Cost of Living in Budapest
Advertised rents in Budapest were 5.2% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the rent index KSH compiles from ingatlan.com listings. Second-hand dwellings sold for HUF 1,194,000 per m² in 2025. A monthly Budapest transport pass costs HUF 8,950.
This page covers what living in Budapest costs, using official figures only: the rent index and dwelling prices from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), and public transport fares from BKK, the city's transport authority. Where no official city figure exists, we say so or leave the item out.
Rent and housing in Budapest
Public transport fares in Budapest
Rent comes first
Advertised rents in Budapest were 5.2% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, and 0.9% higher than in July. Across Hungary they rose 5.0% in a year. After inflation, Budapest rents rose 3.8%. Both in Budapest and nationally, advertised rents were 77% to 78% above their 2021 level.
Growth differs by area. Over the year to August 2026, rents rose most in the other districts of Buda (6.8%) and least in the inner districts of Pest (3.3%). KSH builds the index from ingatlan.com listings, so it tracks asking rents for homes coming onto the market, which can differ from rents tenants already pay. No official average rent in forints is published for the city, so we do not show one.
Buying a home
Second-hand dwellings in Budapest sold for an average of HUF 1,194,000 per m² in 2025, up 22.2% on 2024 and about 1.9 times the Hungarian average of HUF 625,000. New dwellings averaged HUF 1,610,000 per m². The average second-hand dwelling sold for about HUF 67.8 million.
Getting around
A monthly Budapest pass costs HUF 8,950 for an adult, a quarterly pass HUF 26,850 and a discounted annual pass HUF 99,950. A single ticket costs HUF 500, or HUF 700 bought on the spot, and a 24-hour travelcard HUF 2,750.
For pay levels, see average salary in Budapest.
Hiring in Budapest? Our Budapest guide covers pay, housing and employer costs, and the guide to hiring in Hungary covers the national rules. Need the right person? We place remote professionals across Europe, with a shortlist of 3 within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Budapest?
No official average rent in forints is published for Budapest. The KSH and ingatlan.com rent index shows advertised rents 5.2% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, and 77% to 78% above 2021.
How fast are rents rising in Budapest?
Advertised rents rose 5.2% in the year to August 2026 and 0.9% on the month before. After inflation, the rise was 3.8%.
How much is a monthly transport pass in Budapest?
A monthly Budapest pass costs HUF 8,950 for an adult. A quarterly pass costs HUF 26,850.
How much does a single ticket cost in Budapest?
A single ticket costs HUF 500, or HUF 700 if bought on the spot. A block of 10 tickets costs HUF 4,500.
How expensive are flats to buy in Budapest?
Second-hand dwellings sold for an average of HUF 1,194,000 per m² in 2025 and new dwellings for HUF 1,610,000 per m², according to KSH.
Sources
- KSH, HCSO-ingatlan.com rent index, August 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- KSH, HCSO-ingatlan.com rent index guide. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- KSH, Mean price per sqm by region and building type. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- KSH, Mean price per dwelling by region and building type. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- BKK, Types and prices. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
