Pros and Cons of Living in Budapest, Hungary

Pros and Cons of Living in Budapest

Last updated on Feb 11, 2022

Summary: With a population of around 1.7 million, Budapest is a popular destination for expats, digital nomads and retirees. For most people, the pros of Budapest far outweigh the cons. People love the lower cost of living, the Buda hills and the city's bustling vibe and diverse residents. The biggest and most commonly mentioned con: bureaucracy.

What are the pros and cons of living in Budapest?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Budapest responded:

"We have been living in Budapest Hungary for nearly 5 years and we love it. I was a real estate agent in Toronto Canada but now I am much happier working for foreign investors interested in investing in Hungary. My husband and daughter do not speak Hungarian only English and it is not a problem, Hungarians under the age of 60 do speak English, especially 35 year old's and under. The arts and entertainment is great. There are many farm fresh food markets, many spas and sports activities for relaxation. The lakes and mountains around the country are clean with many cultural, sporting and entertainment activities. There is affordable accommodation for students and seniors. It is affordable and easy to purchase property for those who would like to retire in Hungary. Budapest city is safe with excellent public transportation. It is a very comfortable city to live in, a car is not necessary," said another expat in Budapest.

"I'm very happy with what I have at the place I am. I would like to be 20-30 years younger to enjoy it longer," remarked another expat in Budapest.

"The location is SAFE !! Very safe. I never felt this safe in UK. People very friendly and polite. You could walk home alone in the middle of the night without fear," explained one expat living in Budapest.

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What do expats in Budapest appreciate most about the local culture?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Some of Betsy's more popular articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Italy, 12 Things to Know Before Moving to The Dominican Republic and the Living in Panama Guide. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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