Is Budapest still affordable for expats in 2025? Rent, groceries, and daily life costs
Budapest has long been praised as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats, combining a vibrant lifestyle with relatively low living costs. Yet in 2025, Hungary’s capital has changed significantly. With rising prices and shifting economic conditions, can foreigners still live comfortably here without breaking the bank?
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Rent: from budget studios to premium prices
In 2025, accommodation remains the biggest expense for expats. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat in central districts such as the 5th, 6th or 7th now ranges between HUF 260,000 and 350,000 (EUR 670 and 900). Meanwhile, outer neighbourhoods like Zugló or Újbuda offer cheaper options, with prices starting around HUF 180,000 (EUR 463) for smaller apartments.
Many expats note that rents have increased by 15–20% since 2023. Rising demand from remote workers, students, and digital nomads keeps the market competitive. Shared apartments are still an affordable alternative, especially for newcomers trying to settle in the city centre.
Grocery prices and eating out in 2025
After years of high inflation, food prices in Hungary are finally stabilising — but not dropping. Essential groceries such as bread, milk, eggs, and chicken cost around 15–25% more than they did two years ago. A weekly grocery basket for one person usually ranges from HUF 20,000 to 30,000 (EUR 51 to 77), depending on shopping habits.
Dining out is still relatively inexpensive compared with Western Europe. A lunch menu in a local bistro costs around HUF 3,000–4,500 (EUR 8–12), while dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two averages HUF 15,000–20,000 (EUR 39–52) without drinks. Cafés and bars remain popular among expats, with cappuccinos and beers costing around HUF 900–1,200 (EUR 2.3–3).
Public transport, utilities, and entertainment
Budapest’s public transport is still one of the best value systems in Europe. A monthly pass for buses, trams and metros costs HUF 9,000 (EUR 23), giving unlimited travel across the city. Taxis and ride-sharing apps, however, have become noticeably pricier.
Utility bills depend heavily on flat size and heating type. A one-bedroom apartment’s monthly electricity, gas and internet expenses generally fall between HUF 40,000 and 70,000 (EUR 103 and 180). Energy-conscious tenants can save significantly by choosing well-insulated flats or smart heating systems.
Entertainment, culture, and leisure still make Budapest appealing. Cinema tickets cost about HUF 3,000 (EUR 7.8), while a gym membership averages HUF 20,000–25,000 (EUR 52–65) per month. Concerts, nightlife, and thermal baths continue to provide affordable options compared to other EU capitals.
So, is Budapest still affordable for expats?
Budapest in 2025 is no longer the “cheap European capital” it once was, but it still offers solid value for money. Foreign residents with moderate incomes can maintain a comfortable lifestyle, especially if they adapt to local shopping and transport habits.
While prices have risen, Budapest’s quality of life, cultural richness, and friendly expat community continue to justify choosing the Hungarian capital as a long-term home.
“A one-bedroom apartment’s monthly electricity, gas and internet expenses generally fall between HUF 40,000 and 70,000.”
I don’t know what you guys are doing in your homes, but I have a two-bedroom apartment and pay 10,000 Fts. for my Internet, 8,000 Fts. for electric, and 6,000 Fts. for gas. That is with two hot showers per day, cooking lunch daily, doing at least one load of laundry per week, and using light as necessary.
You have to add the service charge, aka. kozoskoltseg. Sites quote utilities on apartments in cities including this charge. Also, the gas bill in winter on my 65 sq.m. old apartment in Budapest city centre was considerably in excess of your 6,000 Ft. amount, more like 10x that. That increases the monthly average throughout the year.