🇭🇺 Budapest vs 🇨🇿 Prague

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇭🇺

Budapest

Hungary

$1,385–$2,192/mo

Ft494,643 – Ft782,857 / month (local)

🇨🇿

Prague

Czech Republic

$1,600–$2,533/mo

Kč37,209 – Kč58,907 / month (local)

Prague is 16% more expensive

Budapest wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBudapest (USD)Prague (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,038–$1,615$1,200–$1,867🟢 Budapest
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$548–$865$633–$1,000🟢 Budapest
Utilities$43–$84$50–$97🟢 Budapest
Groceries$219–$329$253–$380🟢 Budapest
Eating out (mid-range meal)$29–$52$33–$60🟢 Budapest
Public transport (monthly)$55–$66$63–$77🟢 Budapest
Internet & Mobile$17–$29$20–$33🟢 Budapest
Gym membership$20–$38$23–$43🟢 Budapest
Cinema ticket$8–$10$9–$12🟢 Budapest
Monthly total (single)$1,385–$2,192$1,600–$2,533🟢 Budapest

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing6.6 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Safety8.4 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Education8.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Environment8.8 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Economy7.1 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Budapest
Prague▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Budapest if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Prague
  • ✓Thermal baths
  • ✓Architecture
  • ✓Value
  • ✓Remote work

Choose Prague if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Prague offers vs Budapest
  • ✓Beauty
  • ✓Beer
  • ✓Value
  • ✓Remote workers

You might also like…

📊

Full Budapest guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Budapest →

📊

Full Prague guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Prague →