack Unicum Herb Liqueur (0,7 liter) | 4890HUF |
Prices of tobacco products
Since 2013, tobacco products may only be obtained at the so-called Nemzeti Dohánybolt shops (National Tobacco Shops).
After the Tobacco Control Law came into force, access to tobacco products was maximized in 7,000 sites. Not only cigarettes can be bought at tobacco shops; you can also buy cigars, pipe tobacco, mineral water, energy drinks, and press products.
At some shops, you can even try your luck by placing sports bets or buying lottery tickets. E-cigarettes, refills, or any device that mimics smoking can be purchased not only in national tobacco shops but also in specialty stores.
So, the point is, you can’t buy tobacco on every corner. Want to know where the National Tobacco Shops are in Budapest? Check out my article on the topic.
| Brand | Price |
| Austin Red | 1199HUF |
| Benson&Hedges Gold | 1560HUF |
| Camel Blue | 1420HUF |
| Chesterfield Silver | 1310HUF |
| Davidoff Gold | 1520HUF |
| Dunhill Switch Black | 1420HUF |
| Lucky Strike Blue | 1380HUF |
| Marlboro Gold | 1530HUF |
| Marlboro Touch | 1510HUF |
| Multifilter Blue | 1460HUF |
| Pall Mall Blue | 1460HUF |
| Pall Mall Mint | 1250HUF |
| Rothmans of London Blue | 1070HUF |
| West Red 100 | 1330HUF |
| Winston Classic | 1299HUF |
The cost of utilities in Budapest
Electricity
There are four electricity companies providing electricity in Hungarian households:
- Észak-magyarországi Áramszolgáltató NyRt.
- Budapesti Elektromos Művek NyRt.
- E.ON Energiaszolgáltató Kft.
- Dél-magyarországi Áramszolgáltató ZRt.
There is only a slight difference between the prices of these companies and they provide on a territorial basis.
Current residential electricity fees: 37,54 HUF/kWh
Heating costs
Although we are facing climate change and are in the middle of global warming, you can’t survive a Hungarian winter without heating. Here is a list of the heating methods available to prevent freezing:
- District heating
- Gas
- Oil
- Electricity
- Firewood
- Coal
Naturally, in Budapest, gas and district heating are the most common. In smaller towns, people generally use wood for heating.
Of course, there is no exclusive estate in Buda without a fireplace, but it is mainly there for the atmosphere. The amount you will pay for heating mainly depends on the condition of the property, the technology used, the insulation, and of course your own comfort.
District heating in a 75 sqm apartment is around 15,000 forints per month.
Gas prices
In addition to heating, natural gas can also be used for cooking. As part of the retail service, the price of gas is officially regulated.
The regulation applies to the distribution area of natural gas. It means that all service providers with a universal service license shall supply gas at the same maximum price.
Gas consumption fees are made of the basic fee, gas quality and the gas fee. Currently, the basic fee is 972 HUF/month and the fee of 1m3 gas is approximately 99-115 HUF.
Phone and internet prices in Budapest
In Hungary, there are three large service providers and some smaller ones offering telephone and internet subscriptions. Of course, there are also cheaper package prices.
The large ones are:
- Telenor
- Vodafone
- Telekom
They are the ones with nationwide coverage and the most stable services. Their minute-based packages meet most needs, so much so, that all three offer unlimited packages as well. They provide unlimited calls and internet for a set monthly fee.
There are differences in their prices, yet they have constant sales and promotions to attract customers. That’s why it is recommended not to sign a contract for a specific period of time, so that you can change service providers in case a better offer comes out without having to pay penalty or waste your time with administration.
The smaller ones are:
- Digi
- Flip
- HWR-Telekom
- Kábelsat-2000
- ZNET
- Invitel
You might run into cheaper offers at smaller service providers, yet there is a risk of inconsistent service and worse customer service – although this is not always the case. You might want to read the reviews about them first.
Phone prices in Hungary
Telephone service providers fees include unlimited talks, data and SMS-s in a package.
| Service provider | Price |
| Telekom (5G) | 14980HUF |
| Telenor | 15990HUF |
| Vodafone | 15990HUF |
Internet service provider fees in Hungary
| Service provider | DL/UL speed | Monthly fee |
| Telekom | 2000/1000 Mbit/s | 8020HUF |
| Vodafone | 1000/40 Mbit/s | 6490HUF |
| Digi | 1000/300 Mbit/s | 3100HUF |
How much is the cost of traveling in Budapest?
Unless you are bedridden or a couch potato, sooner or later you will go out and use a means of transportation. There are many types of these available in Budapest. Firstly, let’s see public transport.
Prices of BKK tickets and passes
Budapest has one of the best networks of public transport in Europe and the price of tickets and the huge variety of passes is also affordable.
Buses, trams, trolleybuses, metros, boats– choose the one that best suits your destination. You can also buy different tickets and passes online.
| Tickets | Price |
| Single ticket | 350HUF |
| Airport bus single ticket (100E) | 900HUF |
| Daily pass | 1650HUF |
| Three-day pass | 4150HUF |
| Weekly pass | 4950HUF |
| Monthly pass | 9500HUF |
Taxi fares in Budapest
Don’t feel like sharing? Call a taxi. There are several taxi companies available. It doesn’t help that all work at the same rates, plus all taxis are yellow. But beware which car you sit in.
If you run into a taxi “hyena”, you will pay 3 times as much for the same ride. Want to know which ones are safe? Read my article on taxi drivers.
| Fare | Price |
| Base fare | 1000HUF |
| Time-based fare unit (< 15km/h) | 100HUF/min |
| Distance-based fare unit | 400HUF/km |
Car rental prices
Prefer controlling things on your own? Rent a car. There are numerous bigger and smaller car rentals in the capital offering everything from low-cost to luxury.
| Car | Price / Day |
| Smart Fortwo | 7500HUF |
| Toyota Prius | 11000HUF |
| Opel Corsa 1.2 AC | 12400HUF |
| Volvo S40 | 20000HUF |
| Volkswagen T5 Multivan | 25000HUF |
| Audi A4 | 25000HUF |
| BMW 530D | 34000HUF |
| BMW X4 35D | 41500HUF |
| Ford Mustang 5.0 GT V8 | 76500HUF |
| Ferrari California T 3.9 | 228000HUF |
Fuel prices
If you decide to rent a car, you will need to refuel it as well. But don’t worry, there are over 160 places in Budapest where you can do so – and these are only the petrol stations of larger networks.
| Type | Price |
| Gasoline (95-E10) | 480HUF/liter |
| Gasoline Premium (100-E5) | 679HUF/liter |
| Diesel | 480HUF/liter |
| Diesel Premium | 699HUF/liter |
Fuel prices have become very expensive. The Hungarian government has decided to cap the price of petrol and diesel at 480 HUF (EUR 1.3) per liter for 3 months. The price of non-premium diesel and petrol cannot be more than 480 HUF per liter. Source
Important! There might be significant differences in fuel prices along busy roads and motorways. The difference may be up to 50 forints which means a 15–20% higher price.
Catering unit prices
Restaurant prices in Budapest
I must say, there is a huge selection of domestic and international flavors, fusion cuisine, from the cheapest to the most expensive. There is basically everything.
Looking for exclusivity? Then head for district 5 in the downtown. Countless high-end restaurants await you with heavenly courses that are high-end, too.
Move a little further away from the downtown area and enjoy good quality at more reasonable prices. The restaurants surrounding the city center give you the opportunity to taste the specialties of a particular genre without spending a fortune.
While in the outer districts you will find more homely restaurants. The standard is not consistent, but there are several gems there as well and prices are much lower than in their centrally-located counterparts.
A luxury (Michelin-star) restaurant in the downtown
| Four-course menu | 25500HUF |
| Five-course menu | 28000HUF |
| Six-course menu | 31500HUF |
| Six-course menu with handcrafted beer pairings | 41500HUF |
| Six-course menu with wine pairing | 47500HUF |
Downtown restaurants in the frequented zone
| Buffalo mozzarella with tomatoes and basil oil | 2790HUF |
| Goulash soup | 1490HUF |
| Pan seared salmon and tiger prawn | 4290HUF |
| Chili mango salad and fried shrimps | 3290HUF |
| Pork tenderloin | 3490HUF |
| Beef steak | 5950HUF |
| Mascarpone cream with hot chocolate sauce | 1490HUF |
| Draught beer 0,5 liter | 850HUF |
| Jim Beam 4cl | 1350HUF |
| Soft drinks 0,25 liter | 490HUF |
Downtown restaurants out of the frequented zone
| Beetroot crusted soft goat cheese with quince purée and pistachio | 1950HUF |
| Goulash soup | 1250HUF |
| Tandoori flavoured chicken breast | 2980HUF |
| Pork tenderloin | 2890HUF |
| Beef steak | 5490HUF |
| Chocolate soufflé with raspberry sorbet | 1290HUF |
| Draught beer 0,5 liter | 790HUF |
| Jim Beam 4cl | 1050HUF |
| Soft drinks 0,25 liter | 450HUF |
Restaurants in the outer districts
| Plate with salads | 1090HUF |
| Goulash soup | 890HUF |
| Chicken breast with smoked mozzarella and ham | 2490HUF |
| Pork tenderloin | 2790HUF |
| Beef steak | 3990HUF |
| Passion Fruit Panna Cotta with Pecan Nuts | 1190HUF |
| Draught beer 0,5 liter | 650HUF |
| Jim Beam 4cl | 990HUF |
| Soft drinks 0,25 liter | 450HUF |
Street food and self-service restaurant prices
Street food can be found all over Budapest. What is more, the quality is also quite acceptable. Of course, location may influence the pricing, but apart from that, you can fill your tummy at affordable prices.
There are simpler places providing hamburgers, hotdog, and gyros, but some great soup kitchens, sandwich bars, and restaurants offering vegan dishes are also on the list. I’m sure you will find something to your taste.
The best prices are offered in self-service restaurants where you can choose simple dishes from a shorter menu, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on the enjoyment of food. Yet, make sure to check out Google ratings before entering one.
| Salads | from 650HUF |
| Soups | from 500HUF |
| Main dishes | from 1090HUF |
| Desserts | from 500HUF |
| Soft drinks 0,5 liter | 350HUF |
Café prices
In addition to restaurants, there is another category that may surprise you with a plethora of choices. From supermarket vending machines offering coffee in plastic cups to yuppie places with new-wave green coffee specialties, there is really everything in the capital.
Traditional café atmosphere or a place with only a few tables – you will surely find the venue that suits your current mood.
Prices largely depend on the location – I know you are getting tired of hearing this – and the declared target audience.
New York Cafe price list
| Cappuccino | 2550HUF |
| Latte Macchiato | 2550HUF |
| American Coffee | 2250HUF |
| Espresso | 1650HUF |
Cafés at frequented places
| Cappuccino | 790HUF |
| Latte Macchiato | 620HUF |
| Espresso | 620HUF |
Cafés in the outer districts
| Cappuccino | 520HUF |
| Latte Macchiato | 590HUF |
| Espresso | 450HUF |
The cost of services in Budapest
Prices of cosmetic services
Hands, legs, face – all parts of the human body, and as such, they need to be taken care of. And it is perfectly done at cosmeticians in Budapest. As all other services, the prices of cosmetic treatments also differ depending on the types of services, the materials and tools used, and – of course – on the location of the salon.
Because You Deserve That – The Best Beauty Salons in Budapest
Beauty salons
There is one at almost every corner in downtown Budapest. The exterior designs tell you a lot about the inner quality. The more luxurious, the more special the treatments are. But, we all know, quality is to be paid for.
Nail & Go
These trendy salons focus on the hands and were established to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced world. Their stands can be found in almost every shopping center in Budapest.
If you are lucky, they will treat you without an appointment, but since they are very popular, you’d better call in advance. In addition to manicures, there are several other types of hand treatments.
Recommended Manicure and Pedicure Salons in Budapest
Smaller cosmetics
There numerous tiny salons in the outer districts with space enough for a maximum of two guests. They are much cheaper than their downtown counterparts, and are not that technologically advanced either, yet they are perfect for everyday care.
Hairdresser prices
I believe a hairdresser is essential for everyone (unless nature has permanently solved the situation). It is especially true in the case of women of inner beauty who want to look good for their parents, children, and husband.
There are several options to choose from regarding category as well:
Private salons
The majority of salons in Budapest belong to this category, most of them providing quality service. However, if you are looking for something extra, check out the portfolio of the salon in advance.
The more exclusive and higher price category ones are located in the downtown and on the Buda side.
Franchise salons
Visit them if you don’t want anything special, just a basic haircut. They are okay for a quick adjustment, but don’t expect anything extra.
Star hairdressers’
These are operated by famous Hungarian hairdressers, so the standard is also higher here. Prices reflect the quality of service provided; in exchange the risk is minimal. Look for them in frequented areas.
Salons of hair care brands
These are also franchise salons, with the exception that professional background and tools are all regulated by world-famous brands. Their pricing is variable; in general, they are closer to the level of star hairdressers’.
Recommended Hairdressers in Budapest – Services with Prices
Gym prices
‘A sound mind in a sound body’ – fortunately, more and more people take the saying seriously. Luckily, the fitness craze spreading all over the world has reached Hungary as well, and with it came an increase in the number of gyms.
Wellness category gyms are on the top of the price list with not only space-tech machines and cardio sections, but also a lot of different group classes with the most modern forms of movements. Sauna, massage, and even cosmetics are included in the list of services provided. Most of them can be found on the Buda side or the downtown area.
Love the touch of heavyweights? There are several body-building halls all over Budapest – and we are not talking about those rusty, airless, ‘golden age’ cellars covered in magnesia.
The Best Gyms in Budapest – Prices and Opening Hours
Now they are more like body temples with modern equipment emphasizing the primacy of weights located both in the inner and outer regions of the capital Prices vary – you can build yourself up for less money in the outer districts.
Entertainment and recreation prices in Budapest
Entrance fees to the more important attractions in Budapest
The capital is packed with the most beautiful sights. To prove this fact, I enlist over a 100 of them in this article.
Let’s see the prices of the following attractions:
| Attraction | Price |
| Fisherman’s Bastion Lookout | 1000HUF |
| Hungarian Parliament (Non-EEA citizens) | 6700HUF |
| St.Stephen’s Basilica Lookout | 1000HUF |
| Matthias Church Tower | 1800HUF |
| Budapest Zoo (adult) | 3300HUF |
| Széchenyi Baths (adult) | 3900HUF |
| Budapest Eye (adult) | 3000HUF |
| Buda Hill Funicular | 1000HUF |
| Elisabeth Lookout Tower | 500HUF |
| Dohány Street Synagogue | 5000HUF |
Museum prices
Budapest is famous for its buzzing cultural life since the beginning of the world. Museums are a huge part of this. There are several private and public collections on the widest possible range of themes at several points of the capital. Smaller museums generally offer permanent exhibitions at affordable prices.
Bigger museums, on the other hand, attract crowds of people with temporary exhibitions even though the entrance fee is more expensive. However, several museums offer free entrance on national holidays, when visitors may see both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Interested in museums in Budapest? Let me call your attention to the following articles of mine.
Entrance fees to the most well-known museums in Budapest:
| Museum | Entrance fee |
| Hungarian National Gallery | 3200HUF |
| Museum of Fine Arts | 3200HUF |
| House of Terror Museum | 3000HUF |
| Museom of Military History | 1500HUF |
| Budapest History Museum | 2400HUF |
| Hungarian National Museum | 2100HUF |
| Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park | 1900HUF |
Nightclub prices in Budapest
Just like in the case of restaurants, we can say that there is basically everything that has ever been invented on Earth. Multi-story club complexes, concert venues, ruin bars, cocktail bars, pubs, gentlemen’s clubs, cheap pubs, in a word, all types of nightclubs can be found in the Hungarian capital.
The location and the outer design tell you a lot about the pricing. It’s not a problem if you are loaded when visiting ultra-designed downtown clubs and bars where everything is the best as these places are the top of the top in terms of both drinks and musical performance in Budapest nightlife.
The so-called “Party District” located in district 7 offers more affordable entertainment. The area is packed with clubs of different genres, so everyone will find something to their taste and wallet. Lose yourself in one of these clubs. Don’t worry; the pricing is optimal compared to other European venues of the kind.
And if we are talking about partying let me call your attention to an article of mine about ruin bars, which provides all the necessary information on the recommended ruin bars and the types of music to expect.
If you fancy more luxurious clubs, and want to know how to spend the night in Budapest, click here for some cool ideas.
Let’s see the prices at the party venues of district 7:
| Drinks | Price |
| Draught beer 0,5 liter | 750HUF |
| Bottled beer | 900HUF |
| Hungarian Wines 100ml | 300HUF |
| Pálinka Plum (Hungarian Brandy) 40ml | 1300HUF |
| Unicum (Hungarian Liqueur) 40ml | 1200HUF |
| Jägermeister 40ml | 1200HUF |
| Campari 40ml | 600HUF |
| Martini Extra Dry 80ml | 1200HUF |
| Gin-Hendrick’s 40ml | 1700HUF |
| Rum-Havana 7 Years 40ml | 1700HUF |
| Beluga Vodka 40ml | 1700HUF |
| Grey Goose Vodka 40ml | 1700HUF |
| Absolut Vodka 40ml | 1200HUF |
| Johnnie Walker Black 40ml | 1700HUF |
| Jim Beam 40ml | 1200HUF |
| Chivas Regal 18 Years 40ml | 2200HUF |
| Tequila-Olmeca Gold 40ml | 1200HUF |
| Espresso | 450HUF |
| Soft Drinks 0,25 liter | 500HUF |
| Mineral Water Still 330ml | 400HUF |
| Red Bull | 1200HUF |
Cinema prices
There are two types of cinemas in Budapest: multiplexes in shopping centers and art cinemas located in different parts of the city.
Multiplexes play the latest blockbusters in huge halls, while traditional art cinemas are the last of their kind. There may also be Hollywood blockbusters on, but most of the time you can see independent or festival films and documentaries. Their interior is also cozier and more traditional than that of American-style cinemas.
Tickets in multiplexes are more expensive but I wouldn’t say there is a huge difference between the two. And one more thing: many art cinemas allow dogs as well, so you don’t need to leave them alone at home.
- Adult tickets: 1700HUF
- Children’s tickets: 1200HUF
Billiard saloon prices
There is some ‘pushing and hitting’ on public transport, but you can do it in a more entertaining way at the pool table. If we count the number of saloons on each side, we can conclude that this sport is more popular in Pest than in Buda. There are only a few of them located on the Buda side.
On the Pest side, however, there are several places to visit both in the downtown area and in the outer districts. I would say pricing is also homogeneous – there is almost no difference between the saloons.
They only differ in size and the range of food and drinks they offer. In terms of these, there can be a significant difference between saloons close to the city center and those in the outskirts.
Billiard table prices per hour
- Weekdays: from 900HUF
- Weekends: from 1500HUF
Bowling prices
Bowling alleys can be found on both sides of the Danube. In Buda, they are mostly placed near the river, while in the Pest side there is no specific location. Considering the prices, they are similar to billiard saloons – there are only slight differences between venues.
Larger, multi-lane places are more likely to be located in shopping centers, with a slightly higher hourly rate, while at smaller, one-or-two-lane alleys in the outskirts of Pest rolling the ball is somewhat cheaper.
Bowling lane prices per hour: 6900HUF
The cost of accommodation in Budapest
How much does it cost to stay in a hostel in Budapest?
Like meeting new people and feeling nostalgic about your dorm? You only want to use your accommodation for sleeping? Then, Budapest hostels are just for you!
They are also quite cheap compared to other kinds of accommodation. Of course, there are also some superb hostels on hotel prices. I recommend you to check out the place you want to stay at as there are huge differences in standards.
You might find hostels for 10 EUR per night; or several times, the price depends on the location and services offered.
A few examples:
| Hostel | Price |
| Hostel One Budapest | 3170HUF /person/night |
| Maverick City Lodge | 9290HUF /2 adults/night |
| BDPST City Center Rooms | 7900HUF /2 adults/night |
| Grand Backpackers (breakfast included) | 2900HUF /person/night |
How much does it cost to stay in a three-star hotel in Budapest?
In case you want to spend a bit more on accommodation, three-star hotels are an affordable alternative in Budapest.
Again, location and the services provided greatly affect how much you will need to pay. Accordingly, prices range from 10,000–40,000 forint per night.
How much does it cost to stay in a four-star hotel in Budapest?
With the increase in the standard, there is a narrower selection of options. You no longer want to leave a four-star hotel in case it’s raining cats and dogs and these places do provide services that are perfect for bad weather.
Most of these accommodations are located in the central part of Budapest and the prices are set accordingly. While you can find a room for 18,000–20,000 forints per night in hotels in the outer districts, a night in the downtown may cost up to 50,000–60,000 forints.
How much does it cost to stay in a luxury hotel in Budapest?
I don’t really want to make too many suggestions here as there is not much to consider in the case of five-star hotels.
The dozens of luxury hotels are almost all located in the downtown area of Budapest. Prices probably don’t matter to you. One thing is certain: you can get real luxury at fair prices compared to other European countries.
One of the best choices is the Four Season at Gresham Palace, with rooms overlooking the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge.
A few examples:
| Five-star Hotel | Price |
| Four Season Grasham Palace | from 148500HUF /2 adults/night |
| Aria Hotel Budapest | from 86000HUF /2 adults/night |
| Kempinski Hotel | from 76000HUF /2 adults/night |
| Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge | from 43400HUF /2 adults/night |
Apartment prices
Visiting with the family and you love cooking for them? Coziness is very important for you? Apartments in Budapest are ideal for you, at least the majority of them.
Most of them are located in the inner parts of the capital and there are huge differences in quality and thus in prices as well.
You can find accommodation for 10,000 forints, but a high-class downtown apartment may cost 60,000 or more. Location and furnishing are factors that influence the prices of renting apartments.
Clothing prices
Clothes don’t make the man, but there are places where admittance depends on the way you look. I wouldn’t say Budapest is the city of strict dress codes, but just like in every other cosmopolitan city, most people tend to dress well.
Of course, you don’t need to prepare for a weekend of shopping in the luxury boutiques of Váci Street and Andrássy Avenue (although I don’t have anything against it either).
In Budapest, you can find both the big names of fast fashion and luxury brands. Fans of the genre may also find real gems in different second-hand shops.
Almost all major brands are represented in shopping centers, but if you are looking for complete uniqueness and you have money to spend, you will definitely be impressed by tailors in Budapest.
H&M
| Women’s Clothing | Price |
| Dresses | from 2995HUF |
| Trousers & Shorts | from 1995HUF |
| Jackets | from 6495HUF |
| Tops & Shirts | from 2995HUF |
Nike
| Shoes | Price |
| Mens Air Max Invigor Trainers | 27650HUF |
| Revolution 5 Men’s Running Shoe | 15800HUF |
| Clothing | Price |
| Womans T-Shirts | from 2370HUF |
| Mens T-Shirts | from 2175HUF |
Used car prices
Planning to stay in Budapest for a longer period of time? You may want to consider buying your own car. Yet, you might not want to invest in a new Mercedes if it’s only a temporary stay.
There is a huge variety of used cars on the market in Budapest with dozens of car dealerships to help you make the right choice. And you can do the paperwork there, too.
If you want to buy a low mileage car with a maintained service book directly from the non-smoking (doctor 😀 ) owner, who only used it at weekends, in addition to browsing the online database of the best Hungarian used cars, you might want to check out joautok.hu as well, where all the ads are verified and car sellers are qualified.
Cost of living in Budapest – Summary
I hope I could give you an overview on the cost of life in Budapest. It is important to be aware of the costs involved whether you are visiting the capital as a tourist or come to work here.
This information can help you make the right decisions as sometimes it may be difficult to see things clearly. By now, however, you have all the necessary knowledge in exchange for only a bit of your time. What a bargain, right?
