Cost Planner

Living Costs in Hungary for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Hungary. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Hungary.

Monthly Costs in Pécs (2026-27)

Monthly

Dorm room (Pécs)72,600 - 94,100 HUF

Canteen meal (Pécs)2,500 - 3,500 HUF per meal

Student bus pass (Pécs)4,100 HUF

Monthly Total:From HUF 250,000 a month for rent, food and outings

Example from Pécs, for living only (not tuition). Your city and lifestyle change the total.

Monthly Costs by Type

Prices in Pécs, in Hungarian forint (HUF), unless the line names another city.

Accommodation

Dorm (Pécs)72,600 - 94,100 HUF

Per month.

Shared flat (Pécs)80,000 - 100,000 HUF

Per month.

Private flat (Pécs)100,000 - 250,000 HUF

Per month, for the flat only, by place and number of people.

Private flat (Debrecen)120,000 - 140,000 HUF

Per month.

Housing Tip

Ask your university about dorm places early. Your permit needs proof of housing.

Food

University canteen (Pécs)2,500 - 3,500 HUF per meal
Restaurant (Pécs)4,000 - 8,000 HUF per meal
Loaf of bread (Pécs)600 - 1,200 HUF
Litre of milk (Pécs)300 - 700 HUF

Cooking at home costs less than eating out.

Transport

Student bus pass (Pécs)4,100 HUF a month
Single bus ticket from a kiosk (Pécs)500 HUF
Student train ticket Pécs to Budapest, one way2,970 HUF

Student passes save money.

Costs in Different Cities

Budapest rent is usually the highest.

City	Housing (shared)	Food	Transport	Monthly Total
Pécs	72,600 - 94,100 HUF (dorm)	2,500 - 3,500 HUF per canteen meal	4,100 HUF (student pass)	From 250,000 HUF a month (rent, food and outings)
Szeged	-	-	-	250,000 - 300,000 HUF a month (housing and food)
Debrecen	120,000 - 140,000 HUF (private flat)	-	-	About USD 800 (US dollars) a month, for shared housing, food, study materials and local transport
Budapest (near Semmelweis University)	From about 300 EUR (room) or 500 EUR (one-room flat, studio)	-	-	-

Budapest

Central Budapest rent starts at about EUR 300 a month for a room.

Cheaper Options

A university dorm or a shared flat costs less than renting alone.

Housing Cost Factors

Debrecen's total is in US dollars. Its flat price is in Hungarian forint.

Ways to Save

Simple ways to spend less.

Housing

Live in a dorm or share a flat.
Look for housing near your campus to save on transport.

Food

Eat at the university canteen.
Cook at home.

Daily Life

Buy a monthly student pass.
In Pécs, students can use the university swimming pools for free.

Find more student discounts

Hungarian student ID

Costs People Forget

Small costs that are easy to miss.

Permit Fees

Residence permit fee

EUR 110 (euros)

Paid once at the Hungarian embassy. Scholarship holders do not pay it.

Permit extension

HUF 26,000 (Hungarian forint)

Paid each time you extend your permit on Enter Hungary (the government website for foreigners).

Travel on Arrival

Airport bus to central Budapest

HUF 2,500

The 100E Airport Express, one way.

Shuttle from Budapest airport to Pécs

HUF 17,000

One way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about money for daily life in Hungary.

How much do I need a month?

In Pécs, plan for at least HUF 250,000 (Hungarian forint) a month for rent, food and a few outings. In Szeged, housing and food cost about HUF 250,000 to 300,000 a month.

Is Budapest more expensive?

Usually rent is the big difference. Near Semmelweis University in central Budapest, a room starts at about EUR 300 (euros) a month and a one-room flat (studio) at about EUR 500 a month.