What is the cost of living in Budapest?

The cost of living in Budapest is 65.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 34.6). Groceries are 50.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 44.2% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately HUF 263,729 per month. Local purchasing power index is 86.2 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Hungary?

In Hungary, a gross salary of HUF 18,251,016 per year results in approximately HUF 1,011,410 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 33.5%). Use our Hungary tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇭🇺 Hungary · #336 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Budapest?

Q: Should I move to Budapest?

Budapest, Hungary has a cost of living 65.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 34.6). It is ranked #336 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is moderate (index: 86.2 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Hungary earning HUF 18,251,016 gross take home approximately HUF 1,011,410/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

65.4% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-65.4%

vs NYC

HUF 263,729

1-BR, city centre

HUF 1,011,410

Net take-home

Moderate

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Budapest?

Example: HUF 18,251,016 gross/year in Hungary → HUF 1,011,410/month net after tax (33.5% effective rate). Full Hungary tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Budapest

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

34.6 Mid-priced

Rent

19.5 Very affordable

Groceries

49.1 Affordable

Restaurants

55.8 Moderate

Purchasing Power

86.2 Moderate

Rent in Budapest

1-BR, city centre HUF 263,729/mo

1-BR, outside centre HUF 203,668/mo

3-BR, city centre HUF 509,616/mo

3-BR, outside centre HUF 380,867/mo

Save by going outside centre 23% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Hungary take-home pay

HUF 18,251,016 → HUF 1,011,410/Net take-home (33.5% effective rate, single filer)

Full Hungary tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇭🇺 Debrecen

Hungary

CoL index 26.1

Compare Debrecen vs Budapest →

🇭🇺 Pecs

Hungary

CoL index 25.3

Compare Pecs vs Budapest →

🇭🇺 Szeged

Hungary

CoL index 23.1

Compare Szeged vs Budapest →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Budapest after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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