Moving to Hungary in 2024

Step by step guide on migrating and relocating to Hungary in 2024?

Use our Guide to find all the moving information you may need if you are thinking of moving or working in Hungary.

People relocate and move to Hungary because of the countrys strong economy and attractive lifestyle. There are many attractive features and benefits that have made Hungary an increasingly hot spot for immigrating into the country. For those looking for a job, there are numerous opportunities for employment in Hungary, with the growth of domestic industries, export-oriented industries, and foreign investments. For example, Hungary is a great option for those seeking positions in the IT, biotechnology, and pharma industries, as well as for positions in manufacturing and engineering. The country also offers plenty of job opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and other service-sector jobs. Coupled with its membership in the European Union, Hungary offers a great quality of life. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, healthcare is readily accessible, and the cost of living is quite reasonable, especially in comparison to other western European countries. On the social front, Hungary is a rich culturally and historically. There are dozens of festivals, street fairs and art exhibitions taking place throughout the year. And, Hungarians are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. On the academic side, Hungary is a great choice for those seeking higher education. Hungary is home to some of the top universities in the world, including CEU, Corvinus University, and the University of Pécs. Ultimately, Hungary is an attractive option for people seeking a safe, peaceful, prosperous country, with plenty of opportunities for personal growth and development.

Cost of Moving to Hungary

1. Travel/Airplane Tickets: When planning to move to Hungary, consider the cost of airplane tickets to get there. Prices will vary depending on the flight time and airline, but a good range is between $400-600 for an economy ticket from the US. Prices can be higher for roundtrip tickets and for premium seating. 2. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hungary is lower than in many other European countries, but it is still higher than in the US. Rent prices vary from city to city, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $250-400/month for a studio apartment in the city, or from $400-700/month for a two bedroom apartment. Utilities and internet bills can add up quickly, so make sure to budget for those expenses. 3. Visas: Depending on your status, you may have to apply for a visa. For Americans, Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, which means that US citizens can stay in the country for a total of 90 days without a visa. For those who will be staying in Hungary for more than 90 days, they will need to apply for a residence permit. The cost for a residence permit is around $90. 4. Moving Expenses: It’s important to budget for moving expenses when planning to move to Hungary. You’ll need to pay for packing supplies, shipping costs, and possibly storage fees. Professional movers can make the process easier, but their services will cost more than if you choose to do everything yourself. 5. Transportation Costs: Many locals rely on public transportation in Hungary, so consider the costs of buses, trams, and trolley buses when budgeting for your move. Prices vary depending on the city, but a one-way ticket can cost anywhere from $1-2. 6. Food: The cost of food in Hungary also varies depending on where you live. In the cities, you can expect to pay more for groceries than in rural areas. Eating out is also expensive—a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $10-15.

Best Jobs in Hungary

The most popular jobs that migrants moving to Hungary typically apply for are software engineering, data science and analysis, IT project management, and sales and marketing. These roles have become increasingly in-demand due to the country’s strategic location, a booming business and tech eco-system and low cost of living. Software engineering roles typically have an average salary of US$38,000 to US$50,000 per year, with senior positions commanding up to US$65,000. An increasing demand for experts means that salaries tend to be slightly higher than in other countries. Data Science and Analysis roles typically pay between US$30,000 and US$60,000, with senior positions offering up to US$80,000. This field is in high demand due to Hungary’s co-location of tech companies and its high-quality talent pool. IT project management roles are in high demand too and offer an average salary of US$35,000 to US$50,000. Senior positions can pay up to US$60,000, depending on complexity and experience. The sales and marketing sector is experiencing a boom in Hungary and offers some of the most lucrative job opportunities to those looking to relocate. Salaries typically range from US$40,000 to US$80,000, with senior positions offering up to US$100,000.

Weather in Hungary

Hungary lies in the temperate climate zone, meaning it enjoys mild temperatures year-round. Hungary has four distinct seasons, all of which are fairly standard for the region. Spring (March to May) sees average highs range from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 21 Celsius). Spring is a time of renewal in Hungary as the snow melts, flowers bloom, and the days become longer. This is typically the rainiest season with April and May seeing the highest precipitation totals. Summer (June to August) is generally dry and sunny. Temperatures range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 Celsius). Depending on location, temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) or above during the hottest months. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to visit Hungary. The leaves create a carpet of colors as they change and temperatures remain mild. Average highs range from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 24 Celsius), though snowfall is possible in some areas. Winter (December to February) is the coldest and darkest season in Hungary. Average temperatures range from freezing to 44 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 7 Celsius) during the day. They can dip to near 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius) at night. Snowfall is common, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Though many people prefer winter for skiing and snow activities, it is not the most pleasant season of the year.

Tax & Welfare System in Hungary

The tax system in Hungary is made up of direct and indirect taxation. Direct taxation includes individual income tax, corporate income tax, and real estate taxes. Indirect taxation is composed of value-added tax, excise taxes, customs duties, road and environmental taxes, and other local taxes. The Hungarian social welfare system provides a wide range of benefits, including social insurance (pension and health insurance), family benefits, allowance for disabled persons, and other aid. Pension insurance covers old-age pensions, survivor’s pension, and medical insurance. Health insurance is provided by the national health insurance fund and is funded mainly by payroll and income taxes. Family benefits include child tax credit, family allowance, childcare allowance, and housing allowance. Allowance for disabled persons is provided in the form of a lump sum payment or monthly payments. Other aid is available in the form of housing benefits, scholarship and grants, housing assistance, and loan guarantee programs.

Holidays in Hungary

Hungary has twelve national holidays. The public holidays are as follows: 1. New Years Day (January 1) 2. National holiday (March 15) 3. Good Friday (April 2) 4. Easter Sunday (April 4) 5. Easter Monday (April 5) 6. Labour Day (May 1) 7. Whit Monday (May 10) 8. St. Stephens Day (August 20) 9. All Saints Day (November 1) 10. Constitution Day (November 16) 11. Christmas Day (December 25) 12. New Years Eve (December 31) In addition to the above listed national holidays, there are several more special days that are celebrated in Hungary. The following are some of the most important special days: 1. March of the Living (deportation of Jews in Hungary) 2. Memorial Day (commemoration of the victims of the 1956 Revolution) 3. Childrens Day 4. National Day of Mourning (commemoration of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956) 5. Mothers Day 6. Fathers Day 7. St. George Day (patron saint of Hungary) 8. Hungarian National Day (commemoration of the Treaty of Trianon) 9. Womens Day 10. Anti-Fascist Day 11. Memorial Day of the Victims of the Holocaust 12. Flag Day (celebrating Hungarys colors) 13. Coronation Day of St. Stephen (commemorating the crowning of King Stephen I) 14. National Educational Day

Where to Live in Hungary

The most densely populated areas of Hungary are located in the central and eastern regions of the country. The capital, Budapest, is the largest city in Hungary and contains more than one million inhabitants, making it the largest and most populous city in the country. Additionally, several surrounding cities, including Kecskemet, Miskolc, Szeged, and Debrecen, are also some of the most populous cities in Hungary. The majority of jobs in Hungary are located in the capital, Budapest, as well as in other large cities such as Debrecen, Szeged, and Pecs. Budapest is a major business and political center, serving as the seat of the Hungarian government and housing many multinational corporations, as well as government offices and embassies. Additionally, many universities and colleges, including the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, are located in the capital. Other cities in Hungary, such as Miskolc, Nyiregyhaza, and Szolnok, are also important economic centers, particularly for the manufacturing industry. Debrecen is a major city in eastern Hungary and home to many multinational companies. Additionally, the city is home to several universities and is a major transportation hub, with a railway station and an international airport. Finally, the western regions of Hungary, including Gyor, Sopron, and Szombathely, are also important centers for employment, often catering to the automotive and electronics industries.

Sports & Recreation in Hungary

In Hungary, soccer is by far the most popular sport, enjoying a large supporter-base and a national loved team. Other sports and recreational activities include cycling, basketball, water sports, fishing, and tennis. All these activities are popular amongst local communities, with the cycling-pursuing locals having even been listed in third place in a 2020 study of the most cycling-friendly countries in the EU. The Miskolc Adventure Park, located in the Bükk Mountains, is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to a multitude of outdoor activities, it includes a permanent climbing wall, a toboggan run, ATV quad biking, kayak and canoeing, plus a range of trails perfect for trekking. Water sports are popular in Hungary, with the country’s many rivers and streams providing ample opportunities for those looking to enjoy some kayaking, rafting and river-boarding. There are also plenty of lakes for swimming, sailing and windsurfing, and flooded meadows for wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and all kinds of water sports. Tennis also enjoys popularity across the country, with two Grand Slam tournaments taking place, the Hungarian Open (working in partnership with the ATP since 2016 for men’s tournaments) and the Hungarian Ladies Open since 2018 for ladies’ tournaments. Equally important are traditional Hungarian sports, such as wrestling and pentozil, a game originally originating from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. These sports have seen a resurgence in recent years. Last but not least, is the beer-favorite game of Csapos, which is enjoyed in pubs and home-made coves alike. Every August, the Hungarian Csapos Championship takes place, drawing large crowds of people.

Cost of Living & Housing in Hungary

The cost of living in Hungary is quite low compared to many other European countries due to the comparatively low wages and low cost of goods and services. In comparison to the US, the cost of living in Hungary is much lower. Housing costs in Hungary depend on the type of accommodation and the location, but in general prices are relatively affordable. Budapest, the capital, is the most expensive with rental prices starting around €300 and house prices averaging around €2,500 per square meter. Outside of the capital, rental prices are much lower with apartments starting at around €100 and house prices at around €1,000-1,200 per square meter. Utility costs and general day-to-day living expenses are also quite affordable in Hungary. Household bills such as electricity and water are around €90-130 per month, and a basic grocery shop for a family of four will cost around €350-400 per month. Prices for everyday items such as clothing and electronics are much lower than in other Western European countries. Overall, Hungary is a great option for those looking for an affordable cost of living.

Best International Removals Companies to/from Hungary

When the move to Hungary gets closer, finding local and international removals companies that suit your requirements are critical. Find a list of the best companies Near You.

Immigration Advice and Visa InformationHungarian

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Find Trusted Local Home Services

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Study and Higher Education in Hungary

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