The Global Expat Hub
Hungary
Budapest is grand, cheap and thermal-bath heaven; a 15% flat income tax, an easy guest-investor route, and a language nobody learns quickly.
Your plan for Hungary checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Hungary
Costs and character vary significantly within Hungary. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
One of Europe's most beautiful capitals — thermal baths, ruin bars and low cost
Hungary's second city — affordable university town in the east
Southern university city with Mediterranean influence and low prices
Hungary by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Continental; cold winters, hot summers, sunny springs and autumns. Lake Balaton is warm May–September.
Mean temperatures for Budapest.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 600 mm (24 in) a year.
Snow Regular but light.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationNemzeti Jogszabálytár (National Legislation Database) ↗
OverviewLaw of Hungary on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Municipal building tax, often none for homes; low.
Local & regional income tax None regional; 15% flat national income tax.
🎓 University
Free for those who win state-funded places; otherwise $2–7k/yr, many English programmes.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Yettel, Magyar Telekom, One.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $15/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- 15% flat income tax
- Guest Investor 10-year residence
- White Card nomad permit
- Europe's dental-tourism capital
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Hungary embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Hungary faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Hungary: remote work you can do from Budapest, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Hungary and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hungary safe for expats?
Hungary scores 82 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 67 out of 100 for liveability — #35 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Hungary?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Hungary from around $1,750 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Hungary?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Hungary include: 15% flat income tax; guest Investor 10-year residence; white Card nomad permit; europe's dental-tourism capital. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Hungary for expats?
The top cities for expats in Hungary profiled on this page are Budapest, Debrecen and Pécs. Budapest is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.