Best places to live in Hungary (2023)!

Are you wondering about the best places to live in Hungary?

Hungary is a country with a lot of history, culture, and beauty. It is in the middle of Europe, between Austria to the west and Romania to the east. But what are the best places to live in Hungary?

Hungary is a country in Central Europe that is known for its unique Magyar history, unique language, impressive architecture, and tasty food. If you are thinking about moving abroad, Hungary has a lot to offer.

But where in Hungary would be the best place to live? This question isn’t as simple as it might seem. The answer can be very different from person to person.

Hungary has a wide range of places that suit a wide range of lifestyles. You can choose to live in a busy city or in a quiet place in the countryside.

Which is the best place to live in Hungary?

There are many great places to live in Hungary and it depends on your personal situation but I would recommend the following five cities to choose from. Let’s dive in!

• Budapest: Many people’s first pick is Budapest, which is the capital and most populous city of Hungary. Budapest’s appeal comes from its busy nightlife, historical sites like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, beautiful views of the Danube River, and lively arts and culture scene.
  
  The job market in Budapest is also very strong, especially in areas like IT and services.

• Debrecen: This is the second biggest city in Hungary. It is known as the Capital of the Great Plain. Compared to Budapest, life there is much quieter and slower.
  
  If you’re interested in history and religion, you should definitely go to the Protestant Great Church and the Deri Museum.

• Szeged: This is near the southern border of Hungary and is often called the City of Sunshine because of its sunny weather. Szeged is also a university town, which makes it a lively place full of young, active people.
  
  The city is a great place to live because of its open-air festivals, amazing Szeged Cathedral, and famous food (don’t miss the Szeged fish soup!).

• Pécs: This is a place with a lot of art and history. It is in the south of Hungary, near the Mecsek Mountains. Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the modern Zsolnay Cultural Quarter make Pécs a unique mix of the old and the new.

• Győr: This city is halfway between Budapest and Vienna, and it has a lot of history, baroque buildings, and thermal baths to show for it.
  
  Győr has a lot of job possibilities because it is a major industrial hub with many international companies.

What is the safest city to live in Hungary?

When it comes to safety, Kecskemét is one of the best towns in Hungary. Kecskemét is in the middle of Hungary. It has a very low crime rate, which makes it a great place for children.

It is also a nice place to live because of its famous Art Nouveau buildings, its lively music scene, and its many parks.

What is the warmest town in Hungary?

Most people think that Pécs, which has a mild and pleasant temperature, is the warmest town in Hungary.

Because it is protected by the Mecsek Mountains, it has more hours of sunshine each year than other towns in Hungary.

Visiting or moving to Hungary: FAQs

If you want to visit or move to Hungary, the information below will help you prepare to pack your bags!

What is Hungary known for?

Even though Hungary is a small country, it is known for a lot of things! Hungary has a rich history that goes back to Roman times, a unique (and difficult) language, hot baths, and a lively folk culture. Its history and culture are very diverse and rich.

• Hungary is also known for its architecture, especially in Budapest, where Gothic, Renaissance, Ottoman, and Art Nouveau types all coexist.
  
  The third largest building in the world, Budapest’s Parliament Building is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture, while the Fisherman’s Bastion is an elegant example of neo-Romanesque architecture.

• Another thing that puts Hungary on the map of the world is its food. Hungarian food is known for being rich and spicy. It is a trip for the taste buds. Hungarian food is delicious, from the famous Goulash and Chicken Paprikash to the sweet Dobos Torte and Kürtskalács.

• Folk customs are still a big part of Hungarian culture and give Hungary’s music and dance their own style. Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók, two well-known musicians, were both born in this country.

• Lastly, you can’t talk about Hungary without talking about its long history with wine. Hungary has a rich wine history that goes back more than a thousand years. It has 22 wine areas that make wines like Tokaj, Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), and Somlói Juhfark.

Is Hungary a good place to live in?

Absolutely! Hungary has a high quality of life, a low cost of living, a lot of cultural activities, and great public transportation.

The country also has a great health care system with many hospitals and medical centers that are well-equipped.

What should I be careful about in Hungary?

Even though Hungary is usually a safe and friendly place to visit, there are a few things you should know to make your stay go smoothly:

• Pickpocketing and Scams: As in many popular tourist spots, pickpockets can be found in some parts of Hungary, especially in Budapest. It’s important to keep an eye on your things, especially in busy places like markets, public transportation, and tourist spots.
  
  Be careful of scams that try to take advantage of tourists, like charging too much in some bars and restaurants.

• Currency: Hungary doesn’t use the Euro, which is used in many other European countries. Instead, it uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
  
  It’s important to know the current exchange rate and how much things cost in HUF so you don’t get cheated or pay more than you need to.

• Driving: If you plan to drive in Hungary, you should know the rules of the road there. Hungary has a policy of zero tolerance for people who drive while drunk.
  
  Make sure your driver’s licence is still valid, and remember that they drive on the right side of the road.

• Language: Hungarian is a unique language that can be difficult to learn. A lot of Hungarians, especially those who live outside of the big towns, may not speak English or other languages well. A language tool or phrasebook could be helpful.

• Customs rules: Hungary has strict rules about what can be brought into the country, just like every other country. Check the customs rules before your journey, especially if you want to bring in food, plants, or a lot of cash.

• Healthcare: Healthcare in Hungary is very good, but it’s always a good idea to have full travel insurance. If you’re moving for a long time, you should learn how the health care system works and make the right plans.

• Customs & Traditions: Respect the customs and traditions of the people who live there. Hungary has a long past and unique customs. Learning about these things and following them will not only make your trip better, but it will also help you make friends with the locals.

Remember that respect and understanding are the keys to a good stay in any other country. If you stay aware, learn about national norms, and follow laws and customs, your time in Hungary can be fun and easy.

Is Hungary cheap or expensive?

In general, the cost of living in Hungary is much lower than it is in many Western European and North American countries! It’s one of the many reasons why expats and students from all over the world are drawn to the country.

Let’s look at a few specific examples to help you see what I mean:

• Housing: Most people’s biggest weekly cost is usually their rent. In the city center of Budapest, a one-bedroom flat would usually cost between 150,000 and 200,000 HUF (about €450 and €610) per month.
  
  In comparison, a similar flat in the center of London or New York could easily cost four times as much.

• Groceries: Groceries in Hungary aren’t too expensive. Simple things like bread, milk, and eggs can cost less than 1,000 HUF, which is about €3. A meal at a cheap place costs about 2,000 HUF, which is about €6.

• Transportation: The public bus system is also cheap and easy to use. A monthly pass for busses, trams, and metros in Budapest costs about 9,500 HUF (about €30) and lets you ride them as much as you want within the city.

• Entertainment: It’s also pretty cheap to have fun. Tickets to the movies cost about 1,500 HUF, which is about €4. Tickets to the theater or a concert can cost anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 HUF, or about €8 to €48, based on the event and where you sit.

• Utilities: Heating, cooling, power and water for an 85m2 flat usually cost between 25,000 and 30,000 HUF (about €80 and €95) per month.

Even though Hungary is usually pretty cheap, it’s important to know that prices can change. Budapest can be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas because it is the city and a popular tourist spot.

So, it’s always a good idea to do study and plan ahead based on your lifestyle and where you want to live.

What is a good income in Hungary?

A ‘good income’ can mean different things to different people. It often depends on your lifestyle, your financial responsibilities, and where you live in the country. In Hungary, the cost of living can change quite a bit.

For example, living in Budapest is much more expensive than living in a small town or the country.

As a general rule, a gross monthly income between 500,000 HUF (about €1570) and 800,000 HUF (about €2470) is a good salary in Hungary, especially for single people or couples without children.

This range of income would be enough to live a comfortable life, with enough money for a good place to live, food, utilities, transportation, entertainment, and savings.

If you’re a family with children, you may need a higher income to pay for things like schooling, child care, and higher day-to-day costs. In these situations, an average monthly income of more than 1 million HUF (about €3035) is good.

These are, of course, just rough estimates after my research. Different people will have different experiences, and these numbers may not work for everyone, especially if you have a unique financial situation or live in a place where the cost of living is higher or lower than the average.

Is Hungary friendly to foreigners?

In general, Hungarians are friendly and open to people from other countries. English is spoken by a lot of people, especially in cities and among younger people.

Also, the large number of expats in places like Budapest gives newbies a network of people who can help them.

Is it hard to learn Hungarian?

People who speak English say that Hungarian is one of the hardest languages to learn because its grammar and words are so different from English. I speak Czech and Bosnian but I can’t understand a thing of Hungarian.

But it is possible to learn Hungarian with hard work and practice. Also, it’s a great way to learn about the history of the area. It will also help you to blend in much quicker with the locals.

What is the advantage of living in Hungary?

There are many good things about living in Hungary. It has a lower cost of living, is in the middle of Europe, has a rich history and culture, beautiful scenery, and great food and wine.

Hungary is also a good choice for expats because it has visa programs for people who are not from the EU.

The Wrap-Up: Best Places to live in Hungary

Hungary is a very diverse country with cities that are busy and towns that are quiet. So what are the best places to live in Hungary?

Well, I’m sure that there’s a place in Hungary that will feel just like home, whether it’s the busy city life of Budapest, the sunny town of Szeged, or the safety and calmness of Kecskemét.

Hungary is a great place to live in Central Europe because its people are friendly, the cost of living is low, and the country has a lot of history and culture to offer.

If you’re hesitating between Prague vs Budapest, check out my previous comparison blog.

Your restless voyager,

Dustin