International students in Hungary typically spend €500–€900+ per month on living costs covering rent, food, transport, health insurance, utilities, and personal expenses. Costs vary by city and lifestyle, with Budapest usually higher than smaller university towns like Debrecen or Szeged.
Hungary’s blend of affordable living, quality education, and dynamic student culture has made it one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for students on a budget. But affordability isn’t just a single number: it’s a complex fabric of rent prices, food choices, travel habits, personal lifestyle, and even academic needs.
Below, we explore each major dimension deeply, offering detailed figures, practical insights, and real-world context so you can plan with confidence.
Housing and Accommodation: Where You Live Makes All the Difference
When international students first budget for studying abroad, accommodation is usually the most daunting expense. In Hungary, it helps that housing costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe, but how much you spend depends heavily on the type of housing you choose and in which city you study.
University dormitories the traditional choice for first-year students, remain the most budget-friendly option. Most universities offer dorm rooms with shared facilities and communal kitchens for approximately €100–€300 per month, depending on size, amenities, and whether utilities are included. In cities like Szeged or Debrecen, dormitories often cluster near campus and create a built-in community, which adds social value as well as cost savings.
Moving out of the dorm into a shared apartment is a common next step for students seeking more personal space and independence. Shared rooms in flatshares typically cost €200–€400 per month, and this often includes utilities like electricity, water, heating, and internet — a practical middle ground between low rent and comfortable living. Budapest, as the capital and largest city, sits near the higher end of this spectrum, while Szeged and Debrecen are often noticeably cheaper.
If you prioritise privacy or live with a partner, private rentals are also available but cost more. One-bedroom apartments in central areas of Budapest can range from €350 to €700+ per month, while in smaller cities, similar flats may cost €300–€500. Renting alone adds convenience — no roommate coordination but the price premium can be steep for a student budget.
Students must also budget for upfront costs like deposits, often one to two months’ rent, and possible agency fees or contract administration fees. Landlords may require proof of funds or guarantors, and leases typically run for a minimum of six to 12 months. If you’re coming from abroad, it’s important to search early and, if possible, arrive before the semester begins so you can choose housing without rush.
Finally, universities sometimes assist in connecting students to vetted housing through official housing offices or partner networks. For example, the University of Debrecen provides detailed housing guidance to international applicants, reducing confusion and helping students estimate costs before departure.
In sum, your accommodation choice, dorm, shared flat, or private apartment, will likely account for 30–50% of your monthly living expenses, and careful planning here lays the foundation for a comfortable, affordable student experience.
Food, Groceries, and Daily Living: Eating Well Without Overspending
Once rent is sorted, the next broad expense category is food and daily living costs. Hungary has a cost advantage here too, especially if you embrace home-cooking, local markets, and student canteens.
Monthly grocery costs for students often sit between €150 and €300 per month, depending on your eating habits, dietary preferences, and whether you dine out frequently. Supermarkets like Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, and Spar offer a range of staples at moderate prices, and planning meals around seasonal produce like fresh vegetables and local meats can keep costs down.
Eating in local eateries or university cafeterias is another affordable option. Hungarian staples like gulyás (goulash), lángos, and hearty soups are widely available, with student-friendly menus often well below €10 per meal. Dining out occasionally is part of the student experience, but relying on university canteens or cooking at home dramatically reduces this line item in your budget.
Beyond groceries and dining, there are other daily living costs to consider: personal hygiene items, laundry, household supplies, and occasional social outings. Many students estimate €50–€100 per month for these items if they stick to a modest lifestyle, though this can vary greatly based on preferences, sometimes significantly higher for those with active social lives or special dietary needs.
Utilities: electricity, heating, water, and internet commonly range between €50 and €80 per month when living in a shared apartment, and some landlords include these in rent. Individual costs depend on usage (for example, heavy heating in winter raises bills), but Hungary’s utility prices tend to be lower than in Western Europe overall.
Mobile phone plans are another small but essential expense. SIM cards with data plans typically cost €10–€20 per month, and Hungary has several carriers offering student packages with decent data allowances and call options. This keeps you connected without excessive telecom costs.
When you add all these daily living factors together groceries, eating out, utilities, mobile, and personal needs many students find a realistic monthly range of €300–€600 for these non-rent costs if they budget carefully and prioritise essentials.
Transportation and Mobility: Getting Around Without Breaking the Budget
For most students, local transport is a predictable yet important recurring cost, influenced by city size and travel habits.
Hungary’s public transport systems in cities like Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs are extensive, efficient, and student-friendly. Many cities offer heavily discounted student passes, often costing between €8.50 and €20 per month, depending on the locale and fare structure. This grants access to buses, trams, trolleybuses, and sometimes metro lines, an enviable setup compared with many Western European student destinations.
For example, Budapest’s integrated network allows you to travel across the city seamlessly with one monthly pass, often under €15 per month with a valid student ID. Students in smaller cities may find even lower prices due to regional subsidy schemes.†
In addition to routine transit, train and intercity bus travel can be a part of student life (weekend trips, exploring other cities or countries). Hungarian rail services including discounted student tickets can make it affordable to visit nearby cities, especially with European travel deals and low–cost carriers if you plan.
Cycling or walking is also popular in many university towns, especially during warmer months. Budapest, for instance, has expanded its bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes, offering cost-effective and healthy ways to commute short distances. Many students opt for bikes to save on monthly transit fees.
Occasional taxis, ride-shares, or long-distance travel do add to your transportation costs, but if you stick mainly to public transit and gentle travel habits, transport typically remains one of the more predictable and manageable monthly expenses — usually a fraction of your total budget.
Health Insurance, Healthcare, and Mandatory Requirements
While often overlooked in early cost estimates, health insurance and healthcare access are mandatory and meaningful expenses for international students in Hungary, and budgeting for these early keeps your studies smooth and compliant with visa requirements.
Most students must maintain health insurance coverage throughout their stay. EU/EEA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic medical services, but many non-EU students need private insurance or official university-linked packages. Costs typically range between €20 and €60 per month, depending on the plan, coverage level, and age.
Some universities offer or recommend specific health insurance plans because they align with Hungarian visa requirements and university enrolment policies. These packages may include basic medical visits, emergency care, and limited specialist treatment, but not all treatments are fully covered. For example, dental, eye care, and some procedures require separate out-of-pocket payments or supplemental coverage.
Routine healthcare costs in Hungary tend to be low by Western European standards. Typical visits to a general practitioner or urgent care are relatively affordable when compared with equivalents in the U.S. or the U.K., but having valid insurance ensures you avoid disproportionately high bills for unexpected events.
EU students also benefit from discounts or subsidised treatment linked with EHIC or bilateral agreements, making preventive care or doctor visits part of regular student budgeting. But every international student should understand their policy’s limits, including what emergencies are covered and what requires payment or additional coverage.
Health insurance is not optional — it’s a visa and enrolment requirement for most non-EU students — and budgeting for €240–€720 per year ensures you remain fully compliant and covered throughout your academic journey.
Personal, Academic, and Lifestyle Expenses
Beyond rent, food, transport, and insurance, there’s a constellation of personal, academic, and lifestyle expenses that can surprise unprepared students, from mobile data and laundry to textbooks and social life.
Academic supplies, books, study materials, stationery, special software, or lab fees can vary widely by programme. Some students budget €30–€60 per month for materials; others spend more during semesters with heavy reading lists or specialised equipment needs.
Entertainment, cultural activities, gym memberships, and social outings are not necessities but part of a full student life in Hungary’s vibrant cities. Many students allocate €50–€100+ per month for cinema, museums, concerts, weekend trips, and dinners with friends. Hungary’s nightlife and cultural venues are generally inexpensive by European standards, but these costs add up if you frequent.
Mobile phone plans, as mentioned earlier, fall in the €10–€20 per month range, but consider data needs and roaming charges if you travel abroad frequently or rely heavily on online learning. Student ID cards often unlock discounts on entertainment, food, and services, so always carry your card and ask for deals a small practice that saves money year after year.
Clothing, personal care, hygiene supplies, and even seasonal items (like winter jackets for colder months) are essential costs that many forget in initial budgets. A modest line item of €30–€80 per month can keep these expenses predictable rather than sporadic emergencies.
Finally, while part-time work is an option in Hungary (students often work within allowed visa limits), it shouldn’t be relied on as a primary budget buffer; expenses should be estimated without assuming earnings. This mindset keeps budgets disciplined and avoids overdependence on uncertain income streams while studying.
Altogether, personal and lifestyle expenses typically add €100–€200+ per month to your budget, and when combined with all other costs, a total monthly living cost of €500–€900+ emerges as a realistic Hungarian student baseline.
Average Monthly Living Costs for Students in Hungary
| Expense Category | Typical Range (€/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Dorms) | €100–€300 | Cheapest option, student dormitories† |
| Shared Apartment | €200–€400 | Shared living saves money† |
| Private Apartment | €350–€700+ | Higher privacy & cost† |
| Food & Groceries | €150–€300 | Home-cooked meals & market shopping† |
| Transportation | €8.50–€20 | Discounted student passes† |
| Utilities & Internet | €50–€80 | Electricity, water, broadband† |
| Health Insurance | €20–€60 | Mandatory student coverage† |
| Personal & Academic | €100–€200+ | Books, entertainment, phone† |
| Estimated Total | €500–€900+ | Comfortable student lifestyle† |
Conclusion
Living in Hungary as an international student offers a compelling blend of affordability, cultural richness, and educational value. Your monthly costs generally in the €500 to €900+ range depending on choices and city are significantly lower than in many Western European or North American destinations, without sacrificing quality of living or opportunities to engage in vibrant student life.
Housing emerges as your largest expense, but smart decisions — like shared flats and university dorms — can keep that manageable. Food, transport, insurance, and personal needs each have their own predictable lanes in your budget, and with careful planning, most students find that Hungary lets them live comfortably while focusing on their studies and enjoying life in Europe.