Complete Guide to Moving to Hungary in 2026

Budapest is one of those cities that ruins you for everywhere else. Straddling the Danube with its Parliament building glowing at dusk, century-old thermal baths steaming through winter mornings, and ruin bars carved out of crumbling courtyards — it is a city that feels like it should cost three times what it does. And yet here it is: an EU capital with fiber internet, world-class cuisine, and a one-bedroom apartment in the center for under $700 a month.

Hungary has been quietly climbing the ranks of top relocation destinations in Europe. It is not as talked about as Portugal or Spain, but that is part of the appeal. The digital nomad scene in Budapest is now one of the strongest in Europe. The flat 15% income tax rate is one of the continent’s lowest. And the White Card visa, launched in 2022, gives non-EU remote workers a clear legal pathway to live and work from Budapest without the bureaucratic maze that defines immigration in most of Western Europe.

But Hungary is not without trade-offs. The Hungarian language is notoriously difficult. The political climate draws mixed reactions from international observers. And outside Budapest, the country can feel rural and less cosmopolitan. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Hungary in 2026 — the practical, data-backed details that most relocation guides skip.

At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. You can explore the full Hungary country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the comprehensive breakdown.

Why People Move to Hungary

Hungary attracts a specific kind of expat: someone who wants European quality of life without European prices. The country checks an unusual number of boxes simultaneously, and understanding why people choose it over more obvious destinations helps frame the rest of this guide.

EU membership is the foundation. Hungary joined the EU in 2004 and the Schengen Area in 2007. That means any EU/EEA citizen can move freely, and non-EU residents gain access to the broader European framework — including the ability to travel visa-free across 27 member states. For Americans building a European base, Hungary’s EU status provides the same structural advantages as France or Germany at a fraction of the cost.

Affordability is the headliner. Budapest is consistently ranked among the cheapest capital cities in the EU, and the gap is significant. A dinner out that costs €40 in Paris or €35 in Amsterdam costs €10–15 in Budapest. A craft beer that runs €6–8 in Western Europe is €2–3 in a Budapest ruin bar. This is not a minor savings — it is a fundamentally different cost structure.

Budapest itself is a world-class city that most Americans underestimate. It has a population of 1.75 million, making it larger than Prague, Vienna, or Amsterdam. The architecture is stunning — a mix of Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic, and Habsburg grandeur. The food scene has evolved dramatically, with Michelin-starred restaurants alongside traditional Hungarian kitchens. The nightlife is among the best in Europe, anchored by the famous ruin bar district in the Jewish Quarter. And the thermal bath culture — more than 120 natural springs within city limits — is unlike anything else on the continent.

Internet and tech infrastructure punches above Hungary’s weight. Budapest has some of the fastest and cheapest internet in Europe, with 100+ Mbps fiber available in most apartments for around $15–20 per month. The city has attracted a growing tech sector, with companies like Prezi, LogMeIn, and numerous startups establishing offices. Coworking spaces are abundant and affordable.

Visa and Residency Options

Hungary’s immigration system offers several clear pathways depending on your nationality, work situation, and goals. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of every major route.

EU/EEA Citizens: Free Movement

If you hold citizenship in any EU or EEA country, you have the right to live and work in Hungary without a visa. You simply need to register your address at the local government office (Kormányablak) within 93 days of arrival. You will receive a registration certificate (lákcímkártya) confirming your right of residence. The process is straightforward and typically completed in a single appointment.

White Card (Digital Nomad Visa)

Hungary launched the White Card in 2022, making it one of the first Central European countries to offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. This is the most relevant pathway for non-EU remote workers, freelancers, and location-independent professionals.

• Eligibility: Non-EU citizens who work remotely for a company or clients based outside Hungary
• Income requirement: Minimum €2,000 per month (or equivalent), documented through employment contracts, bank statements, or client agreements
• Duration: 1 year, renewable for an additional year
• Processing: Apply at the Hungarian consulate in your home country or, in some cases, within Hungary at the immigration office (OIF — Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság)
• Tax treatment: White Card holders benefit from favorable tax treatment — income earned from non-Hungarian sources is generally not subject to Hungarian income tax, though social security contributions may apply depending on your specific arrangement
• Healthcare: Proof of health insurance is required as part of the application

The White Card is a strong option for Americans, Canadians, Brits, and Australians who want a legal base in Europe. The €2,000/month threshold is low compared to similar programs in Portugal (€3,500+) or Spain (€2,520+).

National Visa D (Purpose-Based)

The National Visa D is the standard long-stay visa for non-EU citizens with a specific purpose in Hungary. It covers several categories:

• Employment: Requires a work permit and a job offer from a Hungarian employer. The employer typically initiates the work permit process.
• Study: Enrollment at a recognized Hungarian university. Hungary has well-regarded medical schools (Semmelweis, Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged) that attract thousands of international students.
• Family reunification: For spouses, children, or dependents of Hungarian residents or EU citizens exercising free movement rights.

Residence Permit for Other Purposes

This catch-all category covers self-employment, investment, retirement, and other grounds not fitting neatly into the work or study categories. Key subcategories include:

• Self-employment: For freelancers and entrepreneurs who plan to operate a business within Hungary (as opposed to remote work for foreign clients, which falls under the White Card)
• Retirement: Proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. Hungary does not have a formal retirement visa, but the “other purposes” permit covers retirees who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency
• Property ownership: Owning property in Hungary does not automatically grant residency, but it strengthens applications under other categories

Golden Visa / Guest Investor Program

Hungary relaunched its Guest Investor Program in 2024, offering residency through investment. The program requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in either:

• Hungarian government bonds (held for at least 5 years)
• A regulated Hungarian real estate fund
• A donation of €1 million or more to a Hungarian higher education institution

The Guest Investor visa grants a 10-year residence permit with the right to live and work in Hungary, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and include family members. It is one of Europe’s more accessible golden visa programs by investment threshold, though it does not directly lead to citizenship.

Permanent Residency

After 3 years of continuous legal residence in Hungary (or 5 years for EU long-term resident status), you can apply for permanent residency. Requirements include basic Hungarian language proficiency, proof of stable income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Permanent residents have nearly all the rights of Hungarian citizens, excluding voting in national elections. Hungarian citizenship is available after 8 years of continuous residence (or 5 years in some cases), with a Hungarian language exam.

Cost of Living

Hungary’s cost of living is its single biggest draw for expats. Budapest is astonishingly affordable for an EU capital, and secondary cities are even cheaper. The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF) — Hungary is not in the eurozone, which means your costs fluctuate with the exchange rate (and the forint has historically been weak against the dollar and euro, keeping things cheap for foreign earners).

Budapest ($1,200–$1,800/month)

Budapest is where the vast majority of expats settle, and for good reason. A one-bedroom apartment in District V (Inner City) runs $500–$800 per month. In District VII (Erzsebétváros, the Jewish Quarter and ruin bar epicenter), expect $450–$700. In District IX (Ferencváros, the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood near the Central Market Hall), rents drop to $350–$550. On the Buda side (Districts II, XI, XII), apartments are slightly cheaper and significantly quieter, with green hills and a more residential feel.

Daily costs in Budapest are remarkably low by European standards. A good sit-down lunch at a local étterem (restaurant) runs $5–$8, including a soup course. A craft beer in a ruin bar costs $2–$3. Groceries for a week at a Spar, Lidl, or Aldi average $40–$60. Monthly public transport (BKK pass covering metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus) is about $35. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) for a one-bedroom average $120–$180 per month. A SIM card with unlimited data costs around $10–$15 per month from providers like Telekom, Vodafone, or Yettel.

Debrecen ($800–$1,200/month)

Hungary’s second-largest city (population ~200,000) is a university town anchored by the University of Debrecen, which has one of the country’s top medical schools and attracts thousands of international students. A one-bedroom apartment in the center runs $250–$400 per month. The city has a pleasant main street (Piac utca), a large urban park (Nagyerdő), and all essential infrastructure. It is an excellent option for budget-conscious expats or families who want a quieter, more affordable Hungarian experience.

Pécs ($700–$1,100/month)

Pécs, in southern Hungary near the Croatian border, is a small but culturally rich university city. It was a European Capital of Culture in 2010 and has a Mediterranean feel thanks to its southern location and Ottoman-era architecture. Rents start at $200–$350 for a one-bedroom. Pécs is popular with students and retirees who appreciate its slower pace, mild climate (warmer than Budapest), and excellent wine region nearby (Villány).

Healthcare

Hungary has a universal public healthcare system funded through social security contributions. If you are employed in Hungary or pay into the social security system (TAJ card), you have access to the public healthcare network at no additional cost. EU citizens can also use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary healthcare access while in Hungary.

The honest assessment: Hungary’s public hospitals are functional but can feel dated compared to Western European standards. Wait times for specialist appointments are common, and the system is underfunded in places. That said, the quality of medical professionals is high — Hungary has long been a center for medical education, and Semmelweis University in Budapest is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected medical schools.

Private healthcare is where Hungary shines for expats. Private insurance costs just $50–$120 per month and provides access to modern private clinics with English-speaking doctors, minimal wait times, and Western-standard facilities. Providers include Medicover, FirstMed, and the Buda Health Center. Many expats use private healthcare for routine care and specialist visits while relying on the public system for emergencies.

Dental tourism is a major industry in Hungary. Budapest is one of Europe’s top dental tourism destinations, with prices 40–70% lower than Western Europe or the US. Clinics on Andrássy út and around Váci utca cater specifically to international patients, with English-speaking staff and modern equipment. A dental crown that costs $1,000–$1,500 in the US typically runs $300–$500 in Budapest. Many Europeans fly to Budapest specifically for dental work, making savings that more than cover the flight.

Where to Live

Budapest dominates the expat scene, but Hungary offers several distinct living environments. Within Budapest, the district you choose shapes your daily experience dramatically — far more than in most European capitals.

Budapest District V — Belváros (Inner City)

The historic center, home to the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Váci utca shopping street. This is the most tourist-heavy district and the most expensive by Budapest standards (though still cheap by Western European metrics). One-bedrooms run $500–$800/month. It is walkable, central, and convenient, but expect noise, tourist crowds, and a less “local” feel. Best for people who want to be in the absolute center of everything.

Budapest District VI — Terézváros

Home to Andrássy út, Budapest’s grandest boulevard (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Hungarian State Opera House, and elegant Neo-Renaissance architecture. District VI has a sophisticated, cosmopolitan feel. Rents are $450–$700/month for a one-bedroom. The area is walkable to both District V and the ruin bar district in VII, making it a good base for expats who want beauty and convenience without the tourist crush.

Budapest District VII — Erzsebétváros

The Jewish Quarter and the epicenter of Budapest’s ruin bar culture. This is where most digital nomads and younger expats gravitate. Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar, is here, along with dozens of others. The area is buzzing with cafes, street art, vintage shops, and a creative energy that draws comparisons to Berlin’s Kreuzberg. One-bedrooms run $400–$650/month. The downside: it can be noisy on weekend nights, and some parts lean heavily toward tourism. But for nomads and young professionals, District VII is the default choice.

Budapest District IX — Ferencváros

The gentrification story of Budapest. District IX, anchored by the Central Market Hall (Nagycsamok) and the Danube waterfront development around Millennium City Center, has transformed from a working-class area into one of Budapest’s most exciting neighborhoods. Rents are lower than V–VII: $350–$550/month. The area has a local, authentic feel with excellent restaurants and bars that cater more to Hungarians than tourists. Strong value for expats willing to be slightly south of the action.

Budapest District XIII — Újlipótváros

North of the center along the Danube, District XIII is Budapest’s most popular residential district for families and long-term residents. Margaret Island (Margitsziget) — a green oasis in the middle of the Danube — is the neighborhood’s backyard. The area is quieter, greener, and more livable than the central districts, with excellent schools and playgrounds. One-bedrooms run $380–$580/month. Best for families and anyone who wants a neighborhood feel with easy metro access to the center.

Budapest Buda Side (Districts II, XI, XII)

Buda — the hilly, greener western side of the city — is a different world from the flat, bustling Pest side. District II (including Rózsadomb) is upscale and residential, with panoramic views and larger apartments. District XI (Ujbuda) surrounds the Technical University and has a younger, student-influenced feel. District XII (Hegyvidek) is the greenest, bordering the Buda Hills and ideal for families who want space and nature. Rents across Buda districts: $350–$600/month. The trade-off is distance from central Pest nightlife and the nomad scene, though the commute via tram or metro is rarely more than 20–25 minutes.

Debrecen

Hungary’s second city, 2.5 hours east of Budapest by train. A genuine university town with 30,000+ students, a charming pedestrian center, and proximity to Hortobágy National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest natural grassland in Europe). Debrecen is the right choice for people who find Budapest too chaotic and want a small-city European life at rock-bottom prices.

Lake Balaton Region

Central Europe’s largest lake, about 90 minutes southwest of Budapest, is Hungary’s summer retreat. Towns like Balatonfüred, Tihany, and Keszthely come alive from June through September. Some expats live here year-round, enjoying extremely low costs and a resort atmosphere in summer. The downside: much of the region shuts down in winter, and you will need a car.

Taxes

Hungary’s tax system is one of its strongest selling points for expats. The headline number: a flat 15% personal income tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU. Unlike the progressive systems in most of Western Europe (where top marginal rates hit 40–55%), Hungary charges the same 15% whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000 per year. For higher earners, this is a massive advantage.

Beyond income tax, there are social security contributions for employees. The employee’s share is 18.5% of gross salary (a combined rate covering pension, healthcare, and labor market contributions). Employers pay an additional 13% social contribution tax. Self-employed individuals pay similar rates on their declared income. The total tax burden for an employee is therefore approximately 33.5% of gross salary — competitive by European standards.

VAT is the other side of the coin. Hungary’s standard VAT rate is 27%, the highest in the EU. This is baked into consumer prices and affects daily costs. However, reduced rates apply to certain categories: 18% for accommodation and restaurant food, 5% for basic foodstuffs, medicines, and new residential property.

White Card holders benefit from favorable treatment — income earned from non-Hungarian sources is generally exempt from Hungarian income tax, though you may owe taxes in your country of tax residency. The exact arrangement depends on tax treaties between Hungary and your home country.

Additional tax facts: no wealth tax, very low property tax (local municipalities set rates, but typical annual property tax on a Budapest apartment is $200–$500), and no inheritance tax for close family members. Capital gains on securities are taxed at 15%. Hungary has tax treaties with over 80 countries, including the US, to prevent double taxation.

For deeper analysis, use the WhereNext tax comparison tool to see how Hungary’s effective rates compare to your current location.

Safety

Budapest is a very safe city by global standards — safer than most Western European capitals in terms of violent crime. Hungary ranks well on the Global Peace Index, and serious crime against foreigners is rare. The country does not have the gang violence, gun crime, or organized crime that affects some other European capitals.

Petty theft is the main concern, concentrated in tourist-heavy areas: District V around Váci utca, the area around Keleti and Nyugati train stations, and crowded trams (especially tram 4/6 along the Grand Boulevard). Pickpocketing on public transport is the most common issue — standard urban awareness applies.

Scams targeting tourists exist but are well-documented and avoidable. The classic Budapest scam involves attractive locals in tourist areas who invite you to a specific bar or restaurant, where you are presented with an enormous bill. This is rarely directed at expats who know the city, but worth knowing about during your first weeks. Stick to places you have researched or that locals recommend, and you will be fine.

Night safety in Budapest is generally good. The ruin bar district (District VII) is busy and well-lit until late hours. Walking home at 2 AM through central Budapest feels safer than equivalent walks in London, Paris, or most American cities. The Buda side is quieter and even safer. Overall, Budapest’s safety is a genuine selling point — it is one of those cities where you can relax, walk everywhere, and rarely feel on edge.

Digital Nomad Scene

Budapest is a top-5 European digital nomad hub, consistently ranked alongside Lisbon, Barcelona, Berlin, and Tbilisi. The combination of low costs, fast internet, excellent cafes, and a vibrant social scene makes it one of the best places in the world to work remotely.

Coworking spaces are abundant and affordable. The most popular options include:

• Kaptár — Budapest’s most established coworking space, in District VII. Day pass ~$10, monthly from ~$100. Strong community events and networking.
• Kubik — Modern space near the Danube in District IX. Monthly from ~$120. Popular with tech workers and startups.
• Impact Hub Budapest — Part of the global Impact Hub network. Monthly from ~$150. Focuses on social entrepreneurship and sustainability.
• Mosaik — Creative coworking in District V, popular with freelancers and creatives. Monthly from ~$90.
• Loffice — Two locations in Budapest, offering event space alongside coworking. Monthly from ~$110.

Internet speed is a major advantage. Hungary consistently ranks among the top 20 countries globally for average internet speed. Fiber connections delivering 100–500 Mbps are common in Budapest apartments, and costs are remarkably low: $15–$25/month for high-speed fiber from providers like DIGI, Telekom, or Vodafone. Coffee shops and coworking spaces typically offer 50–100+ Mbps Wi-Fi.

Cafe culture is thriving and work-friendly. Budapest has hundreds of third-wave coffee shops where remote workers are welcome. Notable work-friendly cafes include Espresso Embassy, Madal Cafe, My Little Melbourne, and Tamp & Pull. Many cafes have dedicated power outlets, strong Wi-Fi, and a culture of lingering over a single flat white for hours without judgment. A good coffee costs $2–$4.

The cost-to-vibe ratio is what sets Budapest apart. You can live well on $1,200–$1,500/month while working from world-class cafes, eating out regularly, enjoying ruin bars at night, and soaking in thermal baths on weekends. No other European capital offers this combination at these prices. District VII is the natural epicenter for nomads, but the scene extends across the Pest side of the city.

Cultural Integration

Integrating into Hungarian culture requires different expectations than moving to an English-speaking country. Hungary is welcoming in its own way, but the barriers and rewards are distinct.

Language

Hungarian (Magyar) is famously one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn. It belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family — unrelated to any of its neighbors (German, Slovak, Romanian, Serbian, Croatian). The grammar uses agglutination (words are built by stacking suffixes), has 18 cases, and the vocabulary shares almost no cognates with English or Romance languages. The US Foreign Service Institute rates Hungarian as a Category IV language, requiring approximately 1,100 class hours to reach proficiency.

The good news: English is widely spoken among Budapest’s younger generation (under 40), in the service industry, and in professional settings. You can live comfortably in Budapest without speaking Hungarian — ordering food, navigating bureaucracy (with some patience), shopping, and socializing in English. Outside Budapest, English proficiency drops significantly. Learning basic Hungarian phrases (köszönöm = thank you, bocsánat = sorry, beszél angolul? = do you speak English?) goes a long way with locals and shows respect.

Thermal Bath Culture

Thermal bathing is not a tourist activity in Hungary — it is a way of life. Budapest sits on over 120 natural hot springs, and the city has been a bathing destination since Roman times. Locals visit the baths regularly for relaxation, socializing, and health. The major baths — Széchenyi (Europe’s largest medicinal bath), Gellért (Art Nouveau masterpiece), Rudás (Ottoman-era), Király (16th century) — are essential Budapest experiences. Entry costs $15–$25 per visit, and many locals buy monthly or annual passes. Integrating thermal bath visits into your weekly routine is one of the fastest ways to feel at home in Budapest.

Food Culture

Hungarian cuisine is rich, hearty, and built around paprika, sour cream, and slow-cooked meats. Essential dishes to know: gulyás (goulash — a beef and paprika soup, not a stew), lángos (deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese), kürtőskalács (chimney cake, a sweet street food), paprikás csirke (paprika chicken with nokedli dumplings), and lecsó (pepper and tomato stew). The Central Market Hall (Nagycsamok) in District IX is the best place to immerse yourself in Hungarian food culture.

Budapest’s restaurant scene has evolved well beyond traditional cuisine. Michelin-starred restaurants like Costes, Onyx, and Babel serve innovative Hungarian-inspired fine dining at prices that would be considered a bargain in Paris or Copenhagen. The wine scene is underrated — Tokaji (the sweet “wine of kings”), Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), and wines from the Villány region rival much of what Southern Europe produces.

Social Culture and Hungarian Directness

Hungarians are often described as reserved initially but warm once you break through. The culture values directness — Hungarians tend to say what they mean without the social cushioning common in American or British culture. This can feel blunt to newcomers but is rarely intended as rude. Hungarians also have a distinctive dry humor and a somewhat melancholic national temperament that they are entirely self-aware about.

Tipping culture: 10% is standard at restaurants (leave cash for the server rather than adding to the card payment). Rounding up is common for taxis and services. In thermal baths, tipping attendants is appreciated but not required.

Ruin Bar Culture

Budapest’s ruin bars (romkocsmak) are unique to the city. Born in the early 2000s when entrepreneurs converted abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter into eclectic bars filled with mismatched furniture, street art, and courtyard gardens. Szimpla Kert is the original and most famous, but the scene has expanded to dozens of venues. Ruin bars are a social equalizer — you will find tourists, locals, students, and professionals all mixing in the same spaces. They are also among the cheapest places to drink in any EU capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can Americans stay in Hungary without a visa?

US citizens can stay in the Schengen Area (which includes Hungary) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This is for tourism and business visits only — no employment. If you want to stay longer or work, you need a visa or residence permit before the 90 days expire. Starting in 2026, the EU ETIAS system requires Americans to pre-register online (€7 fee) before entering the Schengen Area.

Is Budapest safe for solo travelers and women?

Yes. Budapest is consistently rated as one of the safer European capitals. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable walking around at night in most districts. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of pickpockets on crowded trams and avoid the “pretty girl” bar scam in tourist areas. The expat community is large and welcoming, making it easy to find a social circle quickly.

Do I need to learn Hungarian?

Not to survive in Budapest — English is widely spoken in restaurants, shops, and professional settings among younger Hungarians. However, Hungarian is essential for government bureaucracy (immigration appointments, utility setups), and speaking even basic phrases significantly improves your social interactions and shows respect. Outside Budapest, Hungarian becomes much more necessary. Learning the basics is strongly recommended for anyone staying beyond a few months.

Can I open a bank account as a foreigner?

Yes. With a valid passport, proof of Hungarian address (rental contract), and your residence permit or registration certificate, you can open an account at major banks including OTP Bank (Hungary’s largest), K&H, and Raiffeisen. Many expats also use Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut for multi-currency accounts and international transfers. Opening a Hungarian bank account is straightforward but bring patience — bank appointments can be slow and some staff speak limited English.

What is the best time of year to move to Budapest?

Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal. The weather is pleasant (15–25°C), the city is vibrant but not peak-tourist-crowded, and the rental market has good inventory. Summer (June–August) is hot (30–35°C+) and crowded with tourists. Winter (November–February) is cold and grey (0–5°C), but the thermal baths are especially magical in winter, and the Christmas markets on Vörösmarty Square are among Europe’s best.

Is Hungary in the eurozone?

No. Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF). As of early 2026, 1 USD equals approximately 370–390 HUF. The weak forint works in favor of foreign earners — your dollars, euros, or pounds go further. Most restaurants and shops in Budapest accept card payments, but some smaller establishments (market vendors, kiosks) are cash-only. ATMs are widely available and offer competitive exchange rates — avoid the Euronet ATMs that charge high fees and steer you toward unfavorable dynamic currency conversion.

Your Next Steps

Hungary offers a rare combination of EU membership, rock-bottom costs, world-class culture, and a mature digital nomad infrastructure that few European countries can match. Budapest is the kind of city where you can live well on a modest income while enjoying thermal baths, Michelin-quality meals, ruin bar evenings, and Danube sunsets — all within an EU framework that provides real long-term stability.

Here is how to move from research to action:

• Explore Hungary’s country profile — real-time data on cost, safety, healthcare, visas, and more.
• Calculate your cost of living — get a personalized monthly budget for Budapest, Debrecen, or Pécs.
• Compare Hungary’s tax rates — see how the flat 15% rate compares to your current location.
• Take the WhereNext quiz — 2 minutes to get a personalized country ranking based on your priorities.
• Apply for the White Card — if you are a non-EU remote worker earning €2,000+/month, this is your clearest legal pathway to European residency.
• Do a trial run — spend 1–3 months in Budapest on the 90-day Schengen allowance. Rent short-term in District VII or IX, work from cafes and coworking spaces, and experience the lifestyle before committing.

Comparing Budapest with other Central European capitals? Read our Cheapest Countries to Live guide to see how Hungary ranks globally, or explore our Best Countries for Digital Nomads for the full picture.

The data shows Hungary is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for relocation. A flat 15% tax, EU membership, $1,200–$1,800/month living costs, and a capital city that rivals anywhere on the continent for culture and lifestyle. The thermal baths are waiting. Start with the numbers, plan your scouting trip, and see for yourself why Budapest keeps climbing the rankings.