8 Best places to live in Hungary

Are you moving to Hungary but need help deciding where to live? These are the 8 best places for internationals to live in Hungary.

Jale

7 minute read

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Updated on 4 Nov 2024

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Moving

Are you moving to Hungary and need help finding the best place to live? Hungary, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, offers many great cities. Whether you're drawn to Budapest's architectural wonders or the tranquility of smaller towns, there's a top city in Hungary for everyone.

Let's explore 8 of the best cities in Hungary to call home.

Ideal for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle with many job opportunities.

When you talk about the best cities in Hungary, you have to start with its capital, Budapest. Known as the Pearl of the Danube, this city seamlessly blends history with modernity. From the majestic Buda Castle to the bustling nightlife of Pest, Budapest offers a dynamic lifestyle. With its affordable cost of living, top-notch universities, and excellent public transportation system, it's no wonder why so many people choose to live in Budapest.

Budapest is the top international city in Hungary. As a result, it has many job opportunities for internationals. The city is a hub for startups, IT companies, and innovation centers, offering positions in software development, data analysis, digital marketing, and project management. Companies such as Prezi, LogMeIn, and NNG are among the many tech giants based in Budapest, constantly on the lookout for skilled professionals from around the world. Also, major international companies like Morgan Stanley, GE Healthcare, and IBM have established their presence in Budapest, offering competitive salaries and benefits to international employees.

Although more affordable than European capitals like Paris and Amsterdam, Budapest still has a higher cost of living compared to other Hungarian cities. Monthly living expenses for a single person can range from €800 to €1200, depending on lifestyle choices. The cost of living is higher for families, especially if considering international schools or larger accommodations in family-friendly neighborhoods.

The average cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €400 to €600 per month, while outside the city center, it may range from €300 to €500. Many young professionals and students choose shared accommodations or dormitories to keep costs down, ranging from €200 to €400 per month.

Start looking for your dream apartment in Budapest now.

Perfect for families looking for a peaceful yet vibrant environment with excellent educational opportunities.

As Hungary's 2nd largest city, Debrecen has a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy. It's home to the country's oldest university, creating a youthful atmosphere. While Debrecen's nightlife isn’t as colorful as Budapest’s, it still has plenty of affordable bars and pubs where students can mingle. It offers a more intimate and budget-friendly social scene.

Debrecen's wide, tree-lined boulevards and charming squares make it a beautiful place to live in Hungary. Plus, it has a strong sense of community and numerous parks. So, Debrecen is one of the best places to live in Hungary for families looking for a peaceful yet vibrant environment.

Debrecen offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Budapest. Monthly expenses for a single person range from €600 to €900. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €250 to €400 per month. But outside the city center, it ranges from €200 to €350. Families will find Debrecen an affordable option compared to Budapest, with various housing options available in family-friendly neighborhoods. Renting shared accommodations or student dormitories is more budget-friendly, with room rent ranging from €200 to €350 per month.

A great choice for individuals who enjoy sunny days, cultural events, and affordable living.

Situated on the banks of the Tisza River, Szeged is famous for its beautiful architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city is known as the City of Sunshine due to its high number of sunny days throughout the year. Szeged is also renowned for its spicy fish soup, a local delicacy enjoyed by residents. With its affordable housing and sunny weather, Szeged offers an excellent standard of living.

Located in the southern region of Hungary, Szeged offers convenient access to neighboring regions like Serbia or Transylvania, making it an ideal hub for adventurous explorations. While a journey to Budapest may take 2-3 hours by train, Szeged's strategic location opens doors to exciting trips beyond Hungary's borders.

Szeged is one of the best places to live in Hungary if you’re on a budget. It has a relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities like Budapest and Debrecen. Monthly expenses for a single person range from €500 to €800. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €250 to €400 per month, while outside the city center, it may range from €200 to €350. Families can find affordable but bigger apartments in Szeged, which has relatively lower rental costs than larger cities. Renting shared accommodations or student housing is common among young professionals and students, with costs ranging from €150 to €300 per month.

Suited for young professionals and families drawn to a city rich in history, arts, and educational institutions.

Nestled in the foothills of the Mecsek Mountains, Pécs is a charming city with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It's known for its stunning architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis. Pécs is also a cultural hub, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year. With its vibrant arts scene, excellent educational institutions, and affordable living costs, Pécs is an attractive option for both young professionals and families.

Pécs offers a moderate cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person ranging from €550 to €800. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €250 to €400 per month, while outside the city center, it may range from €200 to €350. Pécs provides various housing options suitable for families, with affordable rental prices in family-friendly neighborhoods. Room in shared accommoadations cost around €150 to €300 per month.

Ideal for professionals seeking job opportunities in a picturesque city with a low crime rate and high quality of life.

Located halfway between Budapest and Vienna, Győr is a picturesque city known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture. The city's historic center, filled with cobblestone streets and charming cafes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Győr's strategic location and thriving economy make it a popular destination for businesses, resulting in many job opportunities. With its low crime rate and high quality of life, Győr is one of the best places in Hungary to settle down.

Győr offers a moderate cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person ranging from €600 to €900. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €300 to €500 per month, while outside the city center, it may range from €250 to €400. Győr provides various housing options suitable for families, with affordable rental prices in family-friendly neighborhoods. And renting a room costs around €200 to €400 monthly.

Perfect for those seeking a calm lifestyle surrounded by thermal baths, fine wines, and medieval charm.

Famous for its thermal baths and fine wines, Eger is a hidden gem nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Hungary. The city's stunning castle, which played a crucial role in Hungary's history, overlooks the charming cobblestone streets below. Eger's vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters and museums, ensures there's always something to see and do. With its affordable housing and laid-back atmosphere, Eger offers a peaceful yet fulfilling lifestyle as one of the best cities in Hungary.

While Eger has fewer international job options than Budapest, it’s still one of the top cities in Hungary for those seeking a peaceful and affordable lifestyle. After all, Eger offers a slower pace of life, less crowded streets, and a low cost of living. And commuting to Budapest only takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car. If you don’t have a car you can use public transport, with travel times averaging around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Eger offers a relatively low cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person ranging from €500 to €800. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €250 to €400 per month, while outside the city center, it may range from €200 to €350. Eger provides various housing options suitable for families, with affordable rental prices in family-friendly neighborhoods. It's popular for students to rent a room in shared accommodations, with costs ranging from €150 to €300 per month.

Great for families looking for a safe and cultural city near Lake Balaton with excellent schools.

Often referred to as the City of Queens due to its royal history, Veszprém is a picturesque city located near Lake Balaton. Its medieval castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the city, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Veszprém's vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and theaters, attracts creatives from all over Hungary. With its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, Veszprém is an excellent city in Hungary for families looking to settle down.

Veszprém offers a moderate cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person ranging from €550 to €800. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €250 to €400 per month, while outside the city center, it costs around from €200 to €350. Veszprém provides various housing options suitable for families, with affordable rental prices in family-friendly neighborhoods. Renting shared accommodations is common among young professionals and students, with costs ranging from €150 to €300 per month.

Suited for individuals who appreciate Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant folk music, and a strong sense of community.

Known as the Capital of the Southern Great Plain, Kecskemét is a thriving cultural and economic center. The city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, which can be seen throughout its charming streets. Kecskemét is also known for its vibrant folk music and dance scene, with numerous festivals celebrating Hungarian culture. With its affordable cost of living and a strong sense of community, Kecskemét offers a welcoming environment for residents of all ages.

Kecskemét offers a relatively low cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person ranging from €500 to €800. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €250 to €400 per month, while outside the city center, it may range from €200 to €350. Kecskemét provides various housing options suitable for families, with affordable rental prices in family-friendly neighborhoods. Renting shared accommodations or student dormitories is a common choice for young professionals and students, with monthly costs typically ranging from €150 to €300.

Hungary offers a diverse array of cities, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Budapest or the calm countryside of Eger, there's a perfect city waiting for you in this beautiful Central European country. So why wait? Start your journey to finding your ideal Hungarian home today!