| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | 120,000 – 150,000 HUF/month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | 90,000 – 120,000 HUF/month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | 300,000 – 400,000 HUF/sq. meter |
| Price per square meter outside city center | 200,000 – 300,000 HUF/sq. meter | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | 300 HUF |
| Monthly local transport pass | 10,000 – 12,000 HUF | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 350 – 400 HUF | |
| Taxi (1 km) | 300 – 400 HUF | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | 200 – 250 HUF |
| Bread (500g) | 200 – 300 HUF | |
| Rice (1 kg) | 400 – 600 HUF | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | 1,500 – 2,000 HUF | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 1,500 – 2,500 HUF |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 8,000 – 12,000 HUF | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | 1,500 – 2,000 HUF | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85 sq. meter apartment | 25,000 – 35,000 HUF/month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 4,000 – 6,000 HUF/month | |
| Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) | 30 – 50 HUF | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or kindergarten) | 250,000 – 400,000 HUF/year |
| Elementary school | 400,000 – 600,000 HUF/year | |
| Middle school | 500,000 – 800,000 HUF/year | |
| High school | 600,000 – 1,000,000 HUF/year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kecskemet
“The cost of living in Kecskemet 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 Kecskemet 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. Public transportation in Kecskemet is also quite cheap, with monthly passes available at a low cost. However, owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and car maintenance. Healthcare in Kecskemet is generally affordable, especially if you are covered by public health insurance. However, private healthcare can be more expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Kecskemet is quite low, making it an attractive place for those looking to live in a European city on a budget,” said one expat living in Kecskemet.
Can I live in Kecskemet on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kecskemet for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or share a flat with someone else to save on rent. When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I’d recommend looking at areas like Belvaros, Máriaváros, or Szechenyi. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks nearby, and the public transportation is quite good, so you can easily get around the city. On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Kadafalva or Matko, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.In terms of other expenses, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on things like groceries, dining out, and entertainment. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money on food, and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Kecskemet, like visiting parks, museums, or attending local events.Overall, living in Kecskemet on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be smart about your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. If you can find a reasonably priced apartment in a good neighborhood and keep your other expenses in check, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still having access to modern amenities,” commented an expat living in Kecskemet.
Can I live in Kecskemet on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kecskemet 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, it’s quite doable. First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in the more affordable neighborhoods like Szechenyi or Madaar. These areas are still close to the city center, but the rent is generally lower than in more upscale neighborhoods like Belvaros or Szolnok. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $400 to $600 a month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.As for utilities, they’re relatively affordable in Kecskemet. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and cable TV packages are also quite reasonable, usually costing around $30 to $50 a month.When it comes to transportation, Kecskemet has a decent public transportation system, and a monthly pass will only set you back around $30. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are a bit higher than in the US, but it’s still manageable if you budget accordingly.Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Kecskemet, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid high-end restaurants. You can easily spend less than $300 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out at local restaurants can be quite cheap, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Kecskemet. You can catch a movie at the local cinema for around $5, or enjoy a night out at a local pub for around $10 to $15. There are also plenty of parks and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy some fresh air and exercise for free.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 frequent trips to the spa. However, if you’re willing to live a more modest lifestyle and prioritize your spending, you should be able to live quite comfortably on $3,000 a month in Kecskemet,” said one expat living in Kecskemet.
Can I live in Kecskemet on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kecskemet 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. Kecskemet is a relatively affordable city, and you can find a nice apartment or house in a good neighborhood without breaking the bank.For example, I live in a two-bedroom apartment in the city center, and I pay around $600 a month for rent. It’s a modern building with all the amenities I need, like central heating, air conditioning, and high-speed internet. I also have access to a gym and a swimming pool in the building, which is a nice bonus.When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I’d recommend looking at areas like Belvaros, Kossuth Lajos, or Munkacsy Mihaly. These are all central locations with good access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. You can find a nice apartment in these areas for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and condition of the place.I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Kadarta or Matko, as the prices there can be significantly higher, and you might not get as much value for your money. In these areas, you could end up paying over $1,000 a month for a similar apartment to what you’d find in the more affordable neighborhoods I mentioned earlier.As for other expenses, I find that groceries, utilities, and transportation are all quite reasonable in Kecskemet. I spend around $300 a month on groceries, and my utility bills (including internet) usually come to around $150 a month. Public transportation is also cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $30.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Kecskemet on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You’ll be able to enjoy a good quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices. Just be smart about where you choose to live and keep an eye on your spending, and you should be just fine,” commented an expat living in Kecskemet.
