Cost of Living in Tihany

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Tihany 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 – $400 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $200 – $300 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $500 – $700 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $400 – $600 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $700 – $1,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.00 – $1.50 Monthly local transport pass: $30 – $40 Taxi starting tariff: $1.50 – $2.00 Taxi 1km tariff: $1.00 – $1.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.20 Bread (500g): $0.50 – $1.00 Rice (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 Chicken breasts (1kg): $4.00 – $6.00 Beef round (1kg): $6.00 – $10.00 Apples (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Potatoes (1kg): $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 – $50 McMeal at McDonald’s: $5.00 – $7.00 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 – $0.20 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $20 – $40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $2,000 – $4,000 per year Elementary school tuition: $3,000 – $6,000 per year Middle school tuition: $4,000 – $8,000 per year High school tuition: $5,000 – $10,000 per year

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

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tihany

“The cost of living in Tihany is considered to be moderate. The cost of housing is relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may be quite reasonable. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage are also not very expensive. Internet connection is generally affordable and reliable. When it comes to groceries, prices can vary. Local produce, bread, dairy, and other basic food items are usually inexpensive, while imported goods and specialty items may cost more. Eating out at restaurants can range from very affordable at local eateries to more expensive at high-end establishments.Transportation costs are also quite reasonable in Tihany. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, and the cost of gasoline is on par with the European average. Healthcare in Tihany is generally good and affordable, especially if you are covered by the national health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Tihany is lower than in many Western European countries, but it may be higher than in other parts of Hungary,” said one expat living in Tihany.

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

“I’ve been living in Tihany for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. Tihany is a beautiful town with a lot of history and charm, but it’s not as modern as some other places in Hungary. That being said, you can still find some modern amenities here, but you might have to give up a few things you’re used to.First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. The town center can be quite expensive, so I’d recommend looking for an apartment in the outskirts or in nearby villages like Aszóf? or Balatonfüred. These areas are more affordable and still offer easy access to Tihany. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400-$500 a month, which will leave you with about $1,000 for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Hungary, so I’d recommend using public transportation or getting a bicycle. The local bus system is reliable and affordable, and it can take you to most places in and around Tihany. A monthly bus pass costs around $30, which is quite reasonable.As for groceries, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and discount stores can help you save money. I usually spend around $200-$250 a month on groceries, but this can vary depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be quite affordable in Tihany, with many local restaurants offering delicious meals for under $10. However, if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Tihany, such as hiking, visiting the Tihany Abbey, or spending time at Lake Balaton. However, if you’re used to going to the movies, concerts, or other expensive events, you might have to cut back on those as well.In terms of healthcare, Hungary has a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost services to residents. However, if you prefer private healthcare, you’ll need to factor that into your budget. I’d recommend getting a health insurance plan that covers private healthcare, which can cost around $50-$100 a month.Overall, living in Tihany on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding an affordable place to live, using public transportation, and being smart about your grocery and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming Hungarian town,” commented an expat living in Tihany.

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

“I’ve been living in Tihany 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. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to choose a smaller apartment or house than you’re used to, or you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants.In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I’d recommend looking into the areas around the Tihany Abbey and the Tihany Peninsula. These areas are not only beautiful but also offer a good mix of affordable housing options. You can find some nice apartments and houses for rent at reasonable prices, especially if you’re willing to live a bit further away from the main tourist attractions.On the other hand, I’d avoid the more expensive neighborhoods near the Balaton Uplands National Park and the Tihany Yacht Club. These areas tend to have higher-priced properties and might not be the best fit for someone on a $3,000 a month budget.In terms of daily expenses, you’ll find that groceries and public transportation are quite affordable in Tihany. However, you might need to cut back on some of the more luxurious amenities, such as gym memberships or frequent spa visits. Additionally, while there are plenty of great restaurants in Tihany, eating out can add up quickly, so you might want to cook more meals at home to save money.Overall, living in Tihany on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices,” said one expat living in Tihany.

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

“I’ve been living in Tihany 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. Tihany is a beautiful town with a rich history, and it’s not as expensive as some of the bigger cities in Hungary, like Budapest.When it comes to housing, you can find some really nice places in the central part of Tihany, close to the Abbey and the main square. These areas can be a bit more expensive, but you should still be able to find a comfortable apartment or house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might want to consider the neighborhoods around the outskirts of the town, where you can find rentals for as low as $500 to $800 a month.As for other expenses, groceries and dining out are quite affordable in Tihany. You can find fresh produce at the local markets, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer delicious Hungarian cuisine at reasonable prices. Utilities and transportation costs are also relatively low, so you shouldn’t have any trouble staying within your budget.One thing to keep in mind is that Tihany is a small town, so you might not have access to all the modern amenities you’re used to. For example, there might not be a large shopping mall or a wide variety of entertainment options. However, you can always take a trip to nearby cities like Veszprém or even Budapest if you’re craving some big-city experiences.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Tihany on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite enjoyable. The town offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that you might find very appealing. And with the lower cost of living, you might even be able to save some money while you’re at it,” commented an expat living in Tihany.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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