Cost Comparison 2025

BudapestvsSingapore

Hungary
Singapore

Overall

💰

+82.7%

Budapest is 82.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+157.1%

Housing is 157.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+77.8%

Restaurants 77.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+77.1%

Food shopping 77.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Budapest, Hungary and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Budapest is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 82.7%. 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 Singapore by 61%. A one-bedroom apartment in Budapest's city center costs around HUF 200,000, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

Dining out in Budapest offers significant savings compared to Singapore. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HUF 2,000 in Budapest versus SGD 15 in Singapore.

Public transportation in Budapest is more expensive, with monthly passes at HUF 9,500 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

Purchasing power in Singapore 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 44%. 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 Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about HUF 331,100 monthly in Budapest versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HUF 200,000
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
HUF 140,000
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
HUF 350,000
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HUF 2,000
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HUF 10,000
SGD 100
Cappuccino
HUF 650
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HUF 600
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HUF 350
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
HUF 350
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
HUF 600
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
HUF 2,500
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HUF 350
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
HUF 9,500
SGD 120
Taxi Start
HUF 700
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
HUF 600
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
HUF 35,000
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
HUF 5,000
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
HUF 30
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Budapest to Singapore, 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 Singapore 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Budapest more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Budapest is approximately 82.7% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.8x of your Singapore salary when living in Budapest. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $91,346 in Budapest for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Budapest and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 61%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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