Living in Hungary: Cost of Living, Quality of Life, and Perspectives from French Expats

Published on July 6, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Hungary is attracting more and more French people, whether they are young professionals, families, or retirees looking for better purchasing power in Europe. The country combines several advantages rarely found in one place: a cost of living significantly lower than in France, a light tax burden, a central position in Europe, and a dynamic capital, Budapest, which has become a real hub for students, startups, and remote workers.

Good to know:

Behind the image of a cheap country, the reality is nuanced: modest local salaries, recent inflation, the language barrier, administrative red tape, and a mixed public healthcare system. The daily experience differs depending on whether you come with a foreign salary or work for a Hungarian employer.

Based on recent data and expat feedback, this article provides a detailed overview of what “living in Hungary” really means today: monthly budget, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, social life, integration, tax advantages… with a special focus on the French situation.

A cost of living significantly lower than in France

Overall, Hungary is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union. International indices paint a clear picture: the general price level is about 24% lower than the EU average, and 40–50% lower than in countries like France, Germany, or the United Kingdom.

Compared to France, several sources estimate that everyday life (including housing) costs about 30–37% less. Another indicator even estimates the gap at around 31% in favor of Hungary for daily expenses and rent. The overall cost of living is also about 57% lower than New York City if you take that city as a reference.

Tip:

For a French person, Hungary offers lower expenses on housing, entertainment, transportation, private healthcare, and international schooling, but salaries are much lower, which relativizes the financial advantage for those who come to work here.

Monthly budgets: singles, couples, and families

Estimates vary by source, exchange rates, and standard of living assumed, but several broad ranges overlap. Different life situations can be distinguished.

For a single person, excluding rent, figures range from about 700 to 1,000 euros per month depending on lifestyle and city.

We can summarize some benchmarks in euros in the table below.

For a single person living “comfortably” in Budapest, several sources converge on a budget of about 1,000 to 1,400 dollars or euros per month, rent included, excluding luxury districts. In the countryside or a small town, the same comfort becomes achievable around 800 to 1,000 euros including rent.

At the other end, estimates targeting a “luxury” lifestyle for a single person in Hungary mention budgets exceeding 3,600 dollars per month, while a frugal student lifestyle, sharing housing and cooking at home, can be as low as 600 to 800 euros.

Purchasing power: huge advantage for foreign income

The key takeaway is this: the cost of living is low, but so are salaries. The official average net salary after tax is around 420,000 to 545,000 forints (about 1,000 to 1,400 euros depending on the source and exchange rate). The statistical office reports an average gross salary around 714,000 HUF, or nearly 1,800 euros, but after deductions, the net disposable income remains limited.

1.1

The median net salary in Hungary covers about 1.1 months of basic expenses.

For French people who come with a French salary, international remote work income, or a pension, the difference is spectacular: the same amount gives much higher purchasing power than in France. This is why some expats describe a feeling of “moving up a notch” in their daily lives: better housing, more dining out, more travel, while still saving.

Housing in Hungary: rents, buying, and sought-after districts

Housing is the biggest expense in a French expat’s budget, especially in Budapest. The market is highly segmented by location (historic center vs. suburbs, Buda vs. Pest) and level of finish (basic unfurnished vs. expat-ready furnished apartment).

Rent: Budapest at the top, but still reasonable for a capital

Nationwide, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about 450 euros. In Budapest, figures are higher, especially in the districts popular with foreigners.

Some typical price ranges:

For major regional cities like Debrecen or Szeged, rents are generally 20–30% lower than in Budapest. A small apartment in the suburbs can be found for around 380–400 euros.

Internationally, Hungary remains moderate: nationwide, a one-bedroom in the city center averages 344 to 737 euros, a three-bedroom 650 to 1,056 dollars depending on location.

Good to know:

In Buda, districts 2, 2A, and 12 are highly sought after: close to the Lycée Français Gustave Eiffel, green, quiet and safe, they host many French families. In Pest, Lipótváros (V), Újlipótváros (XIII), and the city center attract young professionals and high-income expats.

Rents are logically higher there: a furnished one-bedroom in these districts can rent for between 300,000 and 450,000 HUF per month (about 770 to 1,150 euros). High-end studios in the heart of the historic center can go for up to the equivalent of 1,000 euros or more.

Rental market: rules, contracts, and price trends

The market is rather landlord-friendly, especially in the central districts. Standard contracts are for one year, with a common deposit equivalent to two months’ rent. For foreigners, proof of income is often required, and ideally a registered address, since registering your residence is mandatory in Hungary and necessary for many services (banking, certain administrative procedures, school, etc.).

In recent years, rents have risen sharply. Between 2021 and early 2026, the rent index jumped by about 68% nationwide and in Budapest. The annual increases, which were still around 9–10% in 2024–2025, have since eased a bit: we are now talking about +4 to +7% in 2026 depending on the area.

Caution:

Measures limiting short-term rentals in central districts are redirecting some supply to the regular rental market, slightly easing pressure in certain districts, but demand remains strong with the massive influx of students and expats at the end of summer.

Buying in Hungary: price per m² and rental yield

For French people tempted by real estate investment, the contrast with the French market is striking. In Budapest, the average price per m² in the center is around 1.5 million forints (about 3,700 euros), with peaks up to 5,500 euros in the most prestigious or touristy districts. In forints, that’s 800,000 to nearly 2,000,000 HUF per m² in premium central areas.

Nationwide, prices remain about twice as affordable as in the UK and slightly cheaper than in the US. Gross rental yields in Budapest are around 5.5–6.5%, a bit higher in regional cities (up to 7.5%). After deducting fees and various costs, net yields remain between 3% and 5% depending on the type of rental (long-term vs. short-term).

Foreigners, including non-EU citizens, can legally buy residential property, provided they obtain administrative permission (usually a formality taking a few months) for non-EU residents. You do not need to be a resident to own property in Hungary, which facilitates pure investment strategies.

Everyday expenses: groceries, dining out, transportation

Beyond housing, it’s the small recurring expenses that make a daily difference. In this area, Hungary remains significantly cheaper than France.

Groceries: cooking at home or eating out

Grocery baskets are substantially lower than in Western Europe, even if inflation in recent years has eroded some of the gap.

For a single person who mainly cooks at home, a grocery budget of about 90,000 to 130,000 HUF per month (i.e., 250–300 euros) corresponds to a comfortable level; you can go down to around 70,000–90,000 HUF (200–250 euros) with a more frugal diet. Some sites even estimate a budget of 95 euros per month is possible with very simple cooking, but most French expats are rather above that.

Data on basic product prices provides a concrete overview:

Eating out remains very affordable compared to France: a simple meal at a small restaurant typically costs between 2,500 and 5,900 HUF (around 6–8 euros). A dinner for two at a mid-range establishment, three courses without drinks, is around 12,000 to 32,000 HUF (35–90 euros), but the average cited by several sources is more like 44 euros for two.

45

Dining out in Hungary is 45% cheaper than in France, Germany, or the United States.

Transportation: efficient and inexpensive network

Hungary has an efficient public transportation system, especially in the capital. The metro, trams, and buses in Budapest cover the city extensively, and the rail network makes it fairly easy to reach other major cities in the country.

A monthly public transport pass costs on average around 9,000 HUF, about 25 euros. In Budapest, monthly BKK passes are in the same range (around 8,950–9,500 HUF). A single ticket is about 450 HUF.

Good to know:

For drivers, a liter of gasoline costs about 1.50 euros (580–600 HUF). Owning a car incurs maintenance and insurance costs, but it’s not essential since Budapest is compact and well-served.

Services, leisure, and miscellaneous expenses

Everyday services are generally cheaper than in France. A movie ticket is around 3,000 HUF (6–7 euros), a monthly gym membership rather around 10,500–25,000 HUF (30–65 euros). Mobile plans with calls and more than 10 GB of data are around 9,000 HUF (a little over 20 euros), unlimited high-speed internet between 6,000 and 8,000 HUF per month (16–20 euros).

Monthly leisure expenses (outings, sports, entertainment) are often estimated, for one person, between 50 and 150 euros, and between 150 and 300 euros for a family, depending on lifestyle.

Overall, everyday consumption – excluding housing – remains very competitive, allowing many expats to enjoy many outings, thermal baths, cafés, restaurants, festivals, or concerts without blowing their budget.

Salaries, taxation, and professional prospects

The big gap between low local salaries and low cost of living is at the heart of the Hungarian equation. For a French person considering working locally, this is a central parameter.

Salary levels: attractive for locals, modest for a French person

Official figures show rapid salary growth in recent years, but the level remains far from Western Europe.

We can summarize some benchmarks:

Highly skilled positions in IT, engineering, data science, or finance, especially in Budapest, offer compensation that approaches Western European standards. But for the majority of service jobs, agriculture, tourism, or hospitality, salaries remain relatively low.

Example:

A French person arriving with French salary expectations may be in for a shock: the country is attractive for a remote worker paid in euros by a foreign company, but not for a regular employee, except in a few well-paid niches.

Taxation: a relative paradise for income and capital

On the fiscal front, Hungary focuses on simplicity and low rates, which attracts both businesses and individuals looking to optimize their income.

Key points to remember:

Hungarian tax advantages

Hungary offers an attractive tax system with some of the lowest tax rates in Europe, providing opportunities for individuals and businesses.

Income tax

Flat rate of 15% for personal income tax, far below the highest French brackets which can reach 45%.

Corporate tax

Rate of 9%, one of the lowest in the European Union, favorable for businesses.

Capital gains and dividends

Flat tax of 15%; dividends can reach about 28% in combined charges, but still generally advantageous compared to France.

Savings via TBSZ

Total exemption from capital gains after 5 years on a long-term investment account, or reduced taxation of 10% after 3 years.

No wealth taxes

No wealth tax or inheritance tax in the direct line, offering a lighter wealth tax regime.

For a French person receiving, for example, 40,000 euros in capital income per year, simulations cite a tax burden of around 6,000 euros per year in Hungary (excluding TBSZ), compared to more than 12,000 euros in France at the flat rate.

This structure, combined with a lower cost of living, makes the country very attractive for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) profiles and retirees with a sufficiently large financial portfolio. FIRE scores from one study actually compare Hungary to France with a clear advantage for the former on this dimension.

Healthcare: a perfectible public system, a very competitive private one

On the health front, Hungary operates with a universal public system, complemented by a highly developed private network, especially in Budapest. For expats, combining the two is often the most effective solution.

Public coverage: accessible but under strain

All legal residents who contribute to the Hungarian social security system have access to the public system managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK / HIF). This includes primary care, hospital care, emergencies, maternity, a portion of medications, rehabilitation, and mental health. Children, people over 60, and pregnant women benefit from free care.

Good to know:

EU citizens passing through can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergencies and some necessary care. For scholarship students, such as those in the Stipendium Hungaricum program, supplementary national insurance provides fairly broad coverage, without co-payments other than for medications.

In practice, the public sector faces several major problems: chronic underfunding (about 4.8% of GDP, well below the European average of 7.2%), staff shortages, aging hospitals, very long waiting times for certain specialists or major exams. In some facilities, expats mention having to bring their own toiletries, and observing a system of “tips” or “envelopes” to improve care.

The language barrier complicates things further, with many doctors and nurses speaking little or no English, especially outside Budapest. Some expats say they need a friend or Hungarian interpreter to navigate the public system.

Private sector: high quality, prices far lower than in the West

Meanwhile, Hungary has become a major medical tourism destination, especially for dentistry and cosmetic surgery. Private clinics, especially in Budapest, are often well-equipped, with English-speaking staff, and charge rates significantly lower than those in France, Germany, or the UK.

Some price ranges:

Many expats therefore choose to join the Hungarian social security system for basic coverage and add private or international health insurance to quickly access better quality care. For holders of specific cards like the “White Card” (digital nomad visa), a minimum level of coverage (30,000 euros) is even required.

International indicators place Hungary in an intermediate position: quality of care is considered “moderate to good,” with a high level of physician training, but infrastructure still uneven. The health index is favorable compared to many countries, but France retains an advantage in longevity and robustness of the public system.

Education: public, international, and French options

For French families, the schooling question is central. In this area, Hungary offers a surprisingly wide range.

Hungarian public school: free but in Hungarian

The national school system is free for all legal residents, funded by the state. Children must attend school from age 3 (mandatory kindergarten entry) to age 16. The academic level is reputed to be strong, especially in mathematics and science.

The main obstacle for a non-bilingual French child is obviously the language: instruction is almost exclusively in Hungarian, even if a few bilingual Hungarian-English or Hungarian-German schools exist. For families there long-term, this can be an economical option, provided they accept a major language integration effort.

International schools: IB, British, American

Budapest is home to over fifteen international schools offering British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American (AP), or international (IB) programs. Most teach in English and welcome students aged 3 to 18.

22000

Tuition fees typically range from 8,000 to 22,000 euros per year depending on the level, much less than the 30,000 euros often exceeded by equivalent schools in Western Europe.

To these amounts add registration fees (150–600 euros), enrollment fees (1,000–3,000 euros), as well as school transport, meals, uniforms and trips, which can add 2,000–3,500 euros per year.

Lycée Français Gustave Eiffel: a little piece of France in Budapest

For the French community, the main anchor is the Lycée Français Gustave Eiffel de Budapest. This accredited school follows the French Ministry of National Education curriculum, from kindergarten to the baccalaureate. Instruction is in French, with a common core aligned with the “Common Base of Knowledge, Skills, and Culture.”

Good to know:

Annual fees range from 2.1 to 2.6 million forints (about 5,500 to 6,800 euros) depending on the grade level. Financial aid exists: a solidarity fund for non-French families and French scholarships for French children.

The school’s location in District 2A in Máriaremete strongly influences the residential choices of many French families, who favor Buda and its green neighborhoods so children can go there easily, sometimes on foot.

Quality of life: safety, atmosphere, and daily rhythm

Testimonials from French expats largely converge on one point: living in Hungary, and especially Budapest, provides a sense of security and calm rarely achieved in many large Western cities.

Safety: a very peaceful country

Hungary is regularly ranked among the safest countries in the world. The homicide rate is below 1 per 100,000 inhabitants, comparable to the safest US states. Budapest is also highly rated in peace and security indices.

Concretely, many expats report never having witnessed a single street fight or assault over several years. The dominant feeling is of a “tranquil” city, where you can walk around at night without feeling threatened, aside from the usual pickpocket risk in tourist areas.

Expats

For French families, this dimension weighs heavily in the decision to stay long-term. Many appreciate seeing their children move around more freely, in an environment perceived as healthy and serene.

Living environment: architecture, culture, a slower pace

Budapest is often described as one of the most beautiful capitals of Central Europe: Danube banks, Belle Époque buildings, historic cafés, thermal baths, Castle Hill… All while remaining human-sized, the city offers an impressive cultural range: concerts, operas (at prices incomparable to France), museums, festivals, wine bars, alternative scenes.

Good to know:

Expats note a less rushed pace than in France, with a more serene relationship to time, especially outside international business. This less tense and less confrontational environment allows them to focus more peacefully on their personal and professional projects.

The flip side, for others, is a certain fatalism, even a cultural pessimism noted in some testimonials: the idea that you shouldn’t “flaunt your happiness too much,” a distrust of the state and institutions, and a tendency to retreat into the family circle.

Infrastructure and regional disparities

While Budapest benefits from good infrastructure (transport, private hospitals, international schools, cultural offerings), the contrast with some rural areas is marked. Roads, public transport, access to healthcare services and quality education can be more limited there.

In these regions, salaries are lower, English is much less common, and access to certain specialist care sometimes requires travel to the capital or major cities.

Integration of the French: community, networks, and the language barrier

Of the few thousand French people settled in Hungary, the vast majority live in Budapest. Estimates put the community at 2,000 to 3,500 people, including many families and young professionals.

Where do the French live?

The settlement map reflects their profile:

– Young professionals and students: mostly on the Pest side, close to the city center, in dynamic and university districts, or in major university cities like Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged, attracted by nightlife and affordable housing.

– Families: primarily in Budapest, especially on the Buda hill (Districts 2, 2A, 12), near the Lycée Français and international schools, in quiet, green residential neighborhoods.

– Some couples and retirees: around Lake Balaton or in wine villages, drawn by nature, low property costs, and a very tranquil pace of life.

Some French people even become owners of houses with gardens or upscale apartments, which, for the same budget, would be unthinkable in many French cities.

Key role of French-speaking networks

The density of French-speaking networks is a central element of integration. Several structures act as “hubs” for the community:

Social life and French-speaking networks in Budapest

Discover the associations and communities that help French speakers integrate and build connections in Budapest: associations, cultural institutions, online groups, and expat networks.

French-speaking associations

UFE, Budapest Accueil, Franco-Hungarian chambers of commerce, DEFH club: welcome sessions, mentoring, job workshops, neighborhood cafés, cultural events, cooking, reading.

Cultural venues

Lycée Français and Institut Français: exhibitions, screenings, debates, Francophonie Week, Fête de la Musique, July 14th, meeting places.

Online groups

Facebook and Meetup: “French Speakers in Budapest,” “French‑Speaking Expats Hungary,” “Expats in Budapest” for practical questions, meetings, apéritifs, hikes, games.

Expat communities

InterNations and other networks: monthly events, interest-based groups (sports, gastronomy, business, family), facilitators for first contacts.

Internal studies within these networks show that about 60% of French expats regularly participate in these activities, which strongly reinforces their sense of belonging and speeds up their adaptation.

Language: living in English, integrating in Hungarian

For a French person, the Hungarian language is probably the biggest challenge. Ranked among the most difficult in the world for a Romance language speaker, it has little connection to Indo-European languages. Barely 20% of the population speaks English well, mostly among young urbanites.

In Budapest and international circles, it’s possible to live a long time without speaking Hungarian: banks, gyms, restaurants, private clinics, international employers often operate in English. Many expats attest to this “paradoxical ease”: you get by without the local idiom, but you remain confined to an expat bubble.

Expat in Budapest

To go further, many recommend taking Hungarian classes, formal or through free municipal programs, participating in language tandems, and increasing interactions with Hungarian neighbors or colleagues. Local authorities and various associations offer reduced-price or even free courses to encourage learning.

Immigration, residence permits, and new rules

For French citizens settling in Hungary under free movement within the European Union, the procedures remain relatively simple (residence registration, social security, etc.). For non-EU nationals, things have tightened.

Visas and residence permits: a stricter environment

Several previously flexible schemes have been abolished or restricted, such as the “other reasons” residence category, widely used by North Americans. Many non-European residents are now being denied renewals or find themselves with limited options.

Hungary has however introduced two schemes targeting specific groups:

New residence permits in 2024

Two new attractive residence options for foreigners wishing to settle in the country

White Card

Digital nomad permit valid for 1 year, renewable once, granting right of residence and access to basic services. Conditions: prove income from outside the country and sufficient health insurance.

Golden Visa 2024

10-year renewable residence program, in effect since 2024, obtained in exchange for an investment such as an approved real estate fund or a donation to a university.

Regardless of status, the residence application relies on standard elements: proof of income, insurance, housing, identity documents, sometimes knowledge of Hungarian culture or language for long-term statuses. Several accounts mention a heavy and changing bureaucracy, hence the benefit of being assisted by a lawyer or specialized firm.

Advantages and limitations of settling in Hungary for a French person

For a French person considering expatriation, Hungary presents a set of strengths and weaknesses that need to be weighed.

Among the most cited advantages:

– Cost of living significantly lower than France, especially for housing, outings, private healthcare, and some services.

– Simple and low taxation, with no wealth tax or inheritance tax in the direct line, very favorable for financial assets and retirees.

– Pleasant quality of life, high sense of safety, relatively calm cities, rich cultural life, varied landscapes (Danube, Balaton, plains, wine villages).

– Central geographical location, offering an ideal starting point for traveling throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

– Strong French community in Budapest, with dedicated infrastructure (school, associations, Institut Français), facilitating integration and children’s education.

– Efficient private healthcare system, at a cost well below Western Europe.

On the other side, several challenges frequently come up:

Caution:

Despite a generally lower cost of living than France, Hungary presents several difficulties: low local salaries limiting purchasing power, a particularly difficult Hungarian language, heavy and archaic bureaucracy, recent high inflation on energy and rents, an underfunded public healthcare system with long wait times and informal payments, and a polarized political climate.

For profiles with income disconnected from the Hungarian market (remote workers, online entrepreneurs, retirees, seconded managers), Hungary offers an extremely favorable cost/quality of life ratio. They enjoy a higher level of comfort than they could afford in a large French city, while remaining in an EU member state.

Good to know:

Purchasing power is decent in Switzerland, but the pay gap with France is significant. Assess whether security, quality of life, culture, and opportunities in IT, finance, or engineering compensate for this difference.

In any case, Hungary is no longer the “ultra-low-cost bargain” it may have been ten years ago: the general rise in prices has narrowed the gap, but not eliminated it. For a well-informed French person, able to anticipate administrative aspects, build a local network, and cope with the language barrier, it remains nonetheless one of the best European compromises between cost of living, safety, quality of life, and geographic openness.

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Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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