City comparison

Budapest vs Vienna Cost of Living

medium confidence Updated 2026-05-26 same-currency calculator

Based on current benchmark indexes, Vienna is estimated to be 25.5% more expensive than Budapest overall. Rent differs by +51.2%.

Overall cost shift +25.5% Budapest to Vienna
Rent shift +51.2% Index comparison
Equivalent income 6,274 5,000 in Budapest
Rent pressure Vienna Vienna has the higher rent pressure signal.

Move planning summary

If your monthly income is 5,000 in Budapest, the comparable income signal for Vienna is about 6,274 before exchange-rate and tax differences.

Transport changes by -99.4% and utilities change by -99.6% based on the current benchmarks. Treat these as planning signals, then verify neighborhood-level rent and local transit passes.

Run your own numbers
Budapest 1BR rent HUF 300,000 Numbeo Budapest city benchmark
Vienna 1BR rent €1,100 Numbeo Vienna city benchmark
Budapest transport HUF 8,950 BKK public transport pass benchmark
Vienna transport €51 Wiener Linien monthly pass benchmark

Cost comparison table

CategoryBudapestVienna
Cost index52.666
Rent index20.531
Groceries index4961
Restaurant index52.668
1BR rentHUF 300,000€1,100
Monthly transportHUF 8,950€51
Monthly utilitiesHUF 75,000€280

Data quality

Both cities are currently marked medium confidence. The index data is suitable for early comparison, while absolute rent and utility values should be treated as planning benchmarks.

FAQ

Is Vienna more expensive than Budapest?

In this sample, Vienna is 25.5% more expensive than Budapest by overall cost index.

How much income would I need in Vienna?

As a simple index-based example, 5,000 in Budapest maps to about 6,274 in Vienna, before exchange rates and taxes.

Does this comparison convert currencies?

No. The calculator keeps your own inputs in one currency and applies relative cost indexes. Currency conversion is a future feature.

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