Living in Hungary: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Hungary

Summary: The approximate population of Hungary is 9.7 million people. The largest cities in Hungary are Budapest (1.7 million people), Debrecen (204,000 people), Miskolc (172,000 people), Szeged (163,000 people), and Pécs (161,000 people). Expats love living in Hungary for its rich culture, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife. People describe life in Hungary as relaxed and laid-back, with a strong sense of community. Popular foods in Hungary include goulash, paprikash, and langos. The cons of living in Hungary include the language barrier, the lack of job opportunities, and the high cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment.

What do I need to know about living in Hungary?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Hungary, they said:

"Be patient! While not strangling, there is still bureaucracy. Hungarians are friendly though and eager to help. Ask for help and/or employ people (like Hire A Hungarian .com) to help during the transition. Life is easy after the initial transition. Also, learn some basic Hungarian words before coming and continue your learning once here. But unlike the way it was in the 1990's, enough English is spoken in Budapest for you to feel comfortable. But make no mistake, it is a difficult language," commented one expat who made the move to Budapest.

"Hungary is quite cheap compared to Western Europe and the United States, therefore visitors can enjoy buying food, beverages and souvenirs without feeling a pinch. That said, cost of living is high when local salaries are taken into consideration. When calculated as a percentage of salary, items like clothing, shoes, accessories, baby equipment, furniture, bedding and electronics can feel expensive. Try to bring these with you," remarked one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

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How do I meet people in Hungary?

When we asked people living in Hungary about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Hungary often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as to attend networking events and meetups," said one expat in Hungary.

"Chamber of Commerce events, Houses of Worship gatherings. Refer to www.xpatloop.com," said one expat who made the move to Budapest.

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What is life like in Hungary?

When we asked people living in Hungary what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Budapestans work and play equally. The city offers many opportunities for and many places to socialize with like-minded people. The possibilities are diverse and endless regardless of age," explained one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

"In my opinion they revolve around socializing. Hungarians seem to place a lot of focus on Holidays, meeting in cafes, traveling to the countryside to visit parents/grandparents on weekends. I say socializing and not family because individuals find it difficult to save money therefore there is a low birth rate. Back to socializing -I heard that even the Metro ticket controllers work in groups of 2 and 3 so that they have someone to eat lunch with (this could be another interesting priority--as it is lunch and not dinner that is the main, hot meal of the day here)," said one expat in Budapest.

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Is there a lot of crime in Hungary?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Like any capital cities crime is a definite issue. Two years ago I got pickpocketed on the bus. It was Romanian gypsies. There are also lot of homeless who appeared to be able to camp out pretty much everywhere (except maybe at the Parliament building, LOL!) Mainly at metro and railroad stations. There are the occasional car thefts but having said that things are fairly save," remarked one expat who made the move to Budapest.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Hungary accepting of differences?

"There are Hungarians and Gypsies... sometimes they have their differences, but you need to see it from both sides," commented one expat who made the move to Budapest.

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What are the schools in Hungary like?

"The school offers IGCSE and AICE.It is a Cambridge Local Examination Centre.It is student centered and has a warm,positive atmosphere.It is the best choice you can make if you want your child to have an excellent education," explained one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

"It's a small, growing school. The class sizes are small, which appealed to us. It's been wonderful meeting students, parents and teachers from all over the world. We considered the American School and the British School when looking at schools in Budapest in 2000. We chose ISB for its bilingual program, the international atmosphere and curriculum and its peaceful location. It just felt right! We haven't regretted our choice," said one parent with children at International School of Budapest in Budapest.

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Is the cost of living in Hungary high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Hungary, they wrote:

"$2000 USD will do it but be mindful it doesn't cover major medical or other expenses," explained one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

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"I have found that my overall cost of living is about 1/3 of what it was in New York and Chicago and about 1/2 of living in Phoenix in the US," remarked one expat living in Budapest.

"The cost of living in Hungary is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities are generally lower than in other European countries. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Budapest is higher than in other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Hungary is typically around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is usually around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Hungary typically costs around $15 USD per person," said one expat living in Hungary.

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What type of recreational facilities are in Hungary?

When we asked people living in Hungary about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Hungary, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, swimming pools, sports fields, and playgrounds. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are bowling alleys, movie theaters, and arcades. Hungary also has a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters. Additionally, there are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars for residents to enjoy," commented one expat living in Hungary.

"The Buda hills are home to many hiking trails with beautiful lookout points. Budapest is also famous for it's many incredible thermal baths," remarked one expat living in Budapest.

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What is the weather like in Hungary?

"The weather in Hungary is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to below zero. Rainfall is fairly common throughout the year, with the most rain occurring in the spring and autumn months," wrote one expat living in Hungary.

"Budapest has excellent, very hot Summers and very cold, but generally dry winters," commented one expat who moved to Budapest.

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Are there good restaurants in Hungary?

"One of Hungary's most beloved restaurants is Bock Bistro, located in Budapest. Bock Bistro is known for its traditional Hungarian cuisine, such as goulash, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as steak and pasta. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Hungary is Kádár Étterem, located in the city of Szeged. This restaurant is known for its traditional Hungarian dishes, such as stuffed peppers, beef stew, and chicken paprikash. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as pizza and burgers. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Finally, the restaurant Kiskakukk, located in Budapest, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This restaurant is known for its traditional Hungarian dishes, such as stuffed cabbage, beef goulash, and chicken paprikash. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as steak and pasta. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," commented one expat who moved to Hungary.

"Budapest has an excellent nightlife, famous for it's stag parties and it's colourful and eclectic ruin bars. In Pest you can find restaurants of all types. The food scene in Budapest is continually growing and adapting to accommodate new trends and tastes," said one expat.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Hungary?

"People living in Hungary typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, malls, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Hungary," said an expat in Hungary.

"The main shopping spots are located in Pest's City Center. Vaci street is perhaps the most famous of these, which actually designated as a pedestrian precinct. The Great Market Hall in Budapest is the most beautiful and largest of all Budapest market halls," remarked one expat in Budapest.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Hungary?

"In order to visit Hungary, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Hungary, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Immigration Office. The application must include a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and proof of employment or other legal source of income. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will be issued a residence permit," commented one expat living in Hungary.

"The process is quite straight forward although it can take a few weeks for residency cards to be processed," remarked one expat living in Budapest.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Hungary?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Hungary can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Public healthcare is generally more affordable than private healthcare, but it may not cover all medical needs. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," mentioned one expat inHungary.

"I do have health insurance back in the US. However I discovered that if I ask for an "official" bill (understand one with the required AFA/VAT) then the price jumps disproportionately. Give you an example; I had a toothache and a little swelling. I found out which local dentist had an x-ray. He took an x-ray, relieved the swelling, prescribed antibiotics and recommended a root canal which he didn't do. The price was 10,000 forints (very cheap compared to the US). Figuring that I could file with my insurance company in the US, I asked for a "bill"! Big mistake; the price instantly chanced to 17,000 forints. So now for minor stuff I pay out of pocket," commented one expat who moved to Fonyod, Hungary.

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