π¨πΏ Prague vs ππΊ Budapest
Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Budapest is 23% cheaper than Prague
Quick answer
Comparing Prague, Czechia and Budapest, Hungary: a moderate single-person monthly budget is approximately $2,214 in Prague versus $1,704 in Budapest. Budapest is roughly 23% cheaper overall. Central 1-bed rent: $1,141/mo (Prague) vs $956/mo (Budapest). The totals use the single-person city-centre basket: canonical 1-bedroom city-centre rent plus modeled groceries, dining, transport, utilities/internet, healthcare, and leisure/personal spending.
Key facts
- Moderate budget: $2,214/mo in Prague single person β city-centre rent + modeled non-housing categories.
- Moderate budget: $1,704/mo in Budapest single person β like-for-like city-centre basket.
- Central 1-bed rent $1,141/mo in Prague Β· $956/mo in Budapest.
- Cheaper overall: Budapest ~23% cheaper than Prague.
- Source World Bank ICP + national statistics + item-level price snapshots Β· CC BY 4.0.
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,550/mo | $1,200/mo | -23% |
| Moderate | $2,214/mo | $1,704/mo | -23% |
| Comfortable | $3,300/mo | $2,550/mo | -23% |
The Moderate row equals the category table below: single-person city-centre basket: canonical 1-bedroom city-centre rent plus modeled groceries, dining, transport, utilities/internet, healthcare, and leisure/personal spending. Budget and Comfortable scale that same basket.
Cost Breakdown by Category
| Category | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $1,141/mo | $956/mo | -16% |
| Groceries & Food | $330/mo | $230/mo | -30% |
| Dining Out | $165/mo | $115/mo | -30% |
| Transport | $165/mo | $115/mo | -30% |
| Utilities & Internet | $165/mo | $115/mo | -30% |
| Healthcare | $132/mo | $92/mo | -30% |
| Leisure & Personal | $116/mo | $81/mo | -30% |
Category sum = Moderate budget. Basis: single-person city-centre basket: canonical 1-bedroom city-centre rent plus modeled groceries, dining, transport, utilities/internet, healthcare, and leisure/personal spending.
Housing (1-bed, center)
Prague
$1,141
Budapest
$956
Groceries & Food
Prague
$330
Budapest
$230
Dining Out
Prague
$165
Budapest
$115
Transport
Prague
$165
Budapest
$115
Utilities & Internet
Prague
$165
Budapest
$115
Healthcare
Prague
$132
Budapest
$92
Leisure & Personal
Prague
$116
Budapest
$81
Detailed Price Comparison
Sources: CZSO (Czech Republic), Eurostat / KSH (Hungary), Eurostat. Updated Jan 2026.
Groceries
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $1 | $1 | -18% |
| Milk (1 liter) | $1 | $1 | -6% |
| Eggs (12) | $2 | $2 | +4% |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $6 | $5 | -16% |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2 | $2 | -24% |
Restaurants & Cafes
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| SvΓΔkovΓ‘ (local restaurant) | $8 | $7 | -16% |
| Fast food combo meal | $7 | $5 | -25% |
| Cappuccino | $3 | $2 | -29% |
| Beer (0.5L, hospoda) | $2 | $2 | +4% |
Housing
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (Prague 1-2) | $1,141 | $956 | -16% |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside (Prague 4-10) | $650 | $580 | -11% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, center | $1,800 | $1,400 | -22% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside | $1,200 | $900 | -25% |
Transport
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass (DPP) | $28 | $32 | +14% |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $2 | $2 | 0% |
Utilities & Internet
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, water, garbage (85mΒ²) | $180 | $130 | -28% |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | $17 | $14 | -18% |
Leisure & Fitness
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | $32 | $30 | -6% |
| Cinema ticket | $8 | $10 | +30% |
Personal Care
| Item | π¨πΏ Prague | ππΊ Budapest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut (men) | $10 | $8 | -19% |
Quick Facts
π¨πΏ Prague
- Monthly cost (moderate)
- $2,214
- 1-bed rent (center)
- $1,141/mo
- Cappuccino
- $2.80
- Inexpensive meal
- $8.00
- Monthly transit pass
- $28
- Internet speed
- 115 Mbps
- Safety index
- 80/100(very safe)
- Healthcare index
- 87/100
- Country
- Czechia
ππΊ Budapest
- Monthly cost (moderate)
- $1,704
- 1-bed rent (center)
- $956/mo
- Cappuccino
- $2.00
- Inexpensive meal
- $7.00
- Monthly transit pass
- $25
- Internet speed
- 130 Mbps
- Safety index
- 72/100(very safe)
- Healthcare index
- 76/100
- Country
- Hungary
Explore more: Prague city guide | Budapest city guide | Czechia | Hungary
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prague or Budapest cheaper to live in?
Budapest is approximately 23% cheaper than Prague overall.
How much does it cost to live in Prague per month?
A moderate monthly budget for a single person in Prague is approximately $2,214 on the single-person city-centre basket: canonical 1-bedroom city-centre rent plus modeled groceries, dining, transport, utilities/internet, healthcare, and leisure/personal spending.
How much does it cost to live in Budapest per month?
A moderate monthly budget for a single person in Budapest is approximately $1,704 on the single-person city-centre basket: canonical 1-bedroom city-centre rent plus modeled groceries, dining, transport, utilities/internet, healthcare, and leisure/personal spending.
What is the rent difference between Prague and Budapest?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,141/month in Prague and $956/month in Budapest.