Cost of Living in Hungary

In recent years, more people have chosen to study abroad in Hungary. The two main drivers of this boost are the availability of affordable, high-quality education and a wide range of English-language programs. But how cheap is the cost of living in Hungary for international students? When calculating the living expenses, the factors must include housing, food, clothing, education, health care, transportation, and additional expenses. Accommodation makes up the largest portion of living costs in Hungary, followed by food and transportation. The average cost of living in Hungary for an international student is 5,000 to 7,000 EUR per year.

Although the living expenses depend a lot on the city where the students live, we cannot deny that the student’s spending habits also factor in. Careful budgeting can further help students reduce their cost of living. In Hungary, students can work while studying to save money. They can also use their student ID cards for discounts on food, leisure activities, transportation, etc. Let us look in detail at the cost of living in Hungary and some budgeting tips.

Accommodation

Students can either choose between dormitories, shared flats, or private flats for accommodation in Hungary. Although housing makes up the majority of your living expenses in Hungary, you necessarily don’t have to break the bank. The most affordable option is the dormitories offered by universities either on campus or somewhere close to campus. Dormitory or residence hall rent can cost anywhere from 720 to 960 EUR per year depending on the kinds of amenities offered. Most dormitories come with very basic amenities such as bedding, desk, electricity, bathroom facilities, kitchen, etc. Students mostly have to share these facilities with roommates. Living in a dorm is the greatest option for newly admitted students as they can quickly familiarize themselves with the new place and make friends easily. It is also the greatest choice because it cuts down on travel time since it is close to the university.

Shared flats are also an affordable housing option in Hungary. If you are on a tight budget and want to save money, then you can rent an apartment with your friends. Most shared apartments will include all the basic facilities and utilities in the rent. Students might have to share common spaces like a kitchen and bathroom. The annual rent of a shared flat in Hungary starts from 1,200 EUR and can go up to 3,000 EUR. If you are not keen on sharing your apartment with anyone or if you need personal space, then private apartments are the best option, but they fall on the costlier side. A private flat can cost you anywhere from 3,600 EUR to 5,000 EUR.

The average accommodation cost in Hungary for international students: 3,000-5,000 EUR per year.

City Wise Housing Rent in Hungary 

According to figures from the “Study in Hungary” website, Budapest is the costliest city for lodging in Hungary, followed by Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs. 

Budapest

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

Debrecen

Debrecen is the capital of Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region. Its 2-towered, 19th-century Reformed Church sits on the expansive main square, Kossuth Tér. Nearby, the Museum of the Reformed College of Debrecen has exhibits on the history of the city and the college. The Déri Museum’s eclectic collection includes archaeological finds, centuries-old weapons, fine art, local craft displays and a chamber of wonders.

Gyor 

Győr is the main city of northwest Hungary, the capital of Győr-Moson-Sopron County and Western Transdanubia region, and – halfway between Budapest and Vienna – situated on one of the important roads of Central Europe. It is the sixth largest city in Hungary, and one of its seven main regional centres.

Szeged

Szeged is the third largest city of Hungary, the largest city and regional centre of the Southern Great Plain and the county seat of Csongrád-Csanád county. The University of Szeged is one of the most distinguished universities in Hungary.

Pécs

Pécs is the fifth largest city of Hungary, located on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains in the south-west of the country, close to its border with Croatia.

Food 

Food does not cost much if the students eat in the university canteen or if cook their own meals. Restaurant food can be heavier on a student’s pocket. One must plan for a monthly expenditure of between 120-200 EUR per month for food and supplies. There are some cheap takeout options and inexpensive restaurants also available in Hungary!

The average food cost in Hungary for international students: 1,500-2,000 EUR per year. 

Healthcare

Health insurance in Hungary is mandatory during the whole duration of studies. Non-EU/EEA are strongly advised to apply for their student health insurance before arrival in Hungary. Private insurance is highly recommended for international students. Glasses and contact lenses, as well as services provided by a dentist, physiotherapist, or chiropractor, are all partially or never covered by student health insurance.

The average healthcare cost in Hungary for international students: 200-300 EUR per year. 

Transportation 

Public transportation in Hungary is highly affordable. A monthly bus pass is available as well, with student discounts costing around 10-11 EUR per month. Hiring a bicycle is also a great option. Other transportation options like trains, trams, etc. are available, and their passes can cost over 25-35 EUR per month. 

The average transportation cost in Hungary for international students: 120-300 EUR per year. 

Personal Expenses

This part of living expenses depends entirely on the student’s spending habits and lifestyle. On average students can budget 200-300 EUR per year on personal expenses in Hungary. These include costs like leisure activities, gym membership, cinema tickets, clothing, etc. 

The official currency in Hungary is called the Hungarian Forint (Ft). Although in some places you can pay with EUR, the country heavily uses Ft. International students can pay using credit cards. Credit cards like Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are accepted everywhere, including malls, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are also widely available for cash withdrawals. Students can use their student ID cards to avail themselves of discounts on shopping, leisure activities, and transportation. 

The average cost of personal expenses in Hungary for international students: 120-300 EUR per year. 

Note: This article does not include tuition fees and other expenses like books and stationery, student visa fees, and college application fees. 

Budgeting Tips on Cost of Living in Hungary

• Prepare a monthly budget: Budgeting is the most challenging part of a student’s life. You can end up overspending if you do not prepare a budget. So, set priorities, put money aside, and then spend.

• Apply for scholarships: Although Hungary is an affordable study destination, international students are still offered scholarships to pursue higher education. The nation gives a wide variety of scholarships based on merit, financial status, and credibility. You can apply to them to relieve some of the financial burden.

• Take up a part-time job: Hungarian government allows international students with a residence permit to work while studying. They can work up to 24 hours per week or 4-6 hours per day. They can easily earn 300-700 EUR per month and use the money to pay for living expenses.

• Use public transport: Since public transit is exceptionally cheap and has a student discount on top, we highly encourage students to use public transport. They can buy a monthly pass to save more money. 

• Student cards: A student ID in Hungary can get you discounts at cafes, restaurants, transit, shopping, electronic products, and much more. Carry that ID to save a lot of money!

Conclusion 

The cost of living in Hungary is typically seen as affordable by European standards. To be able to pay your rent, buy proper food and transportation, and cover personal living expenses, you will need 5,000 to 7,000 EUR per year. Housing takes up the majority of your living expenses. The average cost of accommodation in Hungary ranges from 3,000-5,000 EUR per year. According to the “Study in Hungary” website, accommodation is the costliest in Budapest city followed by Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs. 

Students are allowed to work while studying in Hungary. They can work up to 24 hours per week and easily earn 300-700 EUR per month depending on the type of job and their skills. These earnings are sufficient to cover living expenses in Hungary. For more information on the cost of living in Hungary, get in touch with Benchmark Associates. Our expert team of counselors is available to answer all your questions.