Striking shift in how expats view Hungary over the past three years
The InterNations organisation has been producing rankings for years, assessing how expats living in various countries evaluate their chosen—or sometimes forced—homeland. According to their detailed methodology, they take a wide range of factors into account. Back in 2022, Hungary ranked around the middle of the list, but now we’ve plummeted almost into the bottom ten countries.
Thorough analysis
At the start of every year, InterNations conducts online surveys to gauge how people living abroad rate their adopted countries. The respondents range from expatriate workers sent overseas to adventurous individuals relocating by choice. While they don’t claim their survey is strictly representative, the trend for Hungary in recent years is unmistakably downward.
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Their methodology considers many aspects—from foreign job opportunities to personal finances and leisure activities. To feature on the list, a country must have at least 50 completed questionnaires, although most exceed 75 responses. In 2024, 53 countries met this threshold (which in itself shows a level of international interest). Larger countries like Germany or the United Arab Emirates saw even more respondents—1,150 and 680 respectively last year.
Hungary slides down the rankings: expats are less fond of it
At the top of the 2024 list are countries such as Panama, Mexico, and Indonesia, with Spain and Colombia also performing well. Surprisingly, at the bottom sit countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Malta, and even Finland, which usually tops similar rankings. The very last place went to Kuwait, marking it as the toughest place to live as an expat.
Hungary narrowly missed the bottom ten, coming in 43rd this year. Factors behind this include the fact that only Budapest has a metro system, regional areas are still under development, and rental prices remain relatively high. According to Worldwide Schooling, the report’s authors also noted that government measures, including tax increases on cigarettes, alcohol, and unhealthy foods aimed at raising life expectancy, have impacted residents.
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Hungary’s ranking has slipped considerably—from 25th place in 2022, down to 34th two years ago, then falling further to 43rd in 2024.
InterNations also maintains communities of expats in every country, including Hungary, where events are regularly organised; the most recent was themed around Halloween.
Read also:
- Hungarian mayor of a charming Danube-bend village bans Halloween festivities
Click for more articles concerning the life of expats in Hungary.
Good news, right? I mean orban will de delighted that Noone wants to go to hungary. God only knows why
I know several expats who have had their vision of Hungary tarnished recently due to the treatment of long term non EU citizen through residency rules and category changes. Myself included. Seems like us retirees are no longer wanted here. I guess our pension money doesn’t help the Hungarian economy.
When the prime minister calls those who disagree with Fidesz policies “vermin” (poloska) to be got rid of . . . Sooner or later the government’s new scapegoat will be foreigners.
We being Australians, living in Budapest, District V – for (8) eight years, under Residency Permit status, requirement past being every (2) two years requesting extension of our Residency Permits.
Sadly, in July 2026, not feeling it right, through the “new laws” introduced by the Orban led Fidesz Government wanting us to “buy” our Residency Permits, that cost wise was of appalling thousands of huff, to the Orban led Fidesz Government, for their purpose to AGAIN like of their HISTORY abusing tax payers money – its mis-use, we decided to leave Hungary, which we thought would be our country, that would be our final “in the ground” resting place.
Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and Americans – thousands under the past status of Residency Permit Holders have been forced to leave Hungary.
Spring of 2026 – in HOPE, the time of the power of Hungarians in voting out this “heinous” Orban led Fidesz Government, that have, over the course of (16) sixteen years DESTROYED Hungary that under a new Government, we will be welcomed back to live with the people of Hungary who have our respect and trust and love.
Hungary has no future under the name Victor Mihaly. Orban and the Fidesz Government.
Orban / Fidesz have nothing, absolutely nothing – nothing to contribute to the FUTURE of Hungary – NOTHING.
I don’t reside there but I have been doing my share for years to keep Budapest restaurants and pubs in business. The grocery stores, a few retailers, the occasional hotel or apartment rental gets my business. Gosh Szechenyi furdo just charged us 14,000 huf per person. For that price we got a cabin with holes in the walls. I told the attendant that “Zsolti bacsi” must have been there. I can’t see the purpose in creating difficulties for non-EU ex-pats to reside in Hungary. They help fund the economy.
Everyone is going to the UK- all of its major cities run by muslims. The elites still run things and are still angry about brexit. The NO KINGS expats love diversity it offers. Same goes in france – germany- Ireland- sweden. The US spending billions to rebuild much of europe makes it the place to be for the
No Kings crowd
What exactly is your point? We should anoint a king? Anybody in mind? Or should we have a go a Brexit ourselves (the data does the talking, there – in EU economically good, outside bad)?
And, yes – it does bother me when I see people with a perceived “wrong” skin tone or sexual orientation being treated differently because of this, in Hungary!
Why do some foreigners feel disappointed after moving to Hungary according to this article?
Why do some foreigners feel disappointed after moving to Hungary according to this article? Many people expected cheaper living and an easier life but were surprised by high rent and daily costs. Some say it is hard to make local friends because of language and culture differences. Others feel that healthcare and public services are weaker than they hoped. A few also worry about politics and the future of foreigners living in the country. A link to the full article is here: pure casino
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