Is Budapest Cheap? Yes, But Not as Cheap as It Used to Be

I still remember my first trip to Hungary back in 2010, when Budapest felt incredibly affordable. Fast forward to my most recent visit in 2025, and I couldn’t help noticing how much prices have increased.

That said, Budapest is still cheaper than many other European capitals, especially when it comes to food, accommodation, and everyday expenses. You just might not find the same “super cheap” prices people used to talk about.

After visiting Budapest multiple times over the years, I’ve seen how prices have changed, and in this guide, I’ll break down what things actually cost, where your money goes, and where you can still save.

Where You’ll Spend the Most Money in Budapest

Even though Budapest is generally affordable, there are a few areas where your budget can add up quickly, especially depending on your travel style.

Food & Drinks

Food was one of the biggest positive surprises for me. Even eating at vegan restaurants (which tend to be slightly more expensive), I usually paid around €7–10 per meal.

That said, there’s a huge difference depending on where you eat. In more touristy spots or famous places like the New York Café, prices can jump quickly, €12 for a coffee is definitely not unusual there.

If you stick to local spots or restaurants a bit away from the main attractions, eating out in Budapest can still be very affordable.

Accommodation

Accommodation is probably where you’ll notice the biggest change compared to a few years ago.

On my earlier trips, Budapest felt extremely cheap, but prices have definitely gone up. You can still find good deals, especially if you book in advance and outside the peak season, but it’s not quite the budget destination it once was.

That said, compared to other European capitals, you still get a lot for your money, especially when it comes to apartments or mid-range hotels.

Transport

Transport in Budapest is relatively cheap, but in my experience, you might not even need it that much.

I ended up walking almost everywhere, which not only saved money but also made the experience much more enjoyable. The city is very walkable, and you naturally come across a lot of sights along the way.

If you do use public transport, tickets are affordable, but unless you’re staying further out, you might not need to rely on it heavily.

What a Realistic Daily Budget Looks Like in Budapest

How much you spend in Budapest really depends on your travel style, but from my experience, it’s still possible to visit the city on a relatively modest budget.

• If you’re traveling on a tight budget, staying in hostels and keeping food costs low, you can get by on around €30–40 per day. That usually means cooking some meals yourself, choosing cheaper restaurants, and mostly walking instead of using transport.
• For a more comfortable trip, which is what I usually go for, a budget of around €50–70 per day feels realistic. This includes staying in a private room or budget hotel, eating out regularly, and doing a few paid activities.
• If you want a more luxurious experience, prices can go up quickly. Staying in nicer hotels, eating at more upscale restaurants, and adding things like thermal baths or massages can easily bring your daily budget to €150 or more.

Personally, I found Budapest to be one of those cities where you can adjust your spending quite easily. Some days I spent very little just walking around and enjoying the city, and on other days, I treated myself to things like a massage or a nice meal.

When Budapest Feels Expensive

Even though Budapest is generally affordable, there are definitely moments where it doesn’t feel cheap at all.

The biggest difference I noticed is at popular tourist spots. Places like the New York Café are clearly priced for visitors, and you’ll pay significantly more than you would just a few streets away.

I also felt that accommodation is where Budapest has changed the most over the years. It’s still cheaper than many European capitals, but it’s no longer the ultra-budget destination it once was, especially during peak season.

Another thing that can add up quickly are experiences. Thermal baths, for example, are absolutely worth it, but they’re not exactly cheap if you go for the more famous ones or add extras like massages.

How to Save Money in Budapest

Even though prices have gone up over the years, Budapest is still a city where it’s surprisingly easy to keep your costs low.

One of the easiest ways to save money is simply by walking. I ended up exploring most of the city on foot, and not only did it save money on transport, but I also found some great hidden gems along the way.

I also found that mixing free activities with a few paid experiences works really well in Budapest. Some of my favorite moments, like walking along the Danube, exploring different neighborhoods, or enjoying the views from Gellért Hill, didn’t cost anything at all.

I’ve put together a full guide to the best free things to do in Budapest, which is a great way to experience the city without spending much at all.

Read more about Budapest:

• 20 Absolute Best Things to Do in Budapest Hungary
• 17 Unbelievable Free Things to Do in Budapest
• 17 Truly Unusual Things to Do in Budapest
• 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary: What to See & Do
• I tried the 4 Best Thermal Baths Budapest
• 10 Best Fully Vegan Restaurants in Budapest
• 3 Best Budapest Tours from Vienna
• Is Budapest Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why I Love It
• Best Souvenirs from Budapest to Remember Your Trip
• 15 Best Budapest Instagram Spots to Capture Your Trip
• How to Get to Margaret Island Budapest: Easy Ways
• Ultimate Thai Massage Budapest Guide
• New York Café in Budapest: Is It Really Worth It?
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Budapest? Absolutely!
• Is Budapest Cheap? Yes, But Not as Much as It Once Was
• Belgrade to Budapest by Bus: The WORST Journey
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