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Budapest, Hungary

Contents FAQS Articles Resources The Hungarian Parliament is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary Budapest: The Heart Of Europe As you walk through the streets of Budapest you will undoubtedly see reminders of Budapest’s rocky past, from bullet holes dotting the facades of the high arched historical buildings to the heart wrenching Shoes […]


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The very large parliament buildign by the Danube river glows in the light of the setting sun
The Hungarian Parliament is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary

Budapest: The Heart Of Europe

As you walk through the streets of Budapest you will undoubtedly see reminders of Budapest’s rocky past, from bullet holes dotting the facades of the high arched historical buildings to the heart wrenching Shoes On The Danube monument which was created in memory of the Arrow Cross victims.

This is a city that has endured much hardship but it is a city of resilient people, proud people.  It is a city that is historically older than most and yet so new in its independence.

Budapest, now the country’s capital, located in Central Hungary with an area of about 203 square miles, was born when the three cities of Buda, Pest and Obuda came together in 1873.

Prior to this the capital of Hungary changed locations 12 times.

Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

Reviewed By Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

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Budapest is divided by the Danube River into two sections, Buda and Pest.

The Buda side is hilly, quiet and primarily residential containing forests, which are environmentally protected, and the popular thermal spas. Pest is flatter and bustling with energy and activity.

Here you will find the ruin pubs, open-air pools, opera house, shopping areas, cafes, and the Hungarian Parliament building which is notably the third largest in the world with 691 rooms and more than 12 miles of stairs.

It probably comes as no surprise that most expats living in Budapest call the Buda side home.

The most universally recognizable feature of this grand city is its architecture.

By legislation, and in order to maintain the historic and beloved cityscape, building codes are very strict and the construction of buildings over 148 feet is quite limited.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and therefore all taller buildings must be kept outside the city’s core.

Gazing at the Budapest skyline is like taking a history of architecture 101 course. There is evidence of Ancient, Gothic, Renaissance, Ottoman, Byzantine, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Art-Nouveau architecture as well as newer constructions which have been built in recent decades.

Budapest is going through a growth spurt with it’s population expected to increase by 10% in the next 13 years and is becoming a noteworthy economic hub with its strengths in commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, and education.

Budapest is the most populated city in Hungary with over 1.75 million people, it is also one of the most densely populated cities in the European Union.

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Fun Facts About Budapest

 

a black and white image of Elvis Presley doing his signature hip thrust moveElvis Presley was named an honorary citizen of Hungary for support he gave to the Hungarian people in their anti-Soviet revolution of 1956.    There is also a park named after the King of Rock and Roll  near the Margaret Bridge in Budapest.

an illustration of two water dropsBudaest has the most thermal springs in the world with over 18 million gallons of thermal water rising to the surface every day.

a yellow electric guitar

The Sziget Festival, held every August in northern Budapest, is one of the largest cultural and music festivals in all of Europe lasting one week and showcasing music from many different genres. Sziget has been voted one of the top five festivals in Europe.

Apartment or House Ownership Budget (for a couple)

 
Expense Monthly Cost Notes
Mortgage Not included here as too variable
HOA Fees For cooking and heating
Transportation HUF 10,000-22,000 For two monthly transport passes
Gas HUF 20,000 High seasonal variation
Electricity HUF 15,000-18,000 High seasonal variation
Water HUF 8,000
Cell phone HUF 2,500 Basic plan (Magyar Telekom)
Internet HUF 4,200 Fixed monthly rate for most basic plan (Magyar Telekom)
Cable TV HUF 2,985 Basic plan (Magyar Telekom)
Household help HUF 72,0005 For two three-hour visits per week
Entertainment HUF 51,400-71,400 Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: 30,000-50,000
Drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole (beer: 350; glass of wine: 550; bottle of wine: 3,700)Movie theater trip twice a month (tickets: 750 per person)
Groceries HUF 22,000-40,000 Monthly expenses for a couple
Gym membership HUF 42,000 Cost of two monthly memberships
Medical appointment HUF 22,400 Cost of one brief exam, paid in cash or with credit or debit
Total HUF 268,785-324,485 Monthly expenses for a couple

Apartment or House Rental Budget

 
Expense Monthly Cost Notes
Rent HUF 285,500 Unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment in a desirable part of town.

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)

 
Expense Monthly Cost Notes
Rent HUF 120,500 Cheapest part of town, basic one-bedroom rental
Transportation Cycling and walking
Gas HUF 16,000
Water HUF 16,500
Electricity HUF 8,000
Cell phone HUF 2,500 Basic plan (Magyar Telekom)
Internet HUF 4,200 Fixed monthly rate for most basic plan (Magyar Telekom)
Entertainment HUF 51,400
Groceries HUF 35,000
Total HUF 254,100 Monthly expenses for a couple
Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Map Of Budapest, Hungary

Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

Reviewed By Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

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A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2025

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Budapest, Hungary- FAQs

Hungary is inexpensive both in terms of food and drink, and accommodation. It also has architecture and buildings to rival any city in the world.

More Resources From Hungary

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