Budapest Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Dec 2023

Budapest is definitely one of the hot cities among cultural tourists these days, and for good reason. It’s unique and historic while remaining quite cheap by most standards. Unlike Prague, this city hasn’t yet been able to adjust its prices to meet (and frustrate) the new interest.

Is Budapest Expensive or Cheap?

Budapest has been an excellent-value destination for many years. It’s one of Europe’s cheapest capitals, but it’s also got a lot of very worthwhile things to see, unlike some of the others in this price category.

Budapest City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Budapest

Population 1,700,000
Area 3,300,000
Timezone UTC+1
Currency Hungarian forint
Airports Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$47.39
1 USD = 361.7300 HUF
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Budapest

Budapest Hotel Seasons

Budapest Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar17.39 - 39.13
starstarstarstarstar20.65 - 53.26
starstarstarstarstar23.91 - 67.39
starstarstarstarstar35.87 - 116.30
starstarstarstarstar81.52 - 145.65

Budapest Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed13.04 - 21.74

Budapest Attractions Prices

Best tours in Budapest

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Buda Castle FunicularThis funicular is a popular way to get up to the castle, which itself is free. The trip down is a bit cheaper.
adults one-way
adults return
11.06
5.53
Parliament building tourOn the Pest side this famous government building is popular for tours.
adults
9.68
Free walking tourThere are several different free walking tours (tips appreciated) offered, leaving from the Pest side.
everyone
0.00

Budapest Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastIf your hotel doesn't include breakfast then you've got many good options nearby.2.35 - 4.15
Budget lunchFollow locals into traditional restaurants for filling and authentic meals in Budapest.3.32 - 5.53
Budget dinnerEven sitting down for a proper meal can be quite affordable if you skip the most touristy places near the river.6.91 - 12.16
Beer (pint)The local lagers can be great bargains in Budapest, with imports costing a bit more.1.38 - 2.21
Wine (glass)This is for decent local wine. Wine on tap is served many places for even less.1.91 - 2.90

Budapest Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center13.82 - 30.41
Suburban train from airport to city center1.05
Airport express bus to city center5.25 - 17.97
3km taxi ride in Budapest3.57 - 4.42
Metro/tram/bus ride in Budapest0.97 - 1.47
24-hour tram/bus/metro pass4.56

Getting to Budapest

Getting around Budapest

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When to visit Budapest

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January34251.5
February40291.4
March50351.5
April61431.9
May71512.5
June76572.7
July80601.9
August79591.9
September72531.7
October61441.8
November47362.4
December38291.9

Budapest Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar5:45am5:57pm
21 Jun4:46am8:44pm
21 Sep6:28am6:43pm
21 Dec7:28am3:54pm

Where to go before and after