Budget & Costs
What does Hungary cost?
Hungary is 30–50% cheaper than Germany — and with a quality that is often equivalent or better. Especially food, drinks, and thermal baths are sensationally affordable. Hotels in Budapest have increased in recent years but are still cheaper than in Vienna or Prague. Outside of Budapest, prices drop significantly.
Typical Prices (Reference 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€ / HUF) |
|---|---|
| Espresso in a café | 1.50–2.50€ (600–1,000 HUF) |
| Lunch menu (Napi Menü) | 4–7€ (1,600–2,800 HUF) |
| Dinner in a good restaurant | 10–20€ (4,000–8,000 HUF) |
| Beer (0.5l in a restaurant) | 2–3.50€ (800–1,400 HUF) |
| Beer (0.5l in a supermarket) | 0.80–1.50€ (300–600 HUF) |
| Langos at a stand | 2–3.50€ (800–1,400 HUF) |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 8–15€ (3,200–6,000 HUF) |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 10–18€ (4,000–7,200 HUF) |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 50–100€ (20,000–40,000 HUF) |
| Thermal bath entry | 5–15€ (2,000–6,000 HUF) |
| Széchenyi Bath (day ticket) | approx. 28€ (11,200 HUF) |
| Bus Budapest → Eger | 5–10€ (2,000–4,000 HUF) |
| Train Budapest → Balaton | 5–8€ (2,000–3,200 HUF) |
| Rental car (per day) | 25–50€ (10,000–20,000 HUF) |
Important: Hungary uses the Forint (HUF), not the Euro. In Budapest, some restaurants and hotels accept Euros, but the exchange rate is poor. Always pay in Forint! The best option: card payment (Visa/Mastercard accepted everywhere) or cash at an ATM. Currency exchange offices at the airport and in the city center often have poor rates — Revolut, Wise, or a fee-free credit card are ideal.
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (25–45€ per day)
Budapest has excellent hostels (10–18€/night in a dormitory). Use the Napi Menü (Daily Menu) at lunchtime — a complete lunch with soup and main course for 4–7€. In the evening: Langos, Gyros, or street food for 3–5€. Supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Spar) are affordable. Thermal baths have evening and student discounts. Public transport in Budapest: weekly pass 15€. Hungary is a paradise for budget travelers.
Mid-range (50–100€ per day)
Boutique hotels or good 3-star hotels (50–100€/night, double room). Lunch and dinner in good restaurants (10–20€ per meal). Thermal baths without restrictions, wine tastings, museum visits. Rental car for day trips (25–50€/day). In this category, you travel in Hungary like a king — with quality that would cost twice as much in Western Europe.
Comfort / Luxury (120–300€+ per day)
5-star hotels on the Danube bank (Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Anantara New York Palace), Michelin-starred restaurants (Budapest has several, menu from 80€), private wine tours in Tokaj, VIP cabin in Széchenyi Bath, helicopter flights over Budapest. Hungary's luxury segment offers an exceptional value for money compared to Paris or London.
Tipp
The biggest savings hack in Hungary: the Napi Menü (Daily Menu). At lunchtime, almost all Hungarian restaurants offer a complete menu (soup + main course + sometimes dessert) for 1,600–2,800 HUF (4–7€). Often the tastiest and most affordable meal of the day — and significantly better than tourist locales.
Savings Tips
Although Hungary is already affordable, with the right strategies you can save even more:
- Budapest Card: For 24/48/72 hours (from about 30€). Free public transport, entry to many museums, discounts for thermal baths and tours. Worth it from 2 museums + thermal bath per day.
- Napi Menü (Daily Menu): Eat lunch in local restaurants — a complete menu for 4–7€ instead of 12–20€ in the evening. Look for signs with “Napi Menü" or “Ebéd Menü".
- Thermal baths in the evening: Many baths offer cheaper admissions or shorter tickets from 4–5 PM (e.g., 2-hour ticket instead of a day ticket).
- Card payment: Use a fee-free card (Revolut, Wise, DKB Visa). When asked “Settle in Euro or Forint?" — always choose Forint! Dynamic currency conversion costs an extra 3–5%.
- Wine directly from the winemaker: In Tokaj, Eger, and Villány, wine from the producer is often 50–70% cheaper than in restaurants. Buy and taste directly in the wine cellar.
- Balaton off-season: In June and September, Lake Balaton is delightful — but 30–40% cheaper than in July/August (peak season). Less crowding, but still warm enough for swimming.
- Long-distance buses instead of trains: FlixBus and Volánbusz are often cheaper than the train (MÁV). Budapest → Eger from 5€, Budapest → Pécs from 8€.
- Market halls instead of restaurants: The Great Market Hall in Budapest is touristy, but on the upper floors, there are affordable Langos and Pörkölt. A better alternative: the Holdudvar Market Hall or the Rákóczi Market.
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