Cost Comparison 2025

BudapestvsPerth

Hungary
Australia

Overall

💰

+53.8%

Budapest is 53.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+65.7%

Housing is 65.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+82.2%

Restaurants 82.2% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+56.3%

Food shopping 56.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Budapest, Hungary and Perth, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Budapest is more expensive than Perth by approximately 53.8%. 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 Perth by 40%. A one-bedroom apartment in Budapest's city center costs around HUF 200,000, while the same in Perth is approximately A$1,900.

Dining out in Budapest offers significant savings compared to Perth. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HUF 2,000 in Budapest versus A$22 in Perth.

Public transportation in Budapest is more expensive, with monthly passes at HUF 9,500 compared to A$160 in Perth.

Purchasing power in Perth 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 36%. 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 Perth, the same lifestyle would cost around A$800. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about HUF 331,100 monthly in Budapest versus A$2,801 in Perth. 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
Perth, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HUF 200,000
A$1,900
1BR Outside Center
HUF 140,000
A$1,500
3BR City Center
HUF 350,000
A$3,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HUF 2,000
A$22
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HUF 10,000
A$100
Cappuccino
HUF 650
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HUF 600
A$11

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HUF 350
A$2
Bread (500g)
HUF 350
A$3
Eggs (12)
HUF 600
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
HUF 2,500
A$10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HUF 350
A$5
Monthly Pass
HUF 9,500
A$160
Taxi Start
HUF 700
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
HUF 600
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Budapest to Perth, 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 Perth 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

Perth

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index105

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest more expensive than Perth?

Yes, Budapest is approximately 53.8% more expensive than Perth overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.5x of your Perth salary when living in Budapest. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Perth, you'd need about $76,923 in Budapest for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Budapest and Perth?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 45%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Perth, these figures are A$2,300 for singles and A$5,201 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Budapest and Perth 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 Perth to maintain your lifestyle from Budapest

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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