🇭🇺 Budapest vs 🇦🇹 Vienna

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇭🇺

Budapest

Hungary

$1,385–$2,192/mo

Ft494,643 – Ft782,857 / month (local)

🇦🇹

Vienna

Austria

$2,462–$3,897/mo

€2,280 – €3,608 / month (local)

Vienna is 78% more expensive

Budapest wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBudapest (USD)Vienna (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,038–$1,615$1,846–$2,872🟢 Budapest
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$548–$865$974–$1,538🟢 Budapest
Utilities$43–$84$77–$149🟢 Budapest
Groceries$219–$329$390–$585🟢 Budapest
Eating out (mid-range meal)$29–$52$51–$92🟢 Budapest
Public transport (monthly)$55–$66$97–$118🟢 Budapest
Internet & Mobile$17–$29$31–$51🟢 Budapest
Gym membership$20–$38$36–$67🟢 Budapest
Cinema ticket$8–$10$14–$18🟢 Budapest
Monthly total (single)$1,385–$2,192$2,462–$3,897🟢 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 · 5.5 / 10
Budapest▲ better
Vienna
Safety8.4 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Budapest
Vienna▲ better
Healthcare8.4 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Budapest▲ better
Vienna
Education8.0 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Budapest▲ better
Vienna
Environment8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Budapest▲ better
Vienna
Economy7.1 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Budapest
Vienna▲ better
Culture7.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Budapest
Vienna▲ better
Internet8.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Budapest▲ better
Vienna

Who should choose which city?

Choose Budapest if…

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

Choose Vienna if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Vienna offers vs Budapest
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Culture
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓UN agencies

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📊

Full Budapest guide

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📊

Full Vienna guide

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Explore Vienna →