Increasing number of Romanians moving to small Hungarian villages after EU accession
Since Romania’s accession to the European Union (and even more prominently since the country’s accession to the Schengen Zone), more and more Romanians, particularly from Oradea, are moving to small Hungarian villages across the border. The reason? Property prices in Hungary are significantly lower than in Oradea and its surroundings, making it an attractive option for those seeking more affordable housing.
The difference in costs is particularly evident when it comes to home renovations: materials purchased in Romania are often cheaper than those bought in Hungary, as revealed in a Deutsche Welle report filmed in Biharkeresztes and Körösszegapáti.
The flow of migrants is not limited to retirees; many younger, working-age individuals are also making the move, HVG writes. One of the key drivers behind this trend is Romania’s inclusion in the Schengen Area in January 2025. With the elimination of border checks, travel time between Oradea and Hungarian villages has been cut in half, further encouraging migration. This has already had an impact on local real estate markets, as property prices in these border towns have started to rise.
However, it is still possible to buy a house in these areas for the price of an apartment in Oradea.
Work and commuting across the border
While many working-age Romanians are settling in Hungary, they are still commuting to Oradea for higher-paying job opportunities. Even low-skilled workers in Oradea can find better-paying jobs compared to similar positions in Hungary, making the commute a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, Hungarian villages are benefiting from an influx of professionals, such as doctors and teachers from Oradea, who are filling essential roles in these communities.
According to the mayor of Biharkeresztes, the number of residents from Romania moving into the area has grown significantly. It is now common to spot cars with foreign plates driving slowly around town— a sign that potential buyers are looking for property. The shorter travel times between the two countries have made this cross-border migration much easier, and as a result, the region is becoming an increasingly attractive place to live.
Personal stories of migration and healthcare
For some, the move is driven by personal or health-related reasons. Csaba András, a retiree from Oradea, shared his story of moving to Hungary after being diagnosed with skin cancer. He was unable to get the necessary immunotherapy treatment in Romania, but Hungary’s healthcare system saved his life. Despite the lower cost of living and building materials in Romania, he confirmed that some aspects of life in Hungary, such as healthcare, were worth the move.
It seems that Romania’s EU accession and Schengen Area membership have made it easier for Romanians to move across the border to Hungary, where property is more affordable and the quality of life can be higher. As more people make the switch, Hungary’s small towns are becoming increasingly integrated into the region’s cross-border community.
Check out the video report below (unfortunately, it has no English subtitles):
Read more about expats living in Hungary HERE.
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