Shocking: Half of the employed Hungarians take home lower net wages than EUR 948/month
The average gross wage in Hungary rose 8.5pc year-on-year to HUF 714,400 in March, data released by the Central Statistics Office (KSH) on Tuesday show.
Net wages climbed
Net wages climbed 8.4pc to HUF 490,400. Real wages rose 3.5pc, calculating with March CPI of 4.7pc. The gross median wage increased 8.6pc to HUF 550,000 (EUR 1366, net EUR 948). Hungary’s statutory monthly minimum wage was raised by 9pc to HUF 290,800 for unskilled labourers and by 7pc to HUF 348,800 for skilled workers from January 1, 2025.
Excluding the 62,200 Hungarians working full time in fostered work programmes — who earned on average gross HUF 144,500 in March — the average gross monthly wage was HUF 725,800 EUR 1,803). Excluding fostered workers, the average gross wage in the business sector, which includes state-owned companies, rose 8.5pc to HUF 732,100. The average gross wage in the public sector climbed 8.0pc to HUF 708,300. In the non-profit sector, the average gross wage increased 8.4pc to HUF 708,600, KSH said.
Summer student worker wages set to reach HUF 2,150/hour (EUR 5.3)
Employers will offer student workers HUF 2,150/hour, on average, over the summer season, up 8pc from a year earlier, staffing company Trenkwalder said on Tuesday.
Students looking for summer jobs can earn an average HUF 2,000/hour in the catering and tourism sectors, HUF 2,100/hour for administrative or office work, HUF 2,150/hour at call centres and as much as HUF 2,250/hour for jobs in manufacturing, logistics and commerce, data from the ELTE-Trenkwalder students cooperative show.
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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com
Yeah, but the cost of living in MUCH cheaper in Hungary than anywhere else in Europe, too. Using electric here costs you $20 for what you’d pay well over $100 just across the border in Austria. Same with gas, etc.
Some perspective and context, huh!
@michaelsteiner – do you live in the same Hungary as I do??? Energy bills may be lower, however a lot of other costs are way up. Go to a Hungarian supermarket or one in … Wherever in the EU – you will find that your Hungarian basket is more expensive than elsewhere. Yes. Really. Even Switzerland to my great surprise (excluding meats). Rents are also way up, as are restaurants, a coffee, a beer, a haircut …
I concur. I’ve found much that’s cheaper or at least the same in the UK now that I’ve moved back. My grocery bill has fallen while eating out at the budget end of the market is much easier with better choice and quality. Just about the only thing I miss is the low cost of Hungarian public transport. Overall the cost of living is somewhat higher, sure, but I’m relieved to be shot of the high inflation (with the nagging uncertaintly of just how expensive will X or Y be a year from now) and the febrile atmosphere.
Just “Flush” comments contributed from Michael Steiner down the sewage outlet.
They ALL are CRAP.
Shocking NEWS FLASH -people in NYC, LA and SF make 4 times as much as those in most of the states- cost of living is a fraction along with crime and corruption and quality of life. Eastern europe was locked for over 40 years – that gives people who are doers and make things happen, great opportunities here in one of the most beautiful and safest countrys in the world.
Hungary needs German money and experts. Hungary has cheap workers. But many corruption is a problem. Always pay little bit extra.
US expats might find Budapest cheap but European ones certainly don’t. The cost of living is getting perilously close to that of Vienna, a city that’s frequently accoladed as offering the world’s highest standard of living. Even London is cheap these days compared to the US cities you list.
Shocking NEWS FLASH -people in NYC, LA and SF make 4 times as much as those in most of the states- cost of living is a fraction along with crime and corruption and quality of life. Eastern europe was locked for over 40 years – that gives people who are doers and make things happen, great opportunities here in one of the most beautiful and safest countrys in the world.