Cost of Living in Debrecen

Joshua Wood

Understanding the the cost of living in Debrecen helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $300 – $450 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $250 – $350 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $500 – $800 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 – $600 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,200 – $1,800 Price per square meter outside city center: $800 – $1,200
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.20 Monthly local transport pass: $30 – $40 Taxi start tariff: $1.50 Taxi 1 km tariff: $1.00 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.30 – $1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.00 Bread (500g): $0.60 – $1.00 Rice (1 kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 Chicken breasts (1 kg): $4.00 – $6.00 Beef round (1 kg): $6.00 – $10.00 Apples (1 kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Potatoes (1 kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Bottle of wine (mid-range): $4.00 – $6.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $0.80 – $1.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.00 – $10.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30.00 – $50.00 McMeal at McDonald’s: $6.00 – $8.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.50 – $2.50 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.50 Cappuccino: $1.50 – $2.50 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $100 – $200 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.10 – $0.15 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $15 – $25 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $200 – $400 per month Elementary school tuition: $300 – $600 per month Middle school tuition: $400 – $800 per month High school tuition: $500 – $1,000 per month

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Debrecen

“The cost of living in Debrecen is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Debrecen are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out at restaurants is also not very expensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is also reasonably priced.Public transportation in Debrecen is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes available at a low cost. Taxis are also available at reasonable rates. Healthcare in Debrecen is of good quality and is relatively inexpensive. Education, especially at public schools, is also quite affordable.Overall, the cost of living in Debrecen is low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expats. However, salaries in Debrecen are also lower than in many other European cities, which should be taken into account when considering the cost of living,” said one expat living in Debrecen.

Can I live in Debrecen on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Debrecen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in the neighborhoods of Tócóskert, Csapókert, or Kismacs. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or the Nagyerd? area, which can be quite expensive.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you’ll need to be mindful of your usage. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car. The public transportation system in Debrecen is quite good, and a monthly pass costs around $30.For groceries, I suggest shopping at local markets and discount stores like Lidl or Aldi, where you can find good quality products at lower prices. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local Hungarian restaurants, but international cuisine and fast food can be more expensive.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Debrecen. You can visit the beautiful Nagyerd? park, attend cultural events at the University of Debrecen, or explore the city’s museums and galleries. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, like frequent trips to the cinema or nights out at bars and clubs.Overall, living in Debrecen on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming Hungarian city,” commented an expat living in Debrecen.

Can I live in Debrecen on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Debrecen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, the quality of life here is pretty good.First of all, housing is quite affordable in Debrecen. If you’re looking for a nice neighborhood that’s not too expensive, I’d recommend checking out the area around the University of Debrecen. There are plenty of apartments available for rent, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400-$500 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid the Nagyerdei Park area, as it tends to be more expensive.When it comes to transportation, public transport is quite cheap and efficient here. A monthly pass for buses and trams costs around $30, so you won’t have to spend too much on getting around. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US, but it’s still manageable within your budget.Groceries and eating out are also quite affordable in Debrecen. You can find fresh produce at local markets for reasonable prices, and there are plenty of supermarkets where you can get everything you need. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10-$15 per person. Of course, if you want to dine at fancier places, you’ll have to spend more, but it’s still possible to do so occasionally without breaking the bank.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options in Debrecen. You can visit museums, go to the theater, or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife without spending too much. A movie ticket, for example, costs around $6, and you can find plenty of bars and clubs with affordable drink prices.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxury items and services you’re used to, like high-end electronics or expensive gym memberships. However, you can still find good quality products and services at reasonable prices if you shop around and do some research.Overall, living in Debrecen on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without making too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your spending and prioritize your needs and wants, and you’ll be able to make it work,” said one expat living in Debrecen.

Can I live in Debrecen on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Debrecen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Debrecen is a pretty affordable city compared to other European cities, and you can find a nice apartment in a good neighborhood without breaking the bank.For example, I live in a two-bedroom apartment in the Tócóskert area, which is a nice residential neighborhood with parks, shops, and restaurants nearby. I pay around $600 a month for rent, which is quite reasonable. If you’re looking for something even more affordable, you could consider neighborhoods like Kismacs, where you can find apartments for around $400 a month. However, keep in mind that these areas might not be as well-connected to the city center or have as many amenities nearby.On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to check out the Nagyerd? area, which is known for its beautiful parks and more luxurious homes. Rent in this area can be a bit more expensive, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,200 a month, but it’s still within your budget.As for other expenses, groceries and dining out are quite affordable in Debrecen. You can expect to spend around $300 a month on groceries and another $200 on dining out if you eat out a few times a week. Public transportation is also quite cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $30.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some imported goods or specific brands you’re used to might be more expensive or harder to find in Debrecen. However, there are plenty of local alternatives that are just as good, if not better. Additionally, while Debrecen has a decent public transportation system, it might not be as extensive or efficient as what you’re used to in a larger city. You might need to rely on taxis or a car more often, which could increase your transportation costs.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Debrecen on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You’ll be able to enjoy a good quality of life, with access to modern amenities and a nice living space, without having to make too many sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Debrecen.

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Additional Information:

Visit our Debrecen Index for a Full List