Cost Comparison 2025

BudapestvsEdmonton

Hungary
Canada

Overall

💰

+30.8%

Budapest is 30.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+28.6%

Housing is 28.6% higher

Dining

🍽️

+55.6%

Restaurants 55.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+62.5%

Food shopping 62.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Budapest, Hungary and Edmonton, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Budapest is more expensive than Edmonton by approximately 30.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Budapest are lower than in Edmonton by 22%. A one-bedroom apartment in Budapest's city center costs around HUF 200,000, while the same in Edmonton is approximately CA$1,400.

Dining out in Budapest offers significant savings compared to Edmonton. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HUF 2,000 in Budapest versus CA$18 in Edmonton.

Public transportation in Budapest is more expensive, with monthly passes at HUF 9,500 compared to CA$100 in Edmonton.

Purchasing power in Edmonton is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Budapest.

Grocery shopping in Budapest is more affordable by approximately 38%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Budapest can expect to spend approximately HUF 94,600 per month (excluding rent), while in Edmonton, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$695. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about HUF 331,100 monthly in Budapest versus CA$2,431 in Edmonton. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Budapest, Hungary
Edmonton, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HUF 200,000
CA$1,400
1BR Outside Center
HUF 140,000
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
HUF 350,000
CA$2,400

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HUF 2,000
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HUF 10,000
CA$80
Cappuccino
HUF 650
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HUF 600
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HUF 350
CA$2
Bread (500g)
HUF 350
CA$3
Eggs (12)
HUF 600
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
HUF 2,500
CA$14

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HUF 350
CA$4
Monthly Pass
HUF 9,500
CA$100
Taxi Start
HUF 700
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
HUF 600
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
HUF 35,000
CA$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
HUF 5,000
CA$75
Mobile Minute
HUF 30
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Budapest to Edmonton, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Edmonton to Budapest requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Budapest

Cost of Living Index52
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index60

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest more expensive than Edmonton?

Yes, Budapest is approximately 30.8% more expensive than Edmonton overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Budapest compared to Edmonton?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Edmonton salary when living in Budapest. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edmonton, you'd need about $65,385 in Budapest for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Budapest and Edmonton?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 38%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Edmonton offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Edmonton provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Budapest if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Edmonton for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Budapest vs Edmonton?

In Budapest, a single person needs approximately HUF 234,600 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about HUF 581,100. In Edmonton, these figures are CA$1,795 for singles and CA$4,331 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Budapest and Edmonton in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Edmonton to maintain your lifestyle from Budapest

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers