There’s a reason Budapest keeps popping up in conversations about “smart” European cities.

Not flashy like Paris.
Not painfully expensive like London.
Not overrun (yet) like Lisbon or Barcelona.

Budapest is one of those places where the math still works—if you understand what you’re walking into.

You get grand architecture, fast internet, thermal baths, a real café culture, and a nightlife that doesn’t shut down at 9 p.m. And you get all of that at a cost that’s still dramatically lower than most Western European capitals.

But here’s the important part: Budapest isn’t “cheap Europe” anymore.
It’s value Europe—and there’s a big difference.

Let’s break down what life in Budapest actually costs in 2025, who it works best for, and where people get caught off guard.

Housing is where Budapest has changed the most over the last decade.

If you’ve read old blog posts saying you can live in a gorgeous city-center apartment for €300 a month… those days are gone. Not because Budapest became trendy overnight—but because investment demand massively outpaced local income growth.

Between 2010 and 2024, Budapest’s property prices rose over 230%, while income rose less than half that. That’s created real affordability pressure for locals—and it’s why nomads need to choose neighborhoods carefully.

Rule of thumb:
Budapest is still affordable if you’re flexible on size, district, or roommates. If you demand central, renovated, Instagram-ready apartments… you’ll pay for it.

This is where Budapest still feels like a win.

Fast, reliable internet is the norm—not the exception. For remote workers, that matters more than fancy coworking spaces (though Budapest has those too).

Daily life in Budapest is where the city shines—especially if you live like a local.

Food inflation has been real (Hungary even introduced temporary price caps), but eating out and cooking at home are still very manageable compared to Western Europe.

If you’re used to $18 lunches and $7 coffees, Budapest feels refreshingly normal.

Budapest’s public transport system is excellent—and cheap.

You can live comfortably without a car. Most neighborhoods are walkable, transit-connected, and easy to navigate once you get the hang of the system.

Healthcare costs are one of the reasons many expats sleep better in Central Europe.

Many expats use a mix of public and private care. Even paying out of pocket rarely feels catastrophic—and that alone is a lifestyle upgrade for many people coming from the U.S.

Budapest doesn’t just give you history—it gives you things to do.

Add in ruin bars, concerts, festivals, and the city’s famous thermal baths, and you’ve got a lifestyle that feels rich without constantly draining your account.

Here’s where it all comes together.

This is where Budapest still wins: you get a European capital lifestyle without European capital prices.

Despite rising rents, Budapest continues to attract international residents for a few key reasons:

Budapest is still dramatically cheaper than cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Berlin—while offering comparable infrastructure and culture.

Fast Wi-Fi, beautiful architecture, late-night energy, and a strong café culture make it easy to settle in quickly.

Hungary’s White Card residency allows remote workers to stay up to two years—something many EU countries still make unnecessarily difficult.

Budapest isn’t perfect, and pretending otherwise is how people get disappointed.

None of these are deal-breakers—but they’re factors you should budget and plan for.

Budapest isn’t the cheapest city in Europe anymore.

But it may still be one of the best-value cities in Europe.

If you earn remotely, budget intentionally, and choose your neighborhood wisely, Budapest offers:

For many expats and nomads, that combination is exactly the sweet spot.