Living in Hungary: Insights from expats on what they enjoy and what they don’t
Dreaming of a fresh start abroad? For many expats, living in Hungary—particularly in the vibrant capital of Budapest—has become a top choice. With affordable housing, remote work opportunities, and a rich cultural tapestry, it is easy to see why this city is capturing hearts worldwide. Discover what is drawing people to call Budapest home.
Cheap rent and food
As Femina writes, living in Hungary offers expats a smart financial move, especially in bustling Budapest. With rents and food prices significantly cheaper than in Western Europe or the US, the city attracts remote workers and professionals earning competitive Western salaries. While housing costs are rising for locals, foreign incomes often make Budapest’s varied rental options—cosy flats in Buda or modern city apartments—affordable. Unlike overcrowded cities such as London, where soaring rents are pushing people out, Budapest remains an appealing haven for those seeking a better standard of living without breaking the bank.
According to Expat Arrivals, one of the joys of living in Hungary is enjoying delicious food without spending excessively. While food prices may feel steep for locals, they remain affordable for expats from countries such as the US, France, or Italy. Budapest’s vibrant markets, brimming with fresh, locally grown produce, offer a taste of Hungary’s best at wallet-friendly prices. For expats, it is a culinary haven where quality meets affordability.
Not speaking the language?
Living in Hungary doesn’t mean you must master the local language to get by—particularly in Budapest. With many companies operating in English, industries such as IT and customer service actively seek international talent. English speakers bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, making them highly desirable to employers. Universities abroad continue to supply skilled professionals, ensuring expats are warmly welcomed into Hungary’s vibrant labour market.
Tourism and travelling
Living in Hungary, particularly in the capital, means immersing yourself in a city brimming with culture and charm. From stunning architecture and lush green spaces to world-class museums and vibrant art festivals, there is always something to experience. Moreover, Budapest’s central location in Europe makes it a traveller’s dream, with easy and affordable access to cities such as Vienna, Ljubljana, and Prague via train or bus. Add to that its reliable and budget-friendly public transport, and it is no wonder Budapest is a magnet for culture lovers and adventurers alike.
The cons of living in Hungary
While living in Hungary has its perks, expats should be aware of some challenges. The education system can be tough for foreign families, with limited options and high private school fees. Similarly, healthcare often drives expats to opt for costly private providers. On top of this, Hungary’s love for paperwork can make navigating bureaucracy feel overwhelming. Despite these hurdles, many find the benefits of living in Hungary outweigh the drawbacks.
Read also:
- New study names Budapest the 4th best city for a work-and-travel Christmas
- Hungary rises in global retirement rankings: Top countries for a happy retirement
Featured image: depositphotos.com
The most important reason for the foreigners to come to Hungary is due to the Forint weakness, and that is why Hungary is one of the cheapest country within the EU.
When the superhero Orbán arrived, a Pound Sterling was about 300 Ft, but now it is nearly 490 Ft, which is 63% loss for the Hungarian citizens.
The observation one can make of this that FIDESZ knowledge in economics is about equal to Soviet era Hungary and that is why all clever Hungarians go West and leaving the Soviet trained Hungarians behind.
The huge one for me is safety. No other place in Europe, especially Western Europe, comes close to comparing. No “New Europeans” here looking to rob you, rape you, stab you, or blow you up.
As for the language, yeah, good luck actually doing anything here except shopping and getting deliveries without speaking Hungarian. Dealing with MVM, getting a plumber, and even getting deliveries from someone other than Wolt or big shippers? Not a chance without speaking the lingo.
Commentators like Michael Steiner, an individual – removed of CORE – fundamentals of Democracy, who claims to have lived in 40 Cities, around the World, married to a Hungarian, paid up full member of Fidesz, looks upon Victor Orban as a “Demigod” individual, loved the “Communist” cars, being used for film making with his / her head and “fat” Orban like “arse ” out of an apartment building, rekindling the past – love of, what factually was AGONY days, my opinion of in the History of Hungary – 1945-1989.
Michael Steiner – lack of intellectual interpretation of matters, in this case the “about turn” of Hungary, that clearly, in 2024 exhibits, the way Hungary, is being Governed, by the Orban – Fidesz Government, just replicating – “mirroring” – being returned with rapid pace, to those DARK times, by the DISTILLATION of Democracy in Hungary, a return to a Dictatorship regime under Communistic Rule.
Michael Steiner commentates – his/her style, muchly that NEVER gives the “what if’s” – just criticising, strangulating dismissing quality opinions of “others” who rightfully commentate, expressing decisions / directions – WRONGFUL – in gargantuan numbers, as is factually NOW growing being SEEN in the COLLAPSE – the Economic & Financial – Infrastructure of Hungary taken there – delivered there, by the Orban – Fidesz Government.
Michael Steiner – never commentates – NEVER, never, never – giving in written communication, his/her – “fix it ” or cure SOLUTION’s through the “bubbled life” style – it Lives.
Steiner’s claim of being married to a male or female Hungarian – the last paragraph of his commentary on this article – BEWILDERING.
Steiner – in her or his claim, in her/his marriageable status – absolves him/her – the what is “sheer” FRUSTRATION – of the linguistical challenges, living in Budapest, Hungary, bought about by the extreme POOR quality of Hungarians, to understand – talk, read or write English, and what Steiner contributes, is ALL excrement.
Steiner – this linguistical inferiority quality / standard of English, in Hungary, is through the FAILINGS – in humongous part, of the Political Party – of your MEMBERSHIP – Orban – the Fidesz Government, to INVEST into “broadsheet” Education in Hungary, that should have seen, over the 16 years Fidesz have been the Government of Hungary, higher standards of English being practiced by Hungarians.
Is not English in junior & secondary EDUCATION – a compulsory subject ?
Is it not an EXAMINABLE subject ?
We travel outside Hungary on a very regular basics, and comparing in great part, the “other” 26 country’s of the FAMILY of European Country’s that see’s Hungary the 27th Member, but not in true terms, through its movement positioning to Communism, it’s eradication of DEMOCRACY, and find overall greater higher standards of English in the exampled MEMBERSHIP – the Democratic Family of Europe.
Michael Steiner – “travelling” – is being transported to a DEEPENING nadir place – is your Hungary by the Orban led Fidesz Government of Hungary.
Gandhi quote – befits – Michael Steiner.
Nick – Concur.
As a commentator, of NO political party in Hungary membership nor side, a position, being a “franchised” voter of Politics, used this platform countless times, in line with your rightful opinion, the “sheer” wrongfulness of Financial & Economics applied by the Orban – Fidesz Hungarian Government.
Mihaly Varga, the Minister of Finance of the Orban led Fidesz Party, a “founding” Father with Orban and “others” of this “Heinous” Government, best part of 16 years, in (2) Ministerial appointments, that Finance & Economics – have been his RESPONSIBILITY.
Varga – continues to DEMONSTRATE not only to Hungarians, but in his role in Brussels, in this Presidency of Hungary currently – in the European Union, nearing THANKFULLY its cessation, after (6) six – “inglorious” embarrassing months, the ABSOLUTE incompetence – his lack of intellect and understanding of Economics and Finance.
Orban and Varga – prior to the “arrival” of the Corona Virus in Hungary – had been “Put on Notice” by greater “LEARNED” brains, individuals RESPECTED in there “fields” of Finance & Economics – from within Hungary and Globally, the policies adapted in Hungary, for the Economy – growth and FUTURE of Hungary, had GARGANTUAN risks associated to them.
Orban & Varga – the entire Fidesz Government – never LISTENED that to-day we SEE the result(s) of there FAILINGS, the ramifications broadsheet, the CHAOS – the DEEP “rooted” growing destruction – the collapsed Financial & Economic plus Infrastructure – the name(s) – Orban & Varga have “ownership” responsibility – DELIVERING to Hungary.
Varga – an “Untouchable” in the Orban “inner sanctum” – but WILL be in the DOWNFALL from the REMOVAL of this Orban – Fidesz Government of Hungary and leave a LEGACY – that will massively be rightfully un-kind to him, through his INCOMPETENCY.
OMG, the commenter with verbal diarrhea and inappropriate use of CAPS has once again graced us with his sour opinions and ad hominem attacks.
I would like to know where people are buying “cheap” food. The prices have tripled in the last 3 years, now the most expensive in the EU. You know it’s bad when you go to Austria or Italy and find the food cheaper.